Recreational nightlife: Risk and protective factors for drug misuse among young Europeans in recreational environments

Abstract

Aim: To assess the predictive relevance of recreational nightlife-related variables for drug use in comparison with other intrapersonal and interpersonal risk and protective factors.Sample: A total of 1777 young people were interviewed in recreational nightlife environments in 10 European cities. The sample was balanced by drug use (users and non-users), gender and age.Measurements: Participants were interviewed on the basis of a structured questionnaire comprising several risk domain factors (sociodemographics, substance-use history, risk behaviours and related attitudes, motivations and perceptions relating to substance use, peer and family substance use and opinions, motivation and clubbing habits).Findings: A global multivariate logistic regression analysis correctly classified 92% of the individuals using drugs. Among the factors studied, the group of variables relating to the management of recreational activities (opinions, motivation and clubbing habits) were the best predictors of drug use. But traditional risk factors are also relevant in predicting drug use among recreational drug users.Conclusions: The results suggests the need to address the management of weekend recreational habits as an important objective in the prevention of drug use and misuse, including the implication and the meaning given to recreational nightlife.