5-Year Trends in Use of Hallucinogens and Other Adjunct Drugs among UK Dance Drug Users

From 1999 to 2003, a survey of people who use drugs in dance contexts found rising lifetime and current use of psilocybin, ketamine, GHB, and nitrates. Current psilocybin use increased sharply in 2002–2003, while ketamine use rose more gradually throughout the period. LSD use declined, mirroring trends in general population surveys. These increases among dance drug users may signal wider prevalence increases among young people, warranting careful study and development of effective interventions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Aims: To describe and assess trends in the use of hallucinogens and other adjunct drugs over a 5-year period. Design: Repeated-measures cross-sectional survey. Setting and Participants: Annual magazine-based survey targeting people who use drugs in dance contexts. Measurements: Lifetime use prevalence (ever used); age of first use; current use prevalence (any use within the last month), and extent of use within the last month (number of days used) for LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, GHB and nitrates. Findings: Prevalence increases for psilocybin, ketamine, GHB and nitrates use have been detected, with a sharp recent rise in current psilocybin use in 2002–2003 contrasting with more gradual and comprehensive evidence of increased ketamine use throughout the period 1999–2003. The declining prevalence of LSD use in general population surveys is replicated in this sentinel population study. Conclusions: The rise in prevalence of hallucinogen and other adjunct drugs identified among dance drug users may be mirrored by wider prevalence increases among young people with a consequent need to study these trends carefully and to develop effective interventions, where required.