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DanceSafe and ecstasy: protection or promotion?
1McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD 21157-4390, USA. ldundes@mcdaniel.edu
Journal of Health & Social Policy
|November 19, 2003
Summary
DanceSafe
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Drug Policy
Background:
- Ecstasy (MDMA) adulteration poses lethal hyperthermia risks.
- DanceSafe tests ecstasy for dangerous additives at events.
- The impact of harm reduction services on drug use is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if DanceSafe's presence influences ecstasy use decisions.
- To determine if DanceSafe reduces the deterrent effect of adulterant fears.
- To examine characteristics of non-users who might try ecstasy if DanceSafe is present.
Main Methods:
- Survey of over 700 college students.
- Assessed attitudes towards ecstasy use in relation to DanceSafe's presence.
- Compared demographic and behavioral factors of non-users.
Main Results:
- Approximately 20% of non-users indicated increased likelihood to try ecstasy with DanceSafe present.
- Non-users considering ecstasy use with DanceSafe were more likely to smoke, drink, use marijuana, and have ecstasy-using friends.
- DanceSafe's presence may not deter, and could potentially encourage, some individuals to try ecstasy.
Conclusions:
- DanceSafe's impact on ecstasy initiation requires further investigation.
- Harm reduction strategies may interact with existing risk behaviors.
- Understanding nuanced effects is crucial for effective drug policy and public health interventions.