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Underreporting of ecstasy use among high school seniors in the US.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:National surveys suggest ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) use has decreased substantially among adolescents in the US since 2001; however, the recent phenomenon of "Molly" (ecstasy marketed as "pure MDMA") may be leading to underreporting of use as not all users are aware that "Molly" is a form of ecstasy. METHODS:We examined 2014 data from Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative survey of high school seniors in the US (N=6250, modal age: 18). Three randomly distributed survey forms asked about ecstasy use, and one included "Molly" in the definition. Self-reported lifetime, 12-month, and 30-day ecstasy use were compared to determine whether including "Molly" in the definition was associated with higher prevalence or frequency of use. RESULTS:The form including "Molly" in the definition had significantly higher prevalence than the two (combined) forms that did not. Lifetime use (8.0% vs. 5.5%) and 12-month use (5.1% vs. 3.6%) were significantly higher with "Molly" in the definition. Lifetime prevalence remained higher with "Molly" in the definition when controlling for correlates of ecstasy use; however, 12-month use did not. Differences in prevalence were associated with lifetime occasions of use, with lower concordance between forms at lower levels of lifetime occasions (e.g., 1-2 times). Survey form was not related to number of times used among more frequent users. CONCLUSIONS:Prevalence of ecstasy use appears to be underestimated when "Molly" is not included in the definition of ecstasy/MDMA. Surveys should include "Molly" in the definition of ecstasy to more adequately assess prevalence of use.

SUBMITTER: Palamar JJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4939104 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Underreporting of ecstasy use among high school seniors in the US.

Palamar Joseph J JJ Keyes Katherine K Cleland Charles M CM

Drug and alcohol dependence 20160606

<h4>Background</h4>National surveys suggest ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) use has decreased substantially among adolescents in the US since 2001; however, the recent phenomenon of "Molly" (ecstasy marketed as "pure MDMA") may be leading to underreporting of use as not all users are aware that "Molly" is a form of ecstasy.<h4>Methods</h4>We examined 2014 data from Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative survey of high school seniors in the US (N=6250, modal age: 18 ...[more]

PMID: 27296977

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Project description:ObjectiveTo examine whether sources of nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) involving anxiolytics, opioids, and stimulants were associated with sociodemographic characteristics, NMUPD characteristics (eg, frequency), and other substance use.MethodNationally representative samples of US high school seniors (N = 18,549) were surveyed by self-administered questionnaires (2009-2016). Design-based latent class analysis and Rao-Scott χ2 tests were used to test associations among sociodemographic characteristics, NMUPD characteristics, other substance use behaviors (eg, binge drinking, cigarette smoking, marijuana use), and NMUPD sources.ResultsApproximately 11.0% of high school seniors reported past-year NMUPD (n = 1,917). A substantial proportion of nonmedical users obtained the prescription drugs from multiple sources (44.2%). Latent class analysis identified 5 subgroups of NMUPD sources (friend/relative sources, friend/purchased sources, own leftover prescription, multiple sources, and other sources). Nonmedical users who obtained prescription drugs from friend/purchased sources were more likely to be adolescent boys, whereas those who used their own leftover prescriptions were more likely to be adolescent girls. Nonmedical users who obtained prescription drugs from multiple sources were more involved in substance use. In contrast, adolescent nonmedical users who used their own leftover prescriptions were less involved in substance use.ConclusionGrowing evidence indicates that different NMUPD sources are associated with different substance use behaviors. All NMUPD sources should be discouraged, because they place individuals, families, and communities at risk. Patients and their families should receive education on how to manage and properly dispose of controlled medications to avoid diversion into the community. Prescribers are encouraged to check prescription monitoring programs and screen adolescents for substance use/misuse when prescribing controlled medications.

Dataset Information

Underreporting of ecstasy use among high school seniors in the US.

Publications

Underreporting of ecstasy use among high school seniors in the US.

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