Ecstasy Use is Common in Teens Who Regularly Attend Parties: Study

Adolescents who party hard and are exposed to other drugs at such dos are at risk of using ecstasy, according to a new study.

 Ecstasy or MDMA is a recreational drug known for its psychedelic effects and exaggerated awareness of surroundings, it also reduces anxiety. Therefore, ecstasy is commonly sought as a party drug. Researchers from the New York University's Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR) analyzed the trend in drug use and addiction in 26,504 high school students from the Monitoring the Future Study conducted between 2007 and 2012. They found drug usage was linked to increased popularity of electronic music concerts and dance festivals.

"We found that roughly 4.4% of high school seniors reported use of ecstasy within the last year, with males being at particularly high risk for use," said Joseph J. Palamar, study author and assistant professor of population health at NYU Langone Medical Center in a news release.

 "We delineated many important socio-demographic risk factors, but the most consistent and important risk factor we found is use of other drugs."

The study found the use of other drugs like ketamine and GHB highly influenced ecstasy use among teens and young adults.

In recent times, an increase in the use of ecstasy was observed in students from the African-American communities. The overall drug consumption by Hispanic students was close to that of white American teens. The authors warn the risk rate for drug addiction is significantly high for those who are unaware that both "Molly" and ecstasy is the same drug.

Their findings also revealed girls and students with a religious bent of mind were less likely to indulge in drugs. The odds for the ecstasy use were also low among Hispanic and African-American students living with two parents.

 In addition, weekly income of students from odd jobs and living close to cities where night life, drinking smoking and the consumption of marijuana were prominent fads are other variables related to ecstasy use.

Ecstasy and its adulterated versions come in powder form instead of pills. This elevates the risk of health damage caused by ingesting a mixture of harmful drugs.

"Harm reduction education is greatly needed, regardless of where and under what circumstances the drug is taken," said Dr. Palamar.

"As ecstasy becomes increasingly popularized and often contains adulterants, those who reject abstinence need to be able to make informed decisions about use in order to minimize potential harmful effects, " he added.

These findings raise the need for awareness and education about the consequences of drug abuse especially among students who regularly attend late-night parties.

More information is available online in the journal Substance Use and Misuse.