Substance Use, Well-being, and Spiking among LGBTIQ+ and Non-LGBTIQ+ Nightlife Patrons: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background

The nightlife environment serves as a significant context wherein young adults exhibit a heightened propensity for engaging in illicit substance use, thereby rendering them susceptible to acute health incidents, cognitive impairments, and the development of substance addiction. This risk is further compounded among individuals who identify as members of the LGBTIQ+ community, who face an elevated likelihood of mental health issues and addiction compared to their non-LGBTIQ+ counterparts. Despite this heightened risk, there is a dearth of comprehensive studies exploring the rates of substance use, mental well-being, and self-reported spiking incidents specifically within the LGBTIQ+ nightlife demographic compared to non-LGBTIQ+ counterparts. In response to this gap, the present study undertakes a nuanced examination of the distinctions and parallels on substance use, mental well-being and self-reported rates of spiking between LGBTIQ+ and non-LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was employed, involving 6,091 participants recruited online. Eligible participants, aged 16-35, had attended a dance festival or nightclub at least once in the past month. The sample comprised 1,157 respondents identifying as LGBTQI+ and 4,675 who did not identify as such. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to analyze self-reported past-year drug use, mental health indicators, and the prevalence of self-reported spiking incidents.

Results

The findings revealed significant disparities among nightlife patrons: 1) Rates of self-reported substance use were higher within the LGBTIQ+ community compared to non-LGBTIQ+ counterparts, 2) Mental well-being was notably lower among LGBTIQ+ women compared to other subgroups, and 3) LGBTIQ+ women exhibited the highest rates of self-reported spiking incidents, with straight men reporting the lowest incidence.

Conclusions

The study concludes that rates of illicit substance use among nightlife patrons surpass those of their general young adult peers. Furthermore, the prevalence of substance use within the LGBTIQ+ nightlife community is disproportionately elevated. Significantly, LGBTIQ+ women emerge as a potentially more vulnerable subgroup, experiencing higher rates of mental health issues and self-reported drink spiking. These findings underscore the imperative for targeted interventions and heightened vigilance to safeguard the well-being of this potentially at-risk population within the nightlife environment.