Polydrug use at raves by a Western Australian sample

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.