Drugs and the dance music scene: a survey of current drug use patterns among a sample of dance music enthusiasts in the UK (2001)

FRANÇAIS :
Un questionnaire inclut dans un magazine pour jeunes amateurs de musique "dance" a permis de recueillir des informations concernant leurs usages de drogue. Plus de 1000 réponses ont été obtenues qui montrent que le recours aux substances psychoactives est quasiment une norme. L'ecstasy est largement consommée en association avec d'autres substances, entraînant des risques élevés sur la santé, et 70% des jeunes consomment de l'alcool en quantité très importante. Ces usages entraînent également des risques de déviances criminelles, liés à l'approvisionnement en drogue. On note également que l'usage de cocaïne est devenu très populaire au Royaume-Uni. [Résumé Toxibase]
ENGLISH :
This study explores the utility of a self-completion survey method to quickly and cheaply generate information on patterns and trends among regular 'recreational' drug consumers. Data is reported here from 1151 subjects accessed through a dance music publication. In keeping with previous studies of drug use within the dance scene polysubstance use was the norm. Many of those reporting use of 'ecstasy' were regularly using multiple tablets often consumed in combination with other substances thus exposing themselves to serious health risks, in particular the risk of dose related neurotoxic effects. Seventy percent were drinking alcohol at hazardous levels. Subjects' patterns of drug purchasing also put them at risk of severe criminal sanction. Data supported evidence that cocaine use had become increasing popular in the UK, but contrasted with some commentators' views that ecstasy use was in decline. The utility of this method and how the results should be interpreted is discussed, as are the data's implications for harm and risk reduction activities. (Author's abstract.)