The use of amphetamine type stimulants and the normalization of recreational drug use among people who attend electronic music events

The article presents the results and findings of a quantitative and qualitative research into the use of ATS and the characteristics of attending electronic music events in Slovenia. The main conclusions of the study that concern the prevalence of drug use at electronic music events point to a decrease in the prevalence of ecstasy use and an increase in the use of cocaine and methamphetamine. The analysis of the interviews in the qualitative part reflects the influence of the normalization of drug use on a specific group of people – those who attend electronic music events – and is evident among all of the subgroups included in the interview section. These young people are familiar with drugs because they have become more accessible and are a part of the growing up process of every individual; this can also been seen in the attitudes the young people who do not use them have towards drugs. These young people continually put off quitting their drug use further and further into the future or else they do not even consider stopping. The analysis of the interviews shows that these young people are relatively well aware of the measures necessary for reducing the harm caused by drug use and the measures to take in case of an overdose, as well as of the available sources of help