Christine Thoer*, University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Canada Track: Research Presentation Topic: The nature and dynamics of social networks in health Presentation Type: Oral presentation Submission Type: Single Presentation Building: MaRS Centre, 101 College Street, Toronto, Canada Room: CR2 Date: 2009-09-17 03:30 PM – 05:00 PM Last modified: 2009-08-13

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The increase in recreational use of prescription drugs and OTCs is becoming a serious public health issue among adolescents and young adults. The use and abuse of medication to get high or increase mental performance is on the rise. The Internet is a major source of information on pharmaceutical and recreational drugs and a means to access pharmaceuticals with or without a prescription. Studies show that Internet-based information on psychoactive substances can affect their use by young adults and adolescents.

The objective of the present study was to analyze interactions on an online discussion forum within a community of ravers. We identified the pharmaceutical drugs participants discussed in the forum and the type of information shared. We also tried to understand how participants viewed, used, and determined what they considered to be a valuable expertise when it comes to drug diversion and abuse.

We conducted a non participant observation of a forum within a community of Canadian ravers. We analyzed 10 threads of discussion focusing on prescription drugs. We also conducted online interviews with the forum administrator who is very active within the rave scene and developped this forum, in order to understand why the forum was created.

We found that the forum provides information on prescription and non prescription drugs that can be used for recreation. Users exchange information on access to these pharmaceuticals, both online and offline, validation of the right product; and how to best use these pharmaceutical (the right dose, interesting interactions, strategies to maximize the effects, etc.) and prevent non-desired side effects.
Ethnographic data from the forum indicate that biomedical knowledge is highly considered. However, users ignore traditional experts (MDs, nurses, pharmacists) unless they are relatives with whom they exchange on an informal basis on prescription drug effects and side effects. Science students with drug-diverted experience also emerge within the forum as valuable experts. Pharmaceuticals are described as stronger, and more accessible and secure than illegal recreational drugs.

The forum is a place to share experience-based and biomedical knowledge on prescription and non prescription drugs. While scientific knowledge and pharmaceutical technology is highly considered, participants show a clear preference for “warm experts,” i.e. individuals who have access to biomedical knowledge but are closer to them because they are relatives or within the same age group. More research is needed to better identify these experts. Opportunities for online prevention interventions are discussed.