BACKGROUND: Heavy episodic drinking (HED) has negative consequences for both the individual and society. Research on HED has focused mainly on the general population while research into HED and other drug use among recreational drug using populations is less developed.
OBJECTIVES: This study explores factors related to HED on a previous weekend among male and female recreational drug users.
METHODS: Cross-sectional interviews were undertaken with those age 19+ who regularly use recreational drugs in a nightlife setting in two cities in Canada (n = 931) between 2008 and 2014. Participants were asked about their alcohol and other drug use the previous Friday or Saturday. Chi-square bivariate tests were used to determine factors significantly associated with HED with significant variables then entered into multivariate logistic regression models to determine related factors for men and women.
RESULTS: Results showed that 53.4% of all participants met criteria for HED the previous weekend and the majority of those had used at least one other drug. Multivariate models showed being in postsecondary full-time, being between 19 and 25, using cocaine and using tobacco the previous weekend was associated with HED for men. For women, using cocaine the previous weekend was associated with HED, while being 26 and over, married or common law and using marijuana was associated with lower odds of HED.
CONCLUSION: HED is common among recreational drug users but different factors were associated HED for men and women. Interventions for recreational drug users should include both alcohol and other drug messaging and be gender specific.