3241.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - 8:30 PM

Abstract #20346

Club drug phenomenon: the intersection of prevention, research, practice & youth culture

Jack J. Vondras, MPH, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Prevention Coalition, 51 Inman St., Cambridge, MA 02139, 617-349-6346, jvondras@ci.cambridge.ma.us

This presentation will utilize the phenomenon of club drugs and rave culture to explore the application of the harm reduction model. This model will be presented within the context of other prevention models including assets model, zero tolerance and social norms. The following content areas will be included in the presentation: · The Club Drug Phenomenon: examine the cultural context of how these drugs have developed over the past 30 years including how the rave community has developed an active role in harm reduction efforts. The presenter will also look at the historical perspective, drug effects and how the drugs are taken. · Harm reduction: The model will be defined and applied to the club drug prevention efforts. Current prevention efforts will be highlighted. The model will be discussed within the spectrum of prevention approaches. Current prevention efforts on local and national levels will be included as examples. The role the Internet is currently playing with club drug use and its use as a harm reduction tool. · Lessons learned: What is the lesson that prevention theory, practice, culture and research have demonstrated that can be applied to club drug prevention. · Resources: Overview of related resources and materials will be presented.

Learning Objectives: · Provide participants with a basic understanding of the scope of the club drugs use and the cultural context of the rave culture. · Demonstrate the use of the harm reduction model within the scope of prevention efforts on the local and national level. · Provide participants with the essential elements to be included in club drug prevention efforts that is consistent with full range of prevention approaches. · Provide participants with a review of related resources in developing appropriate prevention strategies.

Keywords: Adolescents, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA