Substance Use Disorders and Treatment Utilization among MDMA Users: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Abstract

The study examined the prevalence and correlates of substance use disorders and treatment utilization among lifetime MDMA users. Secondary analyses were conducted on data from the 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative survey of adults in the United States. Lifetime MDMA use was assessed, and MDMA users (n = 562) were compared to a matched sample of non-MDMA users. Substance use diagnoses were made using the AUDADIS – DSM-IV, and data on treatment utilization were collected. MDMA use was significantly related to lifetime and past-year substance use disorders as well as treatment utilization in bivariate analyses. Multivariate analysis, however, showed that MDMA use was not related to lifetime substance use diagnosis or to treatment utilization. MDMA use still had the strongest association with past-year substance use disorders. Screening for substance use disorders and nicotine dependence may be warranted among adults who report lifetime MDMA use to help identify treatment needs and provide proper referrals.