Recent data has shown that the majority of deaths connected to illegal drug use involve fentanyl or other novel opioids, followed by psychostimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Additionally, Poison Control data from 2020 indicated that alcohol had the most reported poisonings, followed by cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Although mortality and poisoning are among some of the most serious consequences of drug use, there are a variety of other adverse effects surrounding drug use that do not necessarily result in hospitalization or death. This study examines the prevalence of self-reported adverse effects related to drug use among people who attend electronic dance music (EDM) parties, a population known for high prevalence of party drug use.
The study’s sample consisted of 1,952 adults entering EDM parties at nightclubs and dance festivals in New York City. Participants were asked to report demographic characteristics including their age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and frequency of past-year EDM party attendance. Respondents were asked about their past-month use of 20 different drugs or drug classes. If a participant indicated past-month use of a substance they were asked if they had experienced any negative consequences after using the drug. Data was analyzed using bivariable and multivariable models to investigate associations between substance use and adverse effects.
Results of the data analysis showed 86.7% of participants used a least one substance in the past month, with 70.8% reporting use of a drug other than alcohol. Among those who reported substance use, 31.9% indicated experiencing an adverse effect. Alcohol contributed to the most adverse effects (47.6%), followed by cannabis (19.0%), cocaine (9.0%), and ecstasy (6.2%). Adverse events involved hospitalization or ED visits were most commonly related to cocaine use, followed by ketamine use, alcohol use, and amphetamine use. The most frequently reported reason for adverse effects following substance use was taking too much. Lastly, younger participants were more likely to report an adverse effect from alcohol, ecstasy, and cannabis. Compared to those using 1-2 substances, use of 3-4 substances was associated with lower likelihood of reporting an adverse effect related to cannabis and ecstasy.
Takeaway: Substance use and related adverse effects are common among young adults attending electronic dance music parties.