Impact of Group Cohesion Among Drinking Groups at Nightclubs on Risk From Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Although protective strategies are implemented within drinking groups, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use may increase when protective strategies are in place. Being in a cohesive group could lead to a false sense of security, leading to more risk taking. This study examines whether club patrons perceiving greater group cohesion implement fewer protective strategies and use more AOD. The sample includes 815 club patrons (44.2% female; M age = 27.7, SD = 6.0 years) arriving in 324 groups, from seven clubs hosting electronic music dance events, across 30 evenings. Anonymous surveys, biological measures of alcohol (entry and exit) and drugs (exit only), were used. Results show that group cohesion relates to fewer strategies to keep themselves and their group safe and fewer actions responding to group AOD problems. Group cohesion was unrelated to AOD use. Findings suggest that prevention strategies should incorporate influences of group cohesion in engaging patrons in group safety strategies at clubs.