A profile of Ecstasy (MDMA) use in São Paulo, Brazil: an ethnographic study

Abstract

The use of Ecstasy in Brazil has gained visibility in recent years. Nevertheless, scientific data on this issue remain scarce. The present study focused on clarifying this phenomenon by means of qualitative and ethnographic research. Observational studies (N = 8), information obtained from key informants (N = 14) and interviews with Ecstasy users (N = 32) from the city of São Paulo were part of this study. The results pointed to night clubs and rave parties where electronic music is played as the main context of use. Interviews with users revealed a sample of young adult members of the highest layers of society, with a good educational background and access to the labor market. Furthermore, polydrug use was manifested. Users' typology was established regarding the pattern of drug use, showing two profiles of users: the "Rave Generation," consisting of more recent users who initiated this use with the arrival of the large-sized rave parties at the end of the 1990s. The second profile, the "Sons of the Hell's Club," consisted of more experienced users (beginning in the early 1990s) and showed a richer history of use. Neither profile group had sought help regarding their Ecstasy use, and both showed positive beliefs related to the safety of use.