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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Jonathan D. Weiser, MPPA, Brian C. Kelly, PhD, and Jeffrey T. Parsons, PhD. Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training (CHEST), Hunter College, 250 West 26th St., Suite 300, New York, NY 10009, 212-206-7919 X 221, jweiser@hunter.cuny.edu

Club drug use remains prevalent in young adults throughout the U.S. The “Club Drugs and Health Project” assessed a sample of 400 club-going young adults (18-29) in NYC who reported active use of club drugs (e.g. Cocaine, LSD, GHB, Ketamine, MDMA, and Methamphetamine). Individuals were recruited at venues through the use of a time-space sampling methodology. This presentation provides a descriptive epidemiological profile of club drug use among these young adults. Preliminary results suggest that Cocaine and Ecstasy are the primary club drugs, having the highest rates of lifetime use (95.0% and 89.0% respectively) and recent use (92.4% and 50.0%). Club drugs are used in a range of settings. For each of the club drugs, the most common location for drug use was either at home (one's own or someone else's) or at a club. Cocaine was also more commonly used at work settings (33.6%) and bars (88.9%) than the other club drugs. Among users of each drug, Cocaine was the most frequently used drug. Cocaine users reported a mean number of 19.4 days of use during the past 4 months, more than double the mean number of days used for each of the other drugs. Further analyses describe the relationship between club drugs and alcohol use, club attendance, and poly-drug use. This study demonstrates that club drugs continue to be a prominent health issue among young adults. Specifically, Cocaine remains a significant drug of abuse among young adults. Health promotion efforts should be directed accordingly.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify the club drugs that are most prevalent in young adults in New York City.
• Describe the locations where club drugs are often used.
• Gain a better understanding of the frequency of use for particular club drugs.
• Discuss the relationship between club drug use and alcohol use, club attendance, and poly-drug use.

Keywords: Drug Abuse, Urban Health

Related Web page: www.hunter.cuny.edu/chest/current.shtml

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation