Expanding the traditional user versus non‐user dichotomy amongst ecstasy users

Abstract

Differences in the drug use characteristics and psychosocial variables in the use and non-use of ecstasy within 845 16-25 year-olds in the UK was examined. Based on levels of ecstasy use and intentions, two groups of non-users (resistant and vulnerable), three groups of users (light, moderate and heavy) and an ex-user group were identified. It was found that there is predictive utility in this way of expanding the widely employed 'user versus non-user' dichotomy. Resistant non-users were more likely to be younger, female, and were characterized by lower levels of use of four other drugs (amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and LSD). Those 'at risk' of using ecstasy reported more frequent use of amphetamine, LSD, and cannabis than resistant non-users. Heavy user groups reported using amphetamine, cocaine and LSD more frequently than all the other groups. Having ecstasy using friends increased the odds of being an 'at risk' non-user or an ecstasy user. Normative influence also differentiated between the three user groups (light, moderate, and heavy). Beliefs about ecstasy use being immoral, ecstasy offers being difficult to resist, ecstasy use making one feel guilty and ecstasy being readily available differentiated between user and non-user groups. These factors could usefully inform the content of health education materials designed to change ecstasy use.

Cannabis use, time perspective and risk perception: Evidence of a moderating effect†

“…2 The distinction between these levels enabled us to evaluate the frequency of cannabis consumption, which in turn allowed us to analyze the eventual differences in the relationship to cannabis that can exist between those who consume in an experimental way and those who are engaged in a more regular or intensive manner. Moreover, it appeared to be more effective to study the possible influence of psychological or social variables in consumption and the related cognitions than to study the simple dichotomy between users and non-users (McCusker, Roberts, Douthwaite, & Williams, 1995;McMillan, Sherlock, & Conner, 2003). Hence, we evaluated the quantity of consumption from the declared number of joints smoked, and then took into account other consumed substances indicated by the respondents; whether they be licit, such as alcohol and tobacco, or illicit, such as ecstasy, LSD, cocaine or heroin.…”

The Role of Peers in the Initiation and Continuation of Ecstasy Use

“…People who use drugs are more likely to have drug-taking friends than their counterparts who take no drugs (Hawkins, Catalano, and Miller, 1992;Kandel, 1978;Kirke, 2004;Kobus, 2003;McMillan, Sherlock, and Conner, 2003;Sherlock and Conner, 1999;ter Bogt and Engels, 2005). Traditionally this has been defined as peer pressure-drug users prevail on their friends to conform to group norms by taking drugs too.…”

“…Fewer than 2% of last-month users reported having no friends that did Ecstasy, as compared to 32% of respondents who did not take Ecstasy. McMillan, Sherlock, and Conner (2003) examined users and nonusers of Ecstasy in the UK. Having Ecstasy-using friends was seen to heighten the odds of being a user or an at-risk nonuser (who intends to use Ecstasy in the future).…”

The At-risk Adolescent Marijuana Nonuser: Expanding the Standard Distinction

“…Assuming homogeneity can lead to crucial factors being ignored (McMillan et al 2003). Moreover, studying distinctions among nonusers may provide insights into which variables follow marijuana initiation, and which anticipate its use.…”