Citation

Byrnes HF, Miller BA, Bourdeau B, Johnson MB. J. Drug Iss. 2019; 49(4): 668-679.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Florida State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice)

DOI

10.1177/0022042619859257

PMID

34658404

PMCID

PMC8516317

Abstract

Although protective strategies are implemented within drinking groups, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use may increase when protective strategies are in place. Being in a cohesive group could lead to a false sense of security, leading to more risk taking. This study examines whether club patrons perceiving greater group cohesion implement fewer protective strategies and use more AOD. The sample includes 815 club patrons (44.2% female; M age = 27.7, SD = 6.0 years) arriving in 324 groups, from seven clubs hosting electronic music dance events, across 30 evenings. Anonymous surveys, biological measures of alcohol (entry and exit) and drugs (exit only), were used.

RESULTS show that group cohesion relates to fewer strategies to keep themselves and their group safe and fewer actions responding to group AOD problems. Group cohesion was unrelated to AOD use.

FINDINGS suggest that prevention strategies should incorporate influences of group cohesion in engaging patrons in group safety strategies at clubs.

Language: en

Keywords

alcohol use; drug use; drinking groups; nightclub safety