A comparison of self-reported sexual effects of alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy in a sample of young adult nightlife attendees

ABSTRACT

Alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], ‘Molly’) are among the most prevalent substances used by young adults; however, few studies have focused on the specific sexual effects associated with use. Examining subjective sexual effects (e.g. increased libido) associated with use can inform prevention efforts. Data were analysed from 679 nightclub and dance festival attendees in New York City (ages 18–25) to examine and compare self-reported sexual effects associated with use of alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Results suggest that compared to marijuana, alcohol and ecstasy were more strongly associated with heightened perceived sexual effects (i.e. perceived sexual attractiveness of self and others, sexual desire, length of intercourse, and sexual outgoingness). Increased body and sex organ sensitivity and increased sexual intensity were most commonly associated with ecstasy use. Sexual dysfunction was most common while using alcohol or ecstasy, especially among males, and females were more likely to report sexual dysfunction after using marijuana. Post-sex regret was most common with alcohol use. Alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy each have different sexual effects; therefore, each is associated with different risks and benefits for users. Findings can inform prevention and harm reduction as young adults are prone to use these substances.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual behaviour
• alcohol
• marijuana
• MDMA

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the NIH [K01 DA-038800, PI: Palamar; P30 DA011041, PI: Deren]; National Institute on Drug Abuse [K01 DA038800, P30 DA011041].

Notes on contributors

Joseph J. Palamar

Joseph J. Palamar, PhD, MPH is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health. His primary research focus is drug use epidemiology, with specialty in new psychoactive substances, club drugs, drug policy, drug-related risky sexual behaviour, and attitudinal predictors of drug use.

Marybec Griffin-Tomas

Marybec Griffin-Tomas, MA, MPH is a doctoral student whose work is focused in the areas of sexual healthcare including contraception, abortion, HIV prevention methods, and LGBTQ health.Her work is centred on the intersection of policy, healthcare services, and individual health seeking behaviours.

Patricia Acosta

Patricia Acosta is a part-time Research Associate in the Department of Population Health. Her research interests include novel psychoactive substances and child/adolescent psychology.

Danielle C. Ompad

Danielle C. Ompad, PhD, MHS is an epidemiologist whose work is focused in the areas of urban health, HIV, illicit drug use, and adult access to vaccines. With respect to illicit drug use, her work has spanned the entire natural history of addiction – from initiation to cessation.

Charles M. Cleland

Charles C. Cleland, PhD, MA is a quantitative psychologist and biostatistician. His methodological interests include longitudinal data analysis, meta-analysis, respondent-driven sampling, and multilevel modelling. His substantive research interests include health disparities, particularly in the areas of substance use and infectious disease.