NCJ Number
198563
Journal
Addiction Volume: 97 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 1523-1529
Date Published
December 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article explores the differences in memory function for a group of regular ecstasy users versus a group of regular cannabis users.
Abstract
The authors explain that with the emergence of ecstasy as a popular drug among the Nation’s youth, many researchers have been interested in its deleterious effects on the brain. This study looked specifically at memory impairment in a sample of 40 regular ecstasy users versus a sample of 37 regular cannabis users. Participants were interviewed at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Australia to determine the presence of absence of a difference in memory function between the two groups. Memory function was tested using an age-standardized memory instrument. Results of multiple regression analysis initially revealed that there was a correlation between regular ecstasy use and memory impairment for auditory memory. However, it was found that life-time exposure to ecstasy was not correlated with memory impairment. Further, the frequency of cannabis use did correlate with immediate and delayed visual memory. In conclusion, the authors note that this study did not substantiate previous research that pointed toward a correlation between life-time exposure to ecstasy and memory impairment. Previous research may not have controlled for the apparent confounding factor of cannabis use. Tables, references