Adverse drug-related effects among electronic dance music party attendees

Int J Drug Policy. 2019 Nov:73:81-87. doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.07.005. Epub 2019 Jul 23.

Abstract

Background: Drug use is prevalent among electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees, but research is needed to determine the extent of adverse drug-related outcomes in this population in order to better inform prevention and harm reduction efforts.

Method: 1029 adults were surveyed entering EDM parties in New York City in 2018. Those reporting past-year use of a drug were asked if they experienced a harmful or very unpleasant effect after use in which they were concerned about their immediate safety. They were also asked about co-use of other drugs and whether they sought help.

Results: We estimate that a third (33.5%) of EDM party attendees have experienced a drug-related adverse effect in the past year. Two-thirds (67.8%) of adverse effects involved use of alcohol. Relative to use, adverse effects most commonly resulted from use of opioids (e.g., prescription opioid misuse, 41.2%) or alcohol (33.9%). Among those reporting an adverse effect, concomitant use of other drugs was common, particularly among users of LSD (56.5%), ketamine (56.3%), cocaine (55.7%), and ecstasy/MDMA/Molly (47.7%). Adverse effects resulting from synthetic cathinone ("bath salt") use were most likely to result in a hospital visit (57.1%).

Conclusion: Adverse effects from drug use are common among those in the EDM party scene and polydrug use appears to be a common risk factor. More research is needed, however, to determine the extent of event-specific adverse outcomes. Results can inform prevention and harm reduction efforts in this population.

Keywords: Adulterants; Club drugs; Dance music; New psychoactive substances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects*
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Dancing
  • Female
  • Harm Reduction
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Music
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs