Drug use in South Wales: who uses Ecstasy anyway?

Abstract

The relationship between clubs, raves and drugs is discussed in the context of a ‘dance drug’ scene. The initial connection point between these was typically believed to be Ecstasy (MDMA), as the two factors are positively associated in much of the early literature regarding these issues. The direct relationship of Ecstasy to the club/rave scene has been questioned in recent reports, where it has been suggested that other drugs have entered the scene and that Ecstasy is being used in a range of settings not associated with the dance scene. Further, it has been suggested that poly-drug use in youth-based samples is becoming more prevalent and that many of the individuals consuming what is sold as Ecstasy believe it to be a substance other than MDMA, confirming this idea of poly-drug use. Research carried out in clubs and raves in a district of South Wales does suggest that Ecstasy is no longer a central feature of the dance drug scene, and likewise, the dance scene is no longer a central feature of Ecstasy use. Further, poly-drug use among members of this dance drug scene does appear to be more typical than the use of a single substance. Reasons for this development in drug-using behaviour are discussed, as are implications and requirements for community drug services.