Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of ‘Ecstasy’ users and their experiences with the drug
Nadia Solowij, Wayne Hall, Nicole Lee
British Journal of Addiction August 1, 1992 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.1992.tb02003.x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractEcstasy (MDMA) is a recreational drug gaining worldwide popularity, yet research on its use and effects is limited. A survey of 100 users recruited through peer networks found that Ecstasy is primarily used infrequently for fun at dance parties and social gatherings. The main effects reported were positive mood, intimacy, and closeness, along with stimulant and psychedelic properties. Side effects and residual effects were no more severe than those of amphetamines or hallucinogens. Tolerance to positive effects developed with frequent use, while negative effects increased. Animal research indicates neurotoxicity to serotonergic nerve terminals, warranting caution until human hazard levels are determined.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 100 |
| Population | Recreational Ecstasy users recruited via snowball peer network |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Recreational use Recreational drug use Designer drug |
| Citations | 417 |
| Key finding | Ecstasy is primarily used infrequently for fun at social gatherings, with positive mood and intimacy as main effects, but tolerance and increased negative effects discourage regular use. |
Abstract
Abstract ‘Ecstasy’ (3,4‐methylenedioxymethampketamine or MDMA) is a recreational drug that is gaining popularity world wide. There is a paucity of research regarding the ways in which Ecstasy is used and the nature of its effects. A ‘snowball’ peer network technique was used to recruit 100 users who completed anonymous questionnaires. The research revealed that Ecstasy is primarily used by infrequent recreational drug users for ‘fun’ at dance parties and social gatherings. The primary reported effects of Ecstasy were a ‘positive mood state’ and feelings of intimacy and closeness to others. The secondary effects of Ecstasy were the stimulant effects of energy and activation, and the psychedelic effects of insight and perceptual and sensual enhancement. Ecstasy was reported to share the properties of both amphetamines and hallucinogens in the nature of its side effects and residual effects which were no more severe than those of the latter two classes of drug. It appeared Ecstasy was not conducive to regular and frequent use, because tolerance was reported to develop to the positive effects of Ecstasy, while negative effects increased with use. Although few problems associated with the recreational use of Ecstasy have surfaced to date, animal research has shown it to be neurotoxic to serotonergic nerve terminals. Caution must be observed until further research can determine the level of hazard in humans.