Recreational MDMA use: A study on young people in Spain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24310/escpsi.19.1.2026.21454Keywords:
Drugs, Youth, Leisure time activities, Drug addiction, MDMAAbstract
Introduction: MDMA use among young people in Spain is shaped by psychosocial factors that guide consumption patterns, motivations, and risk-reduction strategies. Objective: To investigate consumption patterns, risk perception, and consumption management (strategies and practices aimed at regulating use) in recreational contexts among young people in Spain. Method: A mixed-methods design was employed, including a survey of 1412 young people (59.1% male, 37.5% female, 3.5% other; mean age = 26.3 years), 28 semi-structured interviews, and 6 focus groups conducted in various cities. Results: MDMA was predominantly consumed in recreational contexts, with a prevalence of 80.6% among survey respondents over the past year. Although many individuals implement self-care strategies, only 27.5% adhered to the recommended interval between doses, and consumption frequently occurred in combination with alcohol and cannabis. Furthermore, information validation occurs within peer networks, influencing both risk perception and patterns of use. Discussion and Conclusions: Integrating scientific evidence with user experience is essential for designing effective risk-reduction strategies that are tailored to consumption dynamics and social reference frameworks.
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