Prevalence and Correlates of Illicit Drug Use among Norwegian Nightlife Patrons

Abstract

Background: Nightclubs and bars are recreational settings with extensive availability and consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs. Objectives: This study aims to determine the proportion of nightclub patrons in Norway that tested positive for illicit drugs, moreover, we examined the correlation between positive test results and demographic and substance use characteristics. Methods: Patrons were recruited outside nightclubs on Friday and Saturday nights between 10:00 pm and 04:00 am. Substance use was determined by breath testing and oral fluid testing for alcohol and drugs, respectively, using accurate and specific analytical methods. Questionnaires recorded demographic and substance use characteristics. Results: Of the 1988 included nightclub patrons, 90% tested positive for alcohol, 14% for illicit drug use, and 3% for two or more illicit drugs. The proportion of patrons who tested positive for illicit drugs was highest in the early hours of the morning. Nine out of ten who tested positive for illicit drugs also consumed alcohol. Testing positive for one or more illicit drugs was most strongly correlated with being male and unemployed, using tobacco or other nicotine products, and early on-set illicit drug use; further the correlations were strongest among those who tested positive for two or more illicit drugs. Conclusions/ Importance: Patrons who used illicit drugs before or during nightclub visits most often combined drug use with alcohol consumption. Substituting alcohol with cannabis or other drugs was not common in this cohort. The study results provide evidence to introduce harm-reduction prevention programs to address illicit drug and excessive alcohol consumption.

Preloading with drugs before entry to the nighttime entertainment district: presentation, intoxication rates, and effects of police presence during assessment

“…Despite this imbalance, we find our prevalence estimates to be consistent with estimates (i.e., typically ≤ 10%) provided in similar field research (e.g., [ 8 , 14 , 15 , 27 , 30 , 31 , 35 , 36 ]). To obtain more accurate estimates, collecting biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, sweat, or oral fluid) has become a popular alternative, with estimates ranging from 14 to 45% (e.g., [ 4 , 5 , 24 , 27 , 30 , 31 , 33 ]). In effect, this could be seen as a protective factor for approximately 10% of people who self-disclose drug use in the vicinity.…”

The Use and Validation of Drug Screening Technologies in Night-Time Entertainment Districts

“…Estimates reported using a subjective measure typically show less than 11% of people disclose having used drugs at the time of assessment (e.g., Coomber et al, 2017;Devilly, Hides et al, 2019;Pennay et al, 2017;Pennay et al, 2015). Conversely, studies that assess biological markers using confirmatory methods obtain much higher estimates ranging from 14% -45% (e.g., Bretteville-Jensen et al, 2019;Byrnes et al, 2019;Jørgenrud et al, 2021;Miller et al, 2005;Miller, Curtis et al, 2015). This finding demonstrates that even in the absence of confirmatory testing, simply having a drug screening apparatus present during data collection resulted in similarly high incidences of admitted drug use.…”

Consumo prejudicial de álcool e fatores associados em populações ribeirinhas

“…Tal justificativa pode estar relacionada às sensações dos efeitos neurológicos provocados pelo uso múltiplo de substâncias psicoativas como maconha, cocaína e álcool (18) . Todavia, fatores contextuais também podem estar relacionados, como as condições de vida, a desigualdade social, os conflitos e o uso de drogas pelos familiares bem como a disponibilidade das substâncias (19)(20) .…”