Drug Use as Boundary Play: A Qualitative Exploration of Gay Circuit Parties
2011

Exploring Drug Use at Gay Circuit Parties

Sample size: 17 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Patrick O'Byrne, Dave Holmes

Primary Institution: School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

Hypothesis

How do drug use and unsafe sexual practices relate at gay circuit parties?

Conclusion

The study found that drug use at gay circuit parties is intentionally used to explore personal limits and later justify risky behaviors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants reported using drugs to enhance their sexual experiences.
  • Many participants justified risky behaviors by blaming drug use after the fact.
  • Drug use was seen as a way to explore personal limits without exceeding them.

Takeaway

Some men use drugs at parties to have more fun and push their limits, but then they blame the drugs for any bad choices they make.

Methodology

Qualitative interviews and questionnaires were conducted with 17 men who attended gay circuit parties.

Potential Biases

The study may reflect the researchers' perspectives and assumptions about drug use and behavior.

Limitations

The findings are based on a small, specific group of men and may not be generalizable to all drug users.

Participant Demographics

{"average_age":36.3,"ethnicity":{"caucasian":88.2,"african_canadian":5.9,"asian_canadian":5.9},"education":{"college_or_higher":76.5},"sexual_preference":{"exclusively_men":88.2},"annual_income":{"at_least_30000_CAD":70.6}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3109/10826084.2011.572329

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