Meaning of Ecstasy Use and Clubbing to Women in the Late 1990s

• NCJ Number: 195865
• Journal: International Journal of Drug Policy Volume: 12 Issue: 5/6 Dated: December 1, 2001 Pages: 455-468
• Author(s): Sharron Hinchliff
• Date Published: December 2001
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This study examined the meaning of recreational ecstasy use among a sample of women between 21 and 31 years old.

Abstract

Eight ecstasy users between the ages of 21 and 31 years old participated in the study. All were local clubbers. Five women were full-time students, one was a skilled non-manual worker, and two held intermediate occupations. Nine of the women were married or had children, and six were in heterosexual relationships. Individual interviews were conducted between August 1997 and April 1998. The subjects explored were the likes and dislikes of ecstasy use and dance events, including positive and negative experiences; perceived changes in self and lifestyle in relation to participating in the club scene; and bodily issues such as health and weight loss. The study found that for these women the dance event ("clubbing"), accompanied by ecstasy use, offered a release from the pressures of daily life, with some of the tensions related to a heterosexual social world. Using ecstasy in the dance context apparently constituted an alternative form of pleasure that produced relaxation and involved a strong sense of belonging. Drug use as enhancing women's well-being in a social context is an aspect of drug use that traditional studies have neglected. The women spoke of gaining confidence and a sense of freedom and independence. Despite some concern over experiencing the ecstasy high for the first time, curiosity and the desire to break from social constraints overcame their fear. Beyond this, the women did not worry about the immediate danger of taking ecstasy. Overall, the women were intelligent and articulate and were aware of the risks they were taking. If the experiences of these women are reflective of other recreational drug users, they would benefit from health promotion targeting, especially regarding the dangers of abusing ecstasy. 43 references