Ecstasy use in Australia: patterns of use and associated harm

This study explored patterns of ecstasy use and associated harm through the administration of a structured interview schedule to 329 ecstasy users, re cruited from three Australian cities. A broad range of ecstasy users were i nterviewed, but on the whole, the sample was young, relatively well educate d and most were employed or students. Patterns of use were varied, although extensive polydrug use was the norm. High rates of intravenous drug use we re recorded, which may relate to an over-representation of chaotic intraven ous polydrug users. Subjects had experienced am average of eight physical a nd four psychological side-effects, which they attributed to their ecstasy use in the preceding 6 months. Approximately 40% of the sample also reporte d financial, relationship and occupational problems. Young, female, polydru g users and those who binged on ecstasy for 48 h or more appeared most at r isk of experiencing harm that they related to their ecstasy use. One-fifth of the sample had received treatment for an ecstasy-related problem, most o ften from a GP or natural therapist, and 7% were currently in treatment. On e quarter wanted to reduce their use because of financial, relationship and psychological problems. A total of 15% wanted formal treatment for an ecst asy-related problem and 85% requested more information. These results have implications for the development of policies to respond to drug use among t his :population. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved .