When we picture a drug addict, mental images of the more mature don’t necessarily come to mind. Research shows, however, that a growing number of adults in their 30s and 40s are partying with Ecstasy. Having children and maintaining a professional career don’t seem to hinder their ability to have a good time either.
According to Rebecca McKetin from the National Alcohol and Drug Research Centre in Australia, about 30 percent of those aged 30 to 40 who have used Ecstasy in the past, have experimented with it again in the last year. It appears that Gen X never fully kicked the habit, which was popularized in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
Doctors postulate that there are several reasons why this middle-aged crew would return to the drug, sometimes referred to as “E” or “X”. In today’s stressful and fast-paced world, Ecstasy provides a mental break – an escape from reality. Additionally, growing old can be anything but graceful, leaving many people wanting to feel young again. And, because many Gen Xers have waited later in life to marry and have children, they have spent more time in pop culture, surrounded by its influences. Could it be that Gen X is just going through a mid-life crisis?
Dr. Chris Wilkins, who heads up a drug research team at Massey University in New Zealand, says that every generation seems to have its drug of choice. He says that opiates, which were popular in the eighties, are not going to be as highly esteemed in today’s time-starved society. Opiates are depressants, and these days stimulants such as Ecstasy are a better fit with our busy lifestyle. Dr. Wilkins says that drugs like “E” do not carry the negative stigma that many other drugs do. He adds that, in addition to Ecstasy, the aging Generation X is likely to abuse prescription drugs.
A new group being numbered to Ecstasy’s fan list is divorced women who are attempting to reclaim their youth. Experts believe that these women perceive the drug to be safer and more socially acceptable than other drugs because it is often obtained through familiar circles. What these women don’t know, however, is that studies have shown that prolonged use of the drug can lead to increased incidences of depression and anxiety. What’s scarier is that these symptoms can persist even after kicking the habit.
According to Wikipedia.com, Ecstasy has also been linked with memory loss. In fact, as many as 80 percent of users experience cognitive impairment. Interestingly enough, memory loss is not related to the amount of the drug consumed, so even low levels of ingestion can lead to harm.
Even though these users may not be hard-core drug addicts, there are still health and legal consequences for playing with “E.” Gen X also needs to be aware of the example they are setting for those to come.
http://www.addictiontreatmentmagazine.com/addiction-news/resurgence-ecstasy-gen-x/