Drugs as part of the psychedelic trance dance party
Human Affairs April 1, 2019 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1515/humaff-2019-0012 via OpenAlex
Summary
The psychedelic trance subculture has a unique perspective on drug use, distinguishing between tolerated and non-tolerated substances, which contrasts with mainstream views. Through interviews and observations of experts, long-term participants, and newcomers, it was found that while there are unwritten behavioral rules for intoxicated individuals, the subculture lacks strong enforcement mechanisms. Hallucinogens play a significant role in shaping the culture of psychedelic trance events.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Population | participants in the psychedelic trance subculture, including experts, long-term attendees, and newcomers |
| Key finding | The subculture distinguishes between tolerated and non-tolerated drugs, differing from mainstream paradigms. |
Abstract
Abstract The aim of our paper is to analyze the position the psychedelic trance subculture takes on drug use and whether it applies to prescriptive regulatory systems on drug-taking. A qualitative field research strategy was adopted with the use of semi-structured interviews and participant observations. Actors at three levels of participation in the subculture (experts, long-term participants and newcomers to psychedelic trance parties) were interviewed. The results showed that the subculture distinguishes between tolerated and non-tolerated drugs. This distinction is different from the mainstream paradigm. The subculture also has unwritten rules relating to the behavior expected of an intoxicatedperson. However, there is only limited potential for the subculture to enforce these standards and recognition that this represents a threat. Psychedelic trance stands out from other dance scenes in the use of specific drugs—hallucinogens—that dominate and inform its culture.