Abstract:
In society there is a discrepancy that has developed in what the public understands about what Ecstasy is, in relation to the term ‘MDMA’. MDMA, the abbreviation for 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is the chemical constituent that has most commonly been associated with the street drug known as Ecstasy. Though the use of Ecstasy was reportedly on the decrease, a new product has emerged known as crystal or MDMA powder. This is alongside new competing compounds entering the market, most notably Mephedrone.
The research examined explores the changing perception around what the terms Ecstasy and MDMA represent, comparing their popularity and prevalence with that of Mephedrone. This was investigated using an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing methods drawn from social sciences and analytical chemistry. Two online social research surveys were employed to establish what the public knew and understood about the terms, Ecstasy and MDMA and the drug Mephedrone. The surveys included both quantitative questions regarding specific drug knowledge and qualitative questions which asked participants about their reasons behind selecting to use a substance. The surveys provided a social context and highlighted specific perceptions that were held about these drugs. The results from the surveys were compared to seizure data collected from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which provided a timeline of the emergence and prevalence of the types of Ecstasy/MDMA and Mephedrone being seized. The perceptions were also compared to a qualitative chemical analysis of seized samples using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
In the findings from this research there is a definite gap between what the public know and perceive about the terms Ecstasy, MDMA and Mephedrone. A key finding from this research is what is reportedly known about Ecstasy has not translated into what is known about MDMA. There is an observed disassociation between these two terms. Mephedrone, on the other hand appears to have fallen into obscurity post its media high of 2010. The responses to the social surveys indicate a clear preference for MDMA over ‘Ecstasy’ or Mephedrone, as the former is seen as being of better ‘quality’. The user preference was supported by the findings from the seiuzers recorded in Cambridge, with the new crystal form being the most dominant type seized post 2012 and Mephedrone seizures declining after its control in 2010. In reporting the purity of street samples, the public perception was again supported as the crystal materials contained a higher percentage of the chemical MDMA. This is the first reported study of the relative purity of the alternate forms of MDMA.Keywords:
Ecstasy
MDMA
Mephedrone
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3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy) is a hallucinogenic designer drug popular at all-night dance parties called raves. In addition to
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The relationship between clubs, raves and drugs is discussed in the context of a ‘dance drug’ scene. The initial connection point between these was typically believed to be Ecstasy (MDMA), as the two factors are positively associated in much of the early literature regarding these issues. The direct relationship of Ecstasy to the club/rave scene has been questioned in recent reports, where it has been suggested that other drugs have entered the scene and that Ecstasy is being used in a range of settings not associated with the dance scene. Further, it has been suggested that poly-drug use in youth-based samples is becoming more prevalent and that many of the individuals consuming what is sold as Ecstasy believe it to be a substance other than MDMA, confirming this idea of poly-drug use. Research carried out in clubs and raves in a district of South Wales does suggest that Ecstasy is no longer a central feature of the dance drug scene, and likewise, the dance scene is no longer a central feature of Ecstasy use. Further, poly-drug use among members of this dance drug scene does appear to be more typical than the use of a single substance. Reasons for this development in drug-using behaviour are discussed, as are implications and requirements for community drug services.
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Purpose In this fourth paper in a series on emergent drug trends in the UK (2006 ketamine, 2009 MDMA powder/crystal, 2010 mephedrone), the authors consider how the pharmacological landscape has changed since substituted cathinones (including mephedrone) were controlled in April 2010 and in particular assess the prevalence of mephedrone in the general night time economy (NTE) and its relationship to the use of established illegal drugs. Design/methodology/approach Surveys were conducted with a convenience sample of 207 adults stopped at random in four town and city centres on Friday nights in Lancashire in November 2010. Findings Of the adults surveyed, one in ten reported having taken mephedrone within the past year and one in 20 within the past month. Those who used mephedrone were also significantly more likely to report using ecstasy pills, cocaine and amphetamines. Regarding the next generation of “legal highs”, no clear substitute for mephedrone had emerged; instead, there was uncertainty, confusion and a degree of disinterest. In this vacuum, “Bubble” has emerged and evolved as a generic term in the north west of England to refer to any unidentified white powders which are synthetic stimulants. Social implications Despite an emotional investment by advocates and opponents alike in mephedrone being an ecstasy‐type substitute, research now points towards more amphetamine‐type characteristics at a time when national prevalence of amphetamines is at an historic low. The emergence of unidentified white powders sold as “Bubble” in the North West of England is a graphic illustration of the unknown content, effect and risk of current (by contrast with previous) “legal highs”, and the resultant challenges for health service providers and criminal justice agencies. Bubble may be indicative of the enduring popularity but increasingly indiscriminate use of cheap stimulants. Originality/value For this cohort of NTE customers, the paper's analyses indicate that mephedrone was added to existing polydrug repertoires, rather than significantly displacing use of established illegal drugs or acting as a gateway for initiation into drug use.
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Relatively new on the radar screen of recreational drug use is methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as MDMA or ecstasy. Popular initially at rave parties, MDMA is considered safe by those who use it. However, these authors describe deaths associated with the use of this drug.
The authors asked 489 medical examiners …
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The use of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or Ecstasy is a phenomenon that has established itself In the widespread Rave culture. Ecstasy use causes physical, social and psychological problems in the development of adolescents and it may also influence their concentration and learning abilities. To prevent these problems, educators should be well-informed regarding current drug use trends and also be capable of assisting adolescents. Research regarding the nature of Ecstasy use is lacking nationally. The purpose of this research was therefore to furnish educators with accurate information that will enable them to obtain a reference point from which assistance can be offered to young Ecstasy users and potential Ecstasy users.
Ecstasy
MDMA
Phenomenon
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