Citation

Breen C, Degenhardt L, Kinner SA, Bruno R, Jenkinson R, Matthews A, Newman J. Subst. Use Misuse 2006; 41(8): 1095-1109.

Affiliation

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of NSW, New South Wales, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10826080500411528

PMID

16798678

Abstract

We examine alcohol use in conjunction with ecstasy use and risk-taking behaviors among regular ecstasy users in every capital city in Australia. Data on drug use and risks were collected in 2004 from a national sample of 852 regular ecstasy users (persons who had used ecstasy at least monthly in the preceding 6 months). Users were grouped according to their typical alcohol use when using ecstasy: no use, consumption of between one and five standard drinks, and consumption of more than five drinks ("binge" alcohol use). The sample was young, well educated, and mainly working or studying. Approximately two thirds (65%) of the regular ecstasy users reported drinking alcohol when taking ecstasy. Of these, 69% reported usually consuming more than five standard drinks. Those who did not drink alcohol were more disadvantaged, with greater levels of unemployment, less education, higher rates of drug user treatment, and prison history. Excluding alcohol, drug use patterns were similar between groups, although the no alcohol group used cannabis and methamphetamine more frequently.  Despite some evidence that the no alcohol group were more entrenched drug users, those who typically drank alcohol when taking ecstasy were as likely to report risks and problems associated with their drug use.  The study's limitations are noted.

Language: en