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Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users
A C Parrott1, T Buchanan, A B Scholey
1Recreational Drugs Research Group, School of Psychology, University of East London, London E15 4LZ, UK. a.c.parrott@uel.ac.uk
Human Psychopharmacology
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Recreational MDMA/Ecstasy use is linked to psychobiological issues. Higher usage frequency directly correlates with an increased incidence of reported problems, including memory loss and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Recreational MDMA/Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) use is associated with various psychobiological problems.
- Limited data exists on the relationship between the extent of past MDMA/Ecstasy use and these associated problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of Ecstasy-attributed psychobiological problems.
- To compare problem incidence across different levels of recreational Ecstasy use: novice, moderate, and heavy users.
Main Methods:
- A World Wide Web-based study involving 763 unpaid volunteers.
- Analysis focused on 282 recreational Ecstasy users categorized as novice (1-9 occasions), moderate (10-99 occasions), and heavy (100+ occasions).
- Self-reported psychobiological problems experienced when drug-free, attributed to Ecstasy use, were recorded via yes/no responses.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between the extent of Ecstasy use and depression, memory problems, anxiety, mood fluctuation, poor concentration, infections, tremors/twitches, and weight loss.
- Memory problems attributed to Ecstasy use increased from 19% in novice users to 73% in heavy users (p<0.001).
- Similar increasing trends were observed for most other psychobiological problems studied.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of recreational MDMA/Ecstasy use is directly proportional to the incidence of associated psychobiological problems.
- Heavy users report a significantly higher prevalence of adverse effects compared to novice and moderate users.