The study aimed to discover whether increased sensuality and social
interaction due to drugs taken at raves may lead to greater sexual activity
and spread of HIV. To assess this, two studies were undertaken in the North
of England.
The results of the first study relating to amphetamine users were: Those
attending raves made no more casual sexual contacts than non-ravers.
Amphetamine (including Ecstasy) users were less likely to have sexual
intercourse, and were more positive towards condom use. Their risk of
infection with HIV was therefore less.
The second study concerned injecting polydrug users. Of these, 10% were
regular Ecstasy users; two-thirds of who were under 25 applying equally to
men and women. Ecstasy users were more likely to also use frequent and high
doses of cannabis and amphetamine. Ecstasy users had more friends and were
less likely to inject alone. Ecstasy users had greater interest in sex and
had more sex with more partners. Although their attitude to condom use was
similar to non-users, increased sexual activity also put them at greater
risk of HIV infection.
