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Drug use and risk behaviour among regular ecstasy users: Does sexuality make a difference?
1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. l.degenhardt@unsw.edu.au
Culture, Health & Sexuality
|July 26, 2006
Summary
Homosexual and bisexual individuals who use ecstasy reported higher rates of new drug use and injecting drug use compared to heterosexual individuals. Harm reduction strategies may be needed for these populations in nightlife settings.
Area of Science:
- Substance Use Research
- Sexual Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Regular ecstasy (MDMA) use is prevalent in nightlife scenes.
- Understanding drug use patterns and associated risks across different sexual orientations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ecstasy users based on sexual orientation (homo/bisexual vs. heterosexual).
- To investigate differences in newer drug use, risk behaviors, and drug injecting among these groups.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 852 regular ecstasy users recruited through various channels.
- Data collection included self-reported drug use, sexual behaviors, and injecting practices.
- Analysis compared homo/bisexual and heterosexual men and women.
Main Results:
- Homo/bisexual men and women reported higher use of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine.
- No significant differences in unprotected sex or needle sharing were found based on sexuality.
- Homo/bisexual individuals reported more sexual partners and higher rates of injecting drug use.
Conclusions:
- Among regular ecstasy users in the dance/nightclub scene, homo/bisexual individuals face higher risks related to injecting drug use and multiple sexual partners.
- Targeted harm reduction initiatives addressing injecting and sexual risks are necessary for homo/bisexual men and women in these environments.