Hallucinogen Use Disorders Among Adult Users of MDMA and Other Hallucinogens
American Journal on Addictions – September 03, 2008
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
One in five MDMA users reported signs of hallucinogen use disorders (HUDs), highlighting a significant concern in drug studies. Among 37,227 Americans aged 18 and older, 20% of MDMA users and 16% of other hallucinogen users exhibited clinical features of HUDs. Specifically, 4.9% of MDMA users faced abuse, while 11.9% showed subthreshold dependence, and 3.6% met criteria for dependence. The findings underscore the prevalence of subthreshold dependence, indicating a crucial area for future exploration within psychiatry and cannabis research.
Abstract
We investigated the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of past‐year DSM‐IV hallucinogen use disorders (HUDs) among past‐year users of MDMA and other hallucinogens from a sample of Americans 18 or older (n = 37,227). Users were categorized as MDMA users and other hallucinogen users. Overall, one in five (20%) MDMA users and about one in six (16%) other hallucinogen users reported at least one clinical feature of HUDs. Among MDMA users, prevalence of hallucinogen abuse, subthreshold dependence, and dependence was 4.9%, 11.9%, and 3.6%, respectively. The majority with hallucinogen abuse displayed subthreshold dependence. Most with hallucinogen dependence exhibited abuse. Subthreshold hallucinogen dependence is relatively prevalent and represents a clinically important subgroup that warrants future research and consideration in a major diagnostic classification system.