Causes and consequences of increasing club drug use in China: a descriptive assessment

Abstract

Club drugs have quickly become the most widespread "drugs of abuse" in China. Using data from a convenience sample of 730 club drug users in Shanghai in 2006 , we explored the causes and consequences of club drug use. Descriptive analyses suggest that club drug use is typically polydrug use. Polydrug use is strongly associated with weakened social control, drug use social influences, and a sensation-seeking personality; in addition, it is associated with more negative health and social consequences. Both polydrug and single-club-drug users are at high risk of sexually acquiring and/or transmitting HIV. The study's limitations are noted, and future research is suggested.