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A qualitative investigation exploring why dance festivals are risky environments for drug use and potential adverse outcomes.

Joseph J Palamar, İbrahim Sönmez

Harm Reduction Journal February 5, 2022 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00598-5 (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 35
Population Key informants in North America who deemed themselves experts in new psychoactive substances, and identified as drug checkers, sellers, or experienced users
Topics MDMA
Keywords Dance festivals Environmental risk factors Nightlife
Key findings Four main themes were identified as festival-specific risk factors for adverse outcomes related to drug use: inexperienced attendees, risky drug purchasing, risky drug use practices, and festival-specific environmental risk factors.

Abstract

Dance festivals have been shown to be high-risk events for use of drugs such as ecstasy/MDMA and possible adverse effects associated with use. However, few studies have examined what makes festivals such risky environments. We aimed to determine festival-specific risk factors for adverse outcomes related to drug use. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 key informants in North America who deemed themselves experts in new psychoactive substances, and identified as drug checkers, sellers, or experienced users. Interviews were coded in an inductive manner, and we conducted thematic analysis to identify relevant themes. We identified four main themes focusing on festival attendance as a risk factor for risky drug use and related outcomes: attendees inexperienced with electronic dance music parties and party drugs, risky drug purchasing, risky drug use practices, and festival-specific environmental risk factors. Festivals attract a wide array of people not experienced with party drugs, yet drugs like ecstasy are commonly sought by such individuals inside festivals. Relying on strangers inside to purchase drugs is a risk factor for purchasing adulterated product. Fear of security/police at festivals leads to risky drug-taking such as ingesting one's full batch of drugs at the entrance. These risks are compounded by environmental factors including crowding, hot temperature, and lack of water (which lead to dehydration), long/consecutive event days (which can lead to exhaustion), and inadequate medical emergency response. We determined modifiable risk factors which can both inform future research and future prevention and harm reduction efforts in this scene.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on MDMA, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Phenomenology and Sequelae of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Use Psychiatrists who had taken MDMA 1992 Qualitative study n = 20
MDMA and Sexual Behavior: Ecstasy Users' Perceptions About Sexuality and Sexual Risk Current and former users of MDMA 2005 Qualitative study n = 98
Perceived Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy beyond Symptom Reduction: Qualitative Follow-Up Study of a Clinical Trial for Individuals with Treatment-Resistant PTSD Veterans, firefighters, and police officers with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD 2019 Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis n = 19
Negative Experiences on Ecstasy: The Role of Drug, Set, and Setting Current or former users of Ecstasy 2002 Qualitative study n = 98
A Qualitative Exploration of Relational Ethical Challenges and Practices in Psychedelic Healing Practitioners who have administered MDMA and psilocybin to clients in underground... 2021 Qualitative study n = 23

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