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Evidence for significant polydrug use among ecstasy-using college students
Eric D Wish1, Dawn Bonanno Fitzelle, Kevin E O'Grady
1Center for Substance Abuse Research, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA. ewish@cesar.umd.edu
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|October 5, 2006
Summary
Nine percent of college students reported lifetime ecstasy (MDMA) use. Ecstasy users showed significantly higher rates of polydrug use, including inhalants, LSD, cocaine, and heroin, impacting substance abuse treatment needs.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Research
- Public Health
- Adolescent Psychology
Background:
- Ecstasy (MDMA) is increasingly prevalent among college students.
- Understanding polydrug use patterns is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research has not fully detailed polydrug use among ecstasy-using college students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of lifetime ecstasy (MDMA) use in a large US college student sample.
- To investigate the polydrug-use history of ecstasy users.
- To compare polydrug use between ecstasy users and non-ecstasy, marijuana-using students.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous questionnaire administered to 1,206 college students at a mid-Atlantic university.
- Response rate of 91% achieved.
- Comparison of polydrug use between ecstasy users and marijuana-only users.
Main Results:
- Nine percent of students reported lifetime ecstasy (MDMA) use.
- Ecstasy users were significantly more likely to report past-year use of inhalants (38% vs. 10%), LSD (38% vs. 5%), cocaine (46% vs. 2%), and heroin (17% vs. 1%) compared to marijuana-only users.
- 98% of ecstasy users also reported marijuana use.
Conclusions:
- Ecstasy (MDMA) use is associated with significant polydrug use among college students.
- These findings highlight the complex substance abuse profiles of college students using ecstasy.
- Implications for substance abuse treatment programs tailored to this population are substantial.
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