Netherlands National Drug Monitor - Research and Documentation ...

• In 2008, key observers in Amsterdam reported that while Ecstasy remains a popular
recreational drug, frequency of use is now significantly lower than was the case in
the late 1990s. After years of decline, the observers report that its usage has now
levelled off. In Amsterdam, 21% of clubbers had used Ecstasy during the past month
(Benschop et al., 2009).
• In the province of Gelderland, key observers in 2009 reported Ecstasy use only in the
social scene (De Jong et al., 2009). The observers noted a decline in ecstasy use that
year, which they have attributed to a collapse of the market.
• Quitting or reducing ecstasy use appears to be mainly influenced by changes in
circumstances (such as a new job or relationship) or by declining interest in the
substance. Concern about negative health effects appears to be a less relevant factor
(Peters et al., 2008).
• In nightlife settings, Ecstasy is often taken with other substances, such as alcohol,
cannabis and amphetamine. Ecstasy taken together with alcohol is particularly popular
(Nabben et al., 2007b).
- In the national survey of 2008/2009, 13% of party- and festival-goers had
consumed both alcohol and Ecstasy on the evening in question (cp. 18% total
ecstasy users).
- Both the combination of Ecstasy and cocaine and the combination of Ecstasy and
amphetamine were reported by 3% of revellers. 2% had used both Ecstasy and
GHB during the event.
Amphetamine
• Amphetamine is less popular as a recreational drug among juveniles and young adults
than Ecstasy. At hardcore gatherings and in certain (alternative) scenes, amphetamine
use is somewhat more prevalent (punk, electro, trance, underground, rock and techno)
than in fashionable clubs (Trimbos Institute/University of Amsterdam, 2010).
• Among frequenters of trendy clubs in Amsterdam, the percentage of ever users of this
drug declined from 34% to 24% between 2003 and 2008. The percentage of current
users stabilised during this period at six to seven percent (Benschop et al., 2009).
• Although there are no trend data concerning amphetamine use in other regions, key
observers in the social scene are of the opinion that amphetamine use has increased
slightly, particularly in rural areas and in the south and north of the country (Nabben
et al., 2007b). In the province of Gelderland key observers report that amphetamine is
popular because it is cheap and easily available (De Jong et al., 2009). Amphetamine
is therefore sometimes known as ‘poor coke’. Research conducted in 2008/2009
among clubbers and disco-goers in large and medium-sized municipalities in five
regions of the Netherlands found that amphetamine use is still) highest in the west
of the country (Trimbos Institute/University of Amsterdam, 2010).
- Percentages of current amphetamine users varied from 1.7% in South (Noord-
Brabant, Zeeland, Limburg) to 5.4% in West (Noord- and Zuid-Holland).
110 Netherlands National Drug Monitor - NDM Annual Report 2009