The use of tobacco and cannabis at an international music festival

Author(s): 
Hesse M, Tutenges S, Schliewe S
Published: 
2010
Publisher: 
European Addiction Research
Volume: 
16
Issue: 
4
Page(s): 
208-12

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Music festivals are known to attract a high proportion of drug users.<br/>METHODS: Using a survey of 1,772 visitors at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, we assessed substance use at the festival, the incidence of use of substances among never-users and the incidence of use among lifetime users who had not used a substance in the past 12 months.<br/>RESULTS: New onset of tobacco use was reported by 9.2% of never-smokers, and new onset of cannabis use was reported by 9.3% of never-smokers of cannabis. Resumption of tobacco use was reported by 24% of past year abstainers, and resumption of cannabis use was reported by 30% of past year abstainers. New onset of other types of substances was reported by less than 0.5% of subjects, but among past year abstainers, 5-10% reported resumption of amphetamine, ketamine, MDMA and cocaine use. New onset smokers of cannabis were significantly younger than never-smokers.<br/>CONCLUSION: Music festivals such as the Roskilde Festival may be important arenas for the prevention of onset of tobacco and cannabis use and for a return to substance use.
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