Polysubstance use and associated effects at raves parties

Objetives:
The purpose of this study is to describe positive and negative effects perceived by underground rave attenders, and to analyze the relations between drugs consume and perceived risks.

Method:
The research was developed with a sample of 252 assistant at 22 underground raves in Andalucía (Spain), from May to October 2008. It has been applied contrast proportions and logistic regressions analysis.

Results:
Results show that the most consumed drugs were: alcohol (94.4%), cannabis (76.6%), speed (74.7%), ecstasy (64.1%), cocaine (28.2%), ketamine (23.8%) and LSD (22.9%). The most positive effects perceived were: euphoria, well-being, happiness (90.3%) and connection with music (75.4%). The most negative effects perceived were: tiredness (78.2%), jaw clenching (55.2%) and concentration decreased (54.4%). Ecstasy is the substance which more increases probability to perceive positive effects, while speed is the one that more increases probability to perceive negative effects.

Conclusions:
Negative effects experimented for participants show the high risk for rave attendees´ health. These, together with positive effects, must be considered in order to design preventive and risk reduction
strategies.