NCJ Number
197596
Journal
Journal of Drug Education Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 213-225
Editor(s)
Robert M. Huff M.P.H,
Michael V. Kline M.P.H,
James Robinson ED.D.
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study explored the temporal relationship between race and the use of ecstasy through an analysis of high school seniors.
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that the use of ecstasy is primarily a white phenomenon. Studies exploring the temporal relationship between race and the use of ecstasy are essential to the exploration of ecstasy diffusion among minority populations. To explore this temporal relationship, data from 10,088 high school seniors surveyed through the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study between 1996 and 1999 were analyzed. Data analysis was accomplished in three phases: (1) generation of descriptive statistics; (2) calculation of the estimation of lifetime, 12-month, and 30-day ecstasy use; and (3) division of samples into ecstasy users and non-users. A consistent, statistically significant relationship between race and ecstasy use for each year between 1996 and 1999 was discerned. This suggests that the use of ecstasy has remained a white phenomenon over time. These findings are consistent with previous studies showing a relationship between race and the preference for alcohol or other drugs. Results suggest that ecstasy prevention programs among high school seniors might benefit from greater sensitivity to racial differences, extending to different interventions for different ethnic groups. References