Poly-Drug Use among Ecstasy Users: Separate, Synergistic, and Indiscriminate Patterns

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to explore poly-drug use among young adult ecstasy users. This phenomenon of using multiple substances within a specific time period is multi-faceted. In this paper, we focus on the various patterns of poly-drug use and the reasons for combining multiple drugs among ecstasy users. Using a mixed-methods design, we conducted interviews with young adults who used ecstasy and other licit and illicit drugs in the past 90 days. Based on the qualitative analyses, we define three distinct types of poly-drug experiences: separate, synergistic, and indiscriminate use. While separate and synergistic poly-drug use tended to be intentional, indiscriminate poly-drug use often was unintentional. These findings show the importance of recognizing poly-drug use as a common phenomenon. The findings presented here suggest areas for further research aimed at identifying risk and protective behaviors and risk reduction strategies.

Concurrent and Simultaneous Polydrug Use: Latent Class Analysis of an Australian Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adults

“…In recent years there has been increased research attention on patterns of polydrug use [defined as the consumption of more than one drug during a specific time period; (7)] among young adults. Much of this research has been done on relatively small convenience samples (e.g., street-based, drug injecting, emergency room, and club patrons), where multiple drugs are frequently used consecutively or simultaneously, often for their perceived counteracting or complementary effects (8–15).…”

A longitudinal study of the association of adolescent polydrug use, alcohol use and high school non‐completion

“…There is little longitudinal research on the extent to which polydrug use (defined as the consumption of more than one type of drug during a specific time period 34 ) is related to school noncompletion. Available research has focused on communalities in drug use profiles across individuals, with findings indicating that polydrug use is not significantly related to school outcomes 20 .…”

Educação Em Saúde Com Pessoas Usuárias De Álcool E Outras Drogas

“…Isto possibilitou a reflexão sobre os efeitos das substâncias psicoativas na vida de cada um e os levou às expressões de definições mais abrangentes. Tal efeito corrobora com um dos eixos de autonomia, que é a compreensão do uso de substâncias psicoativas e de seus efeitos (15) .…”

“…Na pesquisa, os estimulantes, como a metanfetamina e a cocaína, foram utilizados em situações de enfrentamento de tarefas que exigiam longas horas de trabalho e agilidade. Maconha, alucinógenos (15) . Nas práticas educativas nesta pesquisa foi frequentemente abordada a correlação de comportamento e a busca incessante da droga.…”