Erowid References Database
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Wilkins C, Bhatta K, Pledger M, Casswell S.
“Ecstasy use in New Zealand: findings from the 1998 and 2001 National Drug Surveys”.
N Z Med J. 2003 May 12;116(1171):U383.
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Abstract
AIMS: To examine changes in the use of ecstasy, current conditions of supply, harms resulting from use, and the demographics of users.
METHODS: National Drug Surveys were conducted in 1998 and 2001. In each survey, a representative national sample of approximately 5500 people aged 15-45 years were asked about their drug use, including ecstasy use, using a Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) system. Response rates of 79% and 80% respectively were achieved.
RESULTS: Last-year use of ecstasy increased from 1.5% in 1998, to 3.4% in 2001. Large increases were found among men aged 20-24 (4.3% to 12.5%), and 25-29 (3.2% to 8.8%). In 2001, 43% of users thought ecstasy was easier to obtain and 29% thought the price was lower compared with a year earlier. About one in ten ecstasy users reported problems related to \'energy and vitality\', \'financial position\', \'health\', and \'outlook on life\'. Ecstasy users were predominantly male, aged 20-29, European and single, but were from a broad range of occupational and income-earning groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ecstasy in New Zealand increased between 1998 and 2001. Conditions of supply became easier. Users reported problems related to use in a range of areas of their lives. There was little evidence to suggest ecstasy use was limited to high-income-earning professionals.
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