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Polydrug use at raves by a Western Australian sample
1National Centre for Research into the Prevention of Drug Abuse, Curtin University of Technology, 1/14 Stone Street, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia.
Drug and Alcohol Review
|October 6, 2005
Summary
Many rave attendees in Perth mix dance drugs like ecstasy, amphetamines, and LSD with other substances, including alcohol and cannabis. This poly-drug use occurs frequently, despite harm reduction recommendations against it.
Area of Science:
- Drug use patterns
- Public health
- Sociology
Background:
- The rave scene is associated with unique patterns of substance use.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for public health interventions and harm reduction strategies.
- Previous research has indicated polydrug use within this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify drug use patterns among rave attendees in Perth, Western Australia.
- To identify the specific substances used and their combinations.
- To assess the prevalence of polydrug use in this population.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative data collection through structured questionnaires administered to 83 rave attendees.
- Focus on drug use associated with the last rave attended.
- Analysis of self-reported drug consumption, including 'dance drugs', cannabis, inhalants, and alcohol.
Main Results:
- 86.8% of respondents who used drugs at their last rave reported using 'dance drugs' (ecstasy, amphetamines, or LSD).
- Nearly 80% of these individuals also used at least one other drug, with an average of 2.4 substances used concurrently.
- Cannabis and inhalants were commonly combined with dance drugs; 16.7% also reported alcohol use.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of rave attendees engage in polydrug use, combining 'dance drugs' with other substances.
- This practice occurs despite existing harm reduction advice.
- Further research is needed to understand the full scope and implications of these drug-mixing behaviors.