Illicit drug use and experience of harm in the night-time economy

Abstract

The study investigates illicit drug use in the night-time economy and its association with intoxication, harm and violence experienced by licensed venue patrons. Five-minute structured interviews measuring event-level data were conducted over a 15-month period (March 2010–June 2011) between 9 pm and 1 am. A total of 3949 patrons were interviewed in Newcastle and Geelong, Australian regional cities close to capital cities. Mean age was 24.3 years old (SD=5.8) and 54.4% were male. Six percent of the sample self-reported consuming illicit substances at the time of interview; 7.3% at nightclub venues, 11.8% in the street, 5.5% in pubs and 2.8% in bars. Amphetamines, methamphetamines and ecstasy accounted for two-thirds of substance use. Patrons who reported consuming illicit drugs were 1.90 times as likely to be involved in a prior violent incident (OR 1.35–2.70 95% CI, p < 0.001). Participants who reported illicit drug use at the time of interview were likely to be 0.89 (p < 0.001) points higher on self-reported intoxication scale (0–10), and were more likely to have engaged in high risk alcohol consumption χ² (1, n = 3396) = 9.63, p < 0.01) than those who did not report using drugs. Illicit drug use contributes significantly to the burden of harm and intoxication in night-time environments, despite being a minority behavior.

• Drugs
• nightlife
• violence

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Inspector Bill Mathers, Darren Holroyd, Mario Gregorio, Tim Bongiorno, David O'Connor, Mike Angus, Sargent Wayne Buck, Senior Sargent Paul Tapley and Leading Senior Constable Bob Pupavac. Particular thanks to Superintendent Anthony Cooke (NSW police) and Superintendent Max Mitchell (NSW police) for their continued support and advice. Thanks to co-investigators A/Prof John Wiggers, Jennifer Tindall, Karen Gillham, and also Daniel Groombridge who coordinated interview teams in Newcastle. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the many licensees who allowed us access to their venues and patrons.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The authors confirm that this material has not been published elsewhere, and the paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. All authors have been personally and substantially involved in the work leading to the paper, and will hold themselves jointly and individually responsible for its content. All relevant ethical safeguards have been met in relation to the confidentiality and consent of the patients involved in the research. The Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee approved this project.

This study was funded by the Australian National Drug Law Enforcement Fund, an Initiative of the Australian National Drug Strategy.