NCJ Number
208108
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 2004 Pages: 95-105
Editor(s)
Peter L. Myers Ph.D.
Date Published
2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Utilizing a sample of juvenile offenders in Maryland, this study examined the prevalence of ecstasy use and compared past year ecstasy users to non-users with respect to demographic characteristics, alcohol and other drug use, perceptions of drug use harm, and perceived physical and psychological effects of ecstasy.
Abstract
Limited research exists which explores the prevalence of ecstasy use among juvenile offenders. This study collected self-report drug use data and urine specimens from a sample of 86 male juvenile offenders surveyed through Maryland’s Offender Population Urinalysis Screening (OPUS) program. Data analysis was accomplished in three phases: participation rates, descriptive statistics, and ecstasy use. Of the 86 study participants, 19 percent reported use of ecstasy at least once during their lifetime and 14 percent within the past 12 months. Compared to non-users, past-year ecstasy users were significantly more likely to be white and have used alcohol, marijuana, powder cocaine, or heroin within the 12 months preceding the interview. Non-ecstasy users perceived greater risk of physical and/or psychological harm with ecstasy ingestion than ecstasy users. The findings suggest that youth may become less inclined to the ingestion of ecstasy following an education program about the harm. An education effort was recommended addressing all drugs, including alcohol and marijuana. References