Ecstasy : a social recreational alternative?

Abstract

This research attempts to look at various issues concerning the recreational use of Ecstasy amongst Maltese youth within the Dance/Club Culture. This dissertation explores 3 areas associated with Ecstasy use: the motivations for Ecstasy use, the patterns of Ecstasy use and knowledge and attitudes towards Ecstasy. The first two Chapters consist of a literature review, which include the history of MOMA, the effects and the use of Ecstasy within the Dance/Club culture. The literature review also examines various theoretical models of substance use, and this was essential to sustain and furthermore enlighten this study. The research questions emanated from the hype that surrounds this popular drug amongst many youth within the Dance/Club Culture. The main research questions are intended to explore the reasons to why it is such a popular substance aimed for recreational leisure use. This study shows that Ecstasy use is providing Maltese youth following the Dance/Club Culture with an alternative recreational leisure pursuit especially within social settings. Interviewees and questionnaire respondents have explained how Ecstasy gives them this euphoric feeling whilst alternating their state of mind and inner being, in order to escape their daily routines and stresses. Throughout this study, participants have expressed their personal opinions regarding motivations for use, the drug experience, and polydrug use as well as their knowledge and attitudes regarding Ecstasy. The data in this research explains why Ecstasy is considered as the social drug to be used in social settings within the Dance/Club Culture, and why Ecstasy is a drug of choice for a particular phase in the young person's life, which will eventually be overpassed when the young person will change the lifestyle and start looking into other aspects and walks of life. The study concludes with recommendations for further research and service development.