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Patterns of Simultaneous Polysubstance Use in Canadian Rave Attendees

NCJ Number
210990
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 9-10 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1525-1537
Author(s)
Sean P. Barrett; Samantha R. Gross; Isabelle Garand; Robert O. Pihl
Date Published
2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This investigation attempts to delineate the patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use that are characteristic of rave attendance by documenting amount, order, and type of all substances consumed on a single occasion by a sample of rave attendees from Canada.
Abstract
Research has shown a trend toward polysubstance use, generating a concern due to the possibility that simultaneous multiple substance administration results in increased toxicity. This study attempted to examine rave-related polydrug drug use and to determine if patterns of substance use were associated with previous rave attendance. Participants of the study included 186 rave attendees from Montreal, Canada, ranging from 16 to 47 years of age and with varying levels of rave attendance experience. Participants completed a structured interview gaining details about the participants’ demographic characteristics, as well as their rave attendance patterns. Additional information was obtained on drug and alcohol consumption at the most recently attended event. Results were consistent with reports of high levels of drug mixing among rave attendees, suggesting that simultaneous polysubstance use may be normative in this population. Approximately 80 percent of the sample reported multiple substance administration at their most recently attended rave event and nearly 50 percent reported the concurrent use of three or more drugs. The study also presented evidence that participants could reliably recount details about the type, order, and amount of all substances used on a specific occasion. Tables, references