Comparing ecstasy users and non-users in a population-based and co-twin control design across multiple traits

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Ecstasy is a prevalent illicit substance in Western nations.
• Understanding the profile of ecstasy users is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify characteristics of adult ecstasy users in a large population-based sample.
• To explore the associations between ecstasy use and various demographic, psychosocial, and substance use factors.
• To investigate the nature of these associations, including genetic and environmental influences.

Main Methods:

• A Dutch twin sample (N=9578, aged 18-45) was analyzed using generalized estimating equation models.
• Self-reported lifetime ecstasy use was examined in relation to urbanicity, education, health, well-being, stress, other substance use, personality, and psychopathology.
• The co-twin control method was employed to explore genetic and environmental factors, as well as potential causal relationships.

Main Results:

• Lifetime ecstasy users (9.9%) were more often male, younger, urban, highly educated, less satisfied with life, and more stressed.
• Ecstasy users exhibited significant differences in personality and psychopathology compared to non-users.
• Ecstasy users were more likely to have used all other investigated substances, with patterns suggesting both preceding and succeeding use of other drugs.

Conclusions:

• Ecstasy users present with a distinct profile, particularly concerning illicit substance use.
• The strong associations between ecstasy use and other substance use are likely explained by a combination of causal, environmental, and genetic factors.
• Evidence suggests that causal effects play a role in the relationship between ecstasy and other illicit substance use.