NCJ Number
203141
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: 2003 Pages: 53-66
Date Published
2003
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article examines the use of ecstasy and other club drugs (EOCD) among high school seniors in 2000.
Abstract
A large amount of anecdotal evidence has suggested that the use of club drugs, such as LSD, Ketamine, GHB, and ecstasy, is a serious problem among youth across the country. This study explored the EOCD-using behaviors of 1,561 high school seniors surveyed through the 2000 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study. The prevalence of recent EOCD use was estimated among a sample of 12th grade students. The study then explored the associations between EOCD use, demographic characteristics, alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, and other behaviors/perceptions among members of this population. Data analysis was accomplished in four phases: (1) descriptive statistics were generated; (2) estimates of EOCD use were calculated; (3) the sample was divided into EOCD users and non-users based on self-reported use during the 12 months preceding the interview; and (4) logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 12-month EOCD use. The results show 12-month self-reports for ecstasy, LSD, Ketamine, and GHB were 8 percent, 6 percent, 2 percent, and 1 percent, respectively. Compared to students that reported no 12-month EOCD use, EOCD users were significantly more likely to be White, to live in the suburbs, and to have used all other drugs during the past 12 months, including alcohol, marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. The use of EOCD appears to be primarily a White phenomenon. Schools comprised primarily of White students would benefit from EOCD education programs considerably more than schools whose racial composition is mixed or predominantly non-White. EOCD-using high school seniors are significantly more likely to use other drugs than their non EOCD-using counterparts. Non-EOCD users were significantly more likely to have religion as a very important part of their life. Twelve-month EOCD users were significantly more likely to have received a traffic violation. Future research is needed to understand the place EOCD might have in the progression to other substances; and to determine the extent to which individuals can become dependent on the use of EOCD. 1 figure, 2 tables, 3 notes, 32 references