Shifting characteristics of ecstasy users ages 12–34 in the United States, 2007–2014

Abstract

Background Ecstasy/MDMA has been one of the most prevalent party drugs for decades, and powder ecstasy recently increased in popularity. We examined trends in use to determine who to best target for prevention and harm reduction. Methods Secondary analysis of the 2007–2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a repeated cross-sectional, nationally representative probability sample, was conducted. Linear trends in past-year ecstasy use and trends in demographic and other past-year substance use characteristics among ecstasy users were examined among participants ages 12–34 (N=332,560). Results Past-year prevalence of ecstasy use was stable across years at 2% (P=0.693). Over time, the proportion of ecstasy users with a college degree increased from 11.5% in 2007/08 to 24.5% in 2013/14 (P<0.001). The proportion of users who were age 12–17 decreased, as did proportions of users who are non-Hispanic black, and reported income <$20,000/year (Ps<0.001). Prevalence of past-year use of marijuana, LSD, ketamine, and DMT/AMT/Foxy increased among ecstasy users (Ps<0.05); DMT/AMT/Foxy use increased more than four-fold from 2.1% in 2007/08 to 8.7% in 2013/14. Perception of great risk associated with LSD use decreased among users and ease of obtaining LSD increased (Ps<0.05). Past-year use of 5 or more other substances also increased over time (P<0.05). Conclusions Ecstasy use in the US appears to be increasing among those with college degrees and use of other substances among ecstasy users is growing—particularly use of otherwise rare substances such as tryptamines. Results inform prevention and harm reduction strategies in this increasingly shifting group of ecstasy users.

Culture and psychedelic psychotherapy: Ethnic and racial themes from three Black women therapists

“…There is no scientific literature on African Americans and psychedelics, beyond demographic correlates of usage and treatment-seeking patterns (e.g., Palamar, Mauro, Han, & Martins, 2017). The limited research on MDMA among African Americans indicates that the drug has gained a small measure of increased popularity among Black youth, amidst much misinformation and misperception about the benefits and dangers of use.…”

Increased iNOS and Nitrosative Stress in Dopaminergic Neurons of MDMA-Exposed Rats

“…This study may have important clinical implications. Indeed, MDMA has been described as one of the three most commonly used illicit substances [ 93 ] and still remains a very popular psychostimulant drug, especially among young adults, aged 18–25 years ( ), ( ) [ 94 ]. The search of novel biomarkers and/or pharmacological strategies to reduce the neurological burden associated with the misuse of this compound represents, therefore, a clinical priority.…”

Spinal cord injury after the use of ecstasy in a young male

“…3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly referred to as ecstasy, is a frequently used recreational party drug, becoming more popular among young people in the last decade [1]. In the United Kingdom, ecstasy is the second most popular drug after Cannabis among 16-24-year-old individuals.…”