ECSTASY

The use of Ecstasy has received much attention in Norway during the la st couple of years. However, there has been a lack of knowledge about the users: how many are they? Are they in particular subculturally ori ented and resourceful adolescents from the prosperous western parts of Oslo, or has there been a diffusion to other segments of the youth po pulation? In a representative sample of 11245 adolescents from Oslo, a ge span 14-17 years, the 12-month prevalence of cannabis, Ecstasy, and amphetamine use was investigated. Thirteen percent had used cannabis last year, while the corresponding figure was 3% for Ecstasy and for a mphetamines. There was an association between Ecstasy use and preferen ce for house and techno music. More significant was, however, an assoc iation between the use of all the three illegal drugs and between thes e and the use of cigarettes and alcohol and alcohol problems. Mokken S cale Analysis was used to investigate stage sequences and revealed tha t Ecstasy was introduced after alcohol, cigarettes, cannabis and amhet amines. Further, there were strong associations with behavioral proble ms and moderate associations with internalizing mental-health problems . There were small differences with regard to use of Ecstasy in the di fferent areas of Oslo, but cannabis was more prevalent in the wealthie r western parts of Oslo. In conclusion, ecstasy has become part of a w ell-established pattern of illegal drug use in Norway.