In-Depth Qualitative Examination of the Ecstasy Experience: Results of a Focus Group with Ecstasy-Using College Students

• NCJ Number: 210986
• Journal: Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 9-10 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1427-1441
• Author(s): Kira B. Levy; Kevin E. O'Grady; Eric D. Wish; Amelia M. Arria
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1 R01 DA014845
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice; University of Maryland; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Ctr for Substance Abuse Research (CESAR)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Special Issue on Club Drug Epidemiology

Annotation

This study examined ecstasy use among college students who participated in focus groups with other participants all of whom had a history of ecstasy use.

Abstract

Substance abuse among young adults has always been an area of concern in public health research. During the past decade, the use of club drugs, a class of synthetic compounds with a wide array of stimulant and hallucinogenic properties has become more prominent. Ecstasy is one of the major club drugs used by young adults to enhance social experiences. This study conducted an in-depth examination of six important and inadequately understood topic areas relating to ecstasy use in college students, a group that appears to be at high risk for club drug use. The six topic areas, introduced in four focus group sessions include: (1) history and course of all drug use; (2) general knowledge about ecstasy; (3) motivations for using ecstasy; (4) positive and negative effects, both psychological and physical, of using ecstasy; (5) the role of ecstasy in engaging in risky behaviors; and (6) reasons for quitting ecstasy. The study targeted 30 college students with a history of ecstasy use. Results indicate that most participants were knowledgeable about the contents of ecstasy pills and had a basic understanding of ecstasy’s systemic effects. Participants reported a variety of motivations for experimenting with ecstasy, including the positive effects on mood, social pressure, curiosity, availability, boredom, desire for an altered state of mind, and the ease of use. Participants were divided on whether ecstasy increased the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Participants also agreed that using ecstasy was harmful; however, many did not know the specific types of problems it could cause, as well as the potential harm. Lastly, participants’ reasons to stop the use of ecstasy varied based on personal experiences or the experiences of friends. References