ABSTRACT
In general, males have a higher incidence of illicit drug use, including the use of 'club drugs', such as ecstasy. Ecstasy use may increase infant congenital defects, and children can suffer developmental problems resulting from inadequate care and nurturing often prevalent among drug-using mothers. Despite these serious risks and consequences of ecstasy use among young, low-income women, the prevalence and perceptions of ecstasy use, as well as other illicit drug use, have not been adequately explored. This chapter indicates that young, low-income ecstasy users reported having more friends who used more licit and illicit drugs. It describes the characteristics of young, low-income female ecstasy users. These women perceived themselves using illicit drugs in the future, were at higher risk of continuing to use these drugs, and indicated higher levels of stress than respondents who used marijuana only or those who used other illicit drugs.
