ABSTRACT
Se presentan a continuación los resultados de un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo centrado en el análisis de los sentidos y vivencias asociados a experiencias de consumo de MDMA (3,4-metilendioximetanfetamina, Éxtasis) en usuarios jóvenes de esta sustancia que habitaban la ciudad de Montevideo en el período 2017-2019. Se desarrolló un muestreo no probabilístico en cadena que permitió la realización de 13 entrevistas a personas con edades comprendidas entre los 20 y 32 años. Los resultados de este trabajo confirman las motivaciones de consumo ya identificadas en otros estudios tales como la búsqueda de un estado de euforia y desinhibición así como de descarga energética y felicidad compartida. Sin embargo también se observó un particular interés en la posibilidad de comunicación sincera al igual que una marcada confianza en lograr experiencias poco riesgosas que propicien efectos duraderos en los vínculos generados por el consumo compartido. Estos indicios pueden ser de interés para el diseño de estrategias clínicas que incluyan a esta sustancia como fármaco coadyuvante de la experiencia terapéutica.
Below are presented the results of an exploratory and descriptive study focused on analyzing the senses and experiences associated with MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, Ecstasy) consumption experiences in young users of this substance living in the city of Montevideo in the period 2017-2019. A non-probabilistic chain sampling was developed that allowed for the realization of 13 interviews with people between the ages of 20 and 32. The results of this work confirm the consumption motivations already identified in other studies, such as the search for a state of euphoria and disinhibition, as well as energetic discharge and shared happiness. However, a particular interest was also observed in the possibility of sincere communication, as well as a marked confidence in achieving low-risk experiences that foster lasting effects on the relationships generated by shared consumption. These findings may be of interest for the design of clinical strategies that include this substance as an adjunct drug for therapeutic experiences.
A seguir estão apresentados os resultados de um estudo exploratório e descritivo centrado na análise dos sentidos e experiências associados ao consumo de MDMA (3,4-metilenodioximetanfetamina, Ecstasy) em usuários jovens desta substância que residiam na cidade de Montevideo no período de 2017 a 2019. Foi realizado um amostragem não probabilística em cadeia que permitiu a realização de 13 entrevistas com pessoas entre 20 e 32 anos de idade. Os resultados deste trabalho confirmam as motivações de consumo já identificadas em outros estudos, tais como a busca por um estado de euforia e desinibição, bem como a descarga energética e a felicidade compartilhada. No entanto, também foi observado um interesse particular na possibilidade de comunicação sincera, bem como uma confiança marcante em alcançar experiências de baixo risco que propiciem efeitos duradouros nos vínculos gerados pelo consumo compartilhado. Esses indícios podem ser de interesse para o desenvolvimento de estratégias clínicas que incluam esta substância como um fármaco coadjuvante da experiência terapêutica.
ABSTRACT
Aims and premise: The primary aims of this article are to: describe some major aspects of the theoretical basis of the Swedish drug policy model, present alternative theoretical understandings which may pave the way for changes in drug policy, depict some problems with the Swedish model, introduce the primary principles for "the experimenting society", and give concrete examples of when these have/have not been applied in Sweden. Some findings: Sweden's predominantly biochemical approach should be replaced by a biopsychosocial model. The idea that all non-medical consumption of drugs is abuse is counterproductive. Differences between recreational and problematic consumers are discussed. The question of people's motives for taking drugs has not been incorporated into Swedish drug policy. The stepping-stone hypothesis is examined. It was found that recreational and problematic consumption do not co-vary, indicating that these are two essentially different phenomena. Conclusion: After four decades with the current Swedish drug policy model we are further from our pronounced goal of striving towards becoming a drug-free society than when we started. Access to, and demand for, drugs has continually increased, and our drug policies have caused serious collateral damage. Consequently, there is good reason to re-think the course we have chosen. The Swedish version of the war on drugs has failed to achieve its goals and it is time to make peace. It is time to accept that we will never be drug-free and therefore must learn to live with narcotics. As nobody knows what is the best way to achieve this, we should approach the task with humility. We need to put prestige aside and become "the experimenting society"; that is, one that would vigorously try out possible solutions and make stringent, multidimensional evaluations of outcomes. When the evaluation of a reform shows it to have been ineffective or harmful, we should try other measures.
