Drug use is prevalent among electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees, but research
is needed to determine the extent of adverse drug-related outcomes in this population
in order to better inform prevention and harm reduction efforts. 1,029 adults were
surveyed entering EDM parties in New York City in 2018. Those reporting past-year
use of a drug were asked if they experienced a harmful or very unpleasant effect after
use in which they were concerned about their immediate safety. They were also asked
about co-use of other drugs and whether they sought help. We estimate that a third
(33.5%) of EDM attendees has experienced a drug-related adverse effect in the past
year. Two-thirds (67.8%) of adverse effects involved use of alcohol. Relative to use,
adverse effects most commonly resulted from use of opioids (e.g., prescription opioid
misuse, 41.1%) or alcohol (33.9%). Concomitant use of other drugs was common, particularly
among users of cocaine (55.7%), LSD (55.7%), ketamine (56.5%), LSD (41.2%), and ecstasy/MDMA/Molly
(47.7%). Adverse effects resulting from synthetic cathinone (“bath salt”) use were
most likely to result in a hospital visit (57.1%), followed by opioids (e.g., prescription
opioids: 14.3%). Adverse effects from drug use are common among those in the EDM scene
and polydrug use appears to be a common risk factor. More research is needed, however,
to determine the extent of event-specific adverse outcomes. Results can inform prevention
and harm reduction efforts in this population.