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Ecstasy and drug consumption patterns: a Canadian rave population study
Samantha R Gross1, Sean P Barrett, John S Shestowsky
1National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, UK.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|September 6, 2002
Summary
Rave attendees in Montreal showed substantial drug use, with alcohol and cannabis being most common. Early use of these substances predicted experimentation with others, including 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and amphetamines.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Psychopharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rave culture is associated with recreational drug use.
- Understanding drug consumption patterns in this demographic is crucial for harm reduction strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate drug consumption patterns among Montreal rave attendees.
- To determine the prevalence of 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and other drug use in this population.
Main Methods:
- A self-report questionnaire was administered to 210 rave attendees.
- Participants reported age of first use, lifetime uses, and 30-day usage for various substances.
Main Results:
- A significant rank order of first drug use was identified: alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, LSD, psilocybin, amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, GHB, ephedrine, and ketamine.
- Alcohol and cannabis were the most frequently used substances.
- 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and amphetamine use were prevalent, with early alcohol/cannabis use predicting experimentation with other drugs.
Conclusions:
- Drug consumption levels were substantial in the studied rave population, particularly recent use of MDMA, amphetamine, cannabis, and alcohol.
- The sequence of drug experimentation follows an identifiable pattern, often initiated by alcohol or cannabis use.