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.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Anne Line Bretteville-Jensen and Jasmina Burdzovic Andreas at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health for planning the data collection and providing valuable advice for the preparation of this manuscript. We also wish to thank the research assistants who collected the oral fluid samples and recorded the data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

This study was funded by Oslo University Hospital and The Norwegian Institute of Public Health with financial support from The Norwegian Health Directorate (Helsedirektoratet).