Regular attendees of rave music parties in Israel who use psychedelic drugs report feeling insecure and anxious due to the government's strict drug ban policy, and they perceive stigma from law enforcement and society. Short-term negative experiences include hallucinations and disorientation, while positive experiences include intensified sensory perceptions, emotional release, self-acceptance, and a greater appreciation of life and nature. The study suggests that reducing police presence and adopting harm reduction policies could increase participants' sense of security, reduce stigmatization, and lower overdose risk.
Rave music parties can lead to long-term positive changes for attendees who use psychedelic drugs, but little is known about how people prepare for these events or what happens afterward. Interviews with 27 Israeli rave attendees revealed five types of preparation: physical, anticipation and body sensations, cognitive, social, and logistic. After the party, four types of consequences emerged: physical, emotional, cognitive, and positive social changes. These findings align with theories of liminality and rites of passage, where the preparation phase corresponds to separation from normal life, and the aftermath involves returning to everyday life with lasting changes. The authors suggest Israeli policymakers adopt European drug-checking policies to reduce harm.