Correlates of Ecstasy use in the Swedish General Population

Abrahamsson, Tove; Håkansson, Anders

doi:10.3109/10826084.2012.763142

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Therefore, while synthetic cannabinoids are the most prevalent NPS in the US and worldwide, we found that these drugs tend to be used more often by individuals who do not frequent the nightclub scene. However, similar to correlates identified with ecstasy consumption, we found that the frequency of nightclub attendance uniquely predicted the frequency of psychostimulant and psychedelic NPS categories.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

Correlates of new psychoactive substance use among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees in the United States

et al. 2016

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Background and Objectives Although new psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to emerge at a rapid rate, US national surveys only measure the use of non-specific categories of NPS and are not designed to access high-risk populations. In this paper we report lifetime use of specific NPS (of 58) and examine correlates of use among a high-risk population: nightlife attendees. Methods The self-selected sample from the Global Drug Survey (2013) consisted of 2,282 respondents in the US, aged 16–60 years, who reported nightclub attendance in the last year. Multivariable logistic regression models determined unique predictors of lifetime use. Results Lifetime use of a wide range of NPS was reported (any NPS; 46.4%), including synthetic cannabinoids (24.8%), tryptamines (eg, 4-AcO-DMT, 23.0%), psychedelic phenethylamines (eg, 2C-B, 25I-NBOMe; 21.7%), euphoric stimulants (eg, BenzoFury; 16.2%), and synthetic cathinones (eg, methylone; 10.5%). Females (AOR = 0.49 [.41, .60]) and older respondents (age 22–60; AOR = .73 [.59, .89]) were at lower odds of reporting any lifetime NPS use. Frequent nightclub attendance was associated with increased odds of reporting lifetime NPS use overall (eg, weekly compared with less than once a month, AOR =2.33 [1.70,3.19]), but not specifically with synthetic cannabinoid use. Discussion and Conclusions Among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees, a large range of novel substances were reported, and young attendees, males, and those who attended more frequently were at increased odds of reporting use. Scientific Significance Harm reduction initiatives are needed to reduce risk of harm in this population, where environmental characteristics may augment risks associated with consuming lesser-known psychoactive substances.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 70%

Correlates of new psychoactive substance use among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees in the United States

et al. 2016

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“…Higher levels of attendance generally placed individuals at higher risk for use of NPSs, so not only is any attendance associated with increased risk of using NPSs, but the results also suggest that attending more frequently is associated with higher risk for using these substances. Other studies have also found a relationship between higher frequency of EDM event attendance and ecstasy use (43,44). Frequent attendance may reflect more involvement in the EDM scene, and as has been shown with ecstasy (44–47), attendance may be related to higher levels of exposure to individuals who use, offer, or sell these substances.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances among attendees of electronic dance music venues

Palamar

Acosta

Sherman

et al. 2016

The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

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Background Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) continue to emerge in the United States and worldwide. Few epidemiological studies have examined the prevalence and correlates of use. Objective We examined the extent of NPS use in a high-risk population—attendees of electronic dance music (EDM) parties at nightclubs and festivals. Methods We surveyed 682 adults (age 18–25) entering EDM events at nightclubs and festivals in New York City (NYC) in 2015. A variation of time–space sampling was used. We examined the prevalence of self-reported use of 196 NPS and correlates of any NPS use. Results Over a third (35.1%) of participants reported lifetime use of any NPS. Self-reported use of synthetic cannabinoids was most prevalent (16.3%), followed by psychedelic phenethylamines (14.7%; 2C series: 10.3%, 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-[(2-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethanamine [NBOMe] series: 9.0%, Dox series: 3.5%), synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”, 6.9%), other psychedelics (6.6%), tryptamines (5.1%), and dissociatives (4.3%). 2C-I was the most prevalent 2C series drug (5.1%); methylone was the most prevalent synthetic cathinone (3.3%), 2-MeO-ketamine was the most prevalent dissociative (3.7%), and 1P-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) (2.9%) was the most prevalent non-phenethylamine psychedelic. Risk factors for NPS use included Ecstasy/MDMA/ Molly, LSD, and ketamine use; identifying as bisexual (compared to heterosexual), reporting higher frequency of nightclub/festival attendance, and being surveyed outside of a festival (compared to those surveyed outside of nightclubs). Discussion NPS use is prevalent in the nightclub and festival scenes in NYC. Since individuals in these scenes—especially frequent attendees—are at high risk for use, prevention and harm reduction services need to be geared toward this population.

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“…Specifically, among high school seniors in the MTF study, any attendance was related to increased risk of using 18 different drugs, and more frequent attendance was associated with even higher prevalence of use of each drug (Palamar, Griffin-Tomas, et al, 2015). Other studies have found an association between higher frequency of EDM event attendance and ecstasy use (Abrahamsson & Hakansson, 2013), and a recent study found that regular EDM attendance was associated with three times the odds for high levels of use, and that knowing more than ten ecstasy users was associated with more than double the odds for high levels of use (Smirnov, Najman, Hayatbakhsh, Plotnikova, et al, 2013). Increased risk may be due, in part, to stronger affiliation with drug scenes as previous research has found that ecstasy use is associated with peers and close friends who also use, and offers to try the drug (Ter Bogt & Engels, 2005; Martins, Storr, Alexandre, & Chilcoat, 2008a, 2008b; Smirnov, Najman, Legosz, Wells, & Kemp, 2013; Smirnov, Najman, Hayatbakhsh, Wells, et al, 2013; Vervaeke, Benschop, van den Brink, & Korf, 2008; Vervaeke, van Deursen, & Korf, 2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Reported Ecstasy/MDMA/“Molly” Use in a Sample of Nightclub and Dance Festival Attendees in New York City

Palamar

Acosta

Ompad

et al. 2016

Substance Use & Misuse

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Background Ecstasy (MDMA) use has regained popularity in the United States, particularly in the form of “Molly,” which is often marketed as pure MDMA. Surveys have generally not included “Molly” in the definition of ecstasy, so rates of use may be underestimated. As popularity of ecstasy increases, research is needed to examine use among those at highest risk for use—nightlife attendees. Methods We surveyed 679 young adults (age 18–25) entering nightclubs and festivals holding electronic dance music (EDM) parties in New York City in 2015. A variation of time-space sampling was utilized. We examined prevalence and correlates of self-reported lifetime ecstasy use. Results Self-reported lifetime ecstasy use was common (42.8%, 95% CI: 32.8, 52.7). Use was most common among older participants, frequent party attendees, and those reporting higher levels of exposure to users. Those surveyed outside of festivals were less likely to report use compared to those surveyed outside of nightclubs (AOR=0.37, p = .015). Over a third of ecstasy users (36.8%) reported use in pill, powder, and crystal form. Ecstasy users were also more likely to report use of other drugs, including novel psychoactive substances (e.g., 2C series drugs, synthetic cathinones [“bath salts”]). Half (50.4%) reported suspecting (21.9%) or finding out (28.5%) that their ecstasy had ever contained a drug other than MDMA. Conclusion A large percentage of nightlife attendees in NYC report lifetime ecstasy use. Findings should inform prevention and harm reduction programming. Further research is needed as ecstasy continues to change (e.g., in form, purity, and name).

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Correlates of Ecstasy use in the Swedish General Population

Cited by 7 publications

References 16 publications

Correlates of new psychoactive substance use among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees in the United States

Correlates of new psychoactive substance use among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees in the United States

Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances among attendees of electronic dance music venues

Self-Reported Ecstasy/MDMA/“Molly” Use in a Sample of Nightclub and Dance Festival Attendees in New York City

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