Prevalence and perceptions of ketamine use among Danish clubbers: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Aims This article describes the prevalence of ketamine use among Danish recreational drug users and provides a contextual understanding of ketamine use within this group. Methods and Data The analysis is based on a mixed-methods night club study combining a survey among guests in night clubs (N=1,632) with qualitative interviews (9 focus group interviews, 6 double interviews, 7 individual interviews; 53 clubbers in total). Results 10% of the clubbers have tried ketamine (lifetime use). The ketamine users have also tried a range of other drugs. When taken in club settings, ketamine is often part of a polydrug repertoire. When used in private settings, ketamine is often taken alone to explore its hallucinogenic effects. The users are aware of the potency of the drug, but do not pay attention to long-term negative effects of ketamine use. Conclusion Ketamine users predominantly prefer to use ketamine in private settings. This can be viewed as a strategy for risk management, but also as a way of optimising the combination of drug – place – social – body, thereby creating a drug experience that is not possible in public settings.