Social contacts and Ecstasy offers: findings of a population-based study

J Psychoactive Drugs. 2013 Nov-Dec;45(5):425-33. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2013.845708.

Abstract

Ecstasy (MDMA) use is relatively common among young adults in many developed countries. However, little is known about how young non-users are first introduced to Ecstasy, including the relative contribution of peer networks and individual risk factors. We assess the role of social contact with Ecstasy-using peers in regard to young adults' exposure to offers of Ecstasy, using data from the Natural History Study, a population-based study conducted in Australia. Population screening of young adults (19- to 23-year-olds) identified a sample of young Ecstasy users (N = 315) and a comparison group of Ecstasy-naïve participants (N = 199). Two outcomes are considered: being exposed to any Ecstasy offers and being exposed to > 3 offers. Extensive social contact with Ecstasy users was defined as knowing > 10 Ecstasy users. Of the Ecstasy-naïve young adults, > 40% had ever received Ecstasy offers. Extensive social contact with Ecstasy users independently predicted exposure to multiple (> 3) Ecstasy offers for Ecstasy-naïve young adults. These findings indicate that Ecstasy offers are widespread among users and non-users of Ecstasy. For non-users, exposure to Ecstasy offers occurs through social contact with drug-using peers independently of individual risk factors. The pervasiveness of Ecstasy offers suggests that universal education concerning Ecstasy use is required.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Australia
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / administration & dosage*
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine