Poly-Drug Use among Ecstasy Users: Separate, Synergistic, and Indiscriminate Patterns

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: M. Boeri, Kennesaw State University; Claire E Sterk, Emory University; M. Bahora, Emory University; Kirk Elifson, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2008-04
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US)
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2008 by the Journal of Drug Issues
• Final Published Version (URL): http://jod.sagepub.com/content/38/2/517
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Drug Issues
• ISSN: 0022-0426
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 517
• End Page: 541
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to explore poly-drug use among young adult ecstasy users. This phenomenon of using multiple substances within a specific time period is multi-faceted. In this paper, we focus on the various patterns of poly-drug use and the reasons for combining multiple drugs among ecstasy users. Using a mixed-methods design, we conducted interviews with young adults who used ecstasy and other licit and illicit drugs in the past 90 days. Based on the qualitative analyses, we define three distinct types of poly-drug experiences: separate, synergistic, and indiscriminate use. While separate and synergistic poly-drug use tended to be intentional, indiscriminate poly-drug use often was unintentional. These findings show the importance of recognizing poly-drug use as a common phenomenon. The findings presented here suggest areas for further research aimed at identifying risk and protective behaviors and risk reduction strategies.