Drum & bass and jungle music are more than just genres – they’re cultural movements that thrive in underground spaces, attracting passionate listeners to rave parties, festivals, and club nights. However, like many subcultures, the rave scene has been closely intertwined with the use of certain substances, contributing to the atmosphere of the event and the intensity of the music. In this essay, we’ll explore the relationship between drug use and the rave culture surrounding drum & bass and jungle, shedding light on the substances most commonly associated with these scenes, their effects, and the risks involved.
Raves, with their pulsating beats, strobe lights, and immersive environments, have often been a space for experimentation and escapism. The powerful, fast-paced rhythms of drum & bass and the deep basslines of jungle music create an ideal backdrop for individuals seeking heightened experiences. For many, the use of substances like MDMA, LSD, and ketamine is seen as a way to amplify the sensory overload of a rave. The emotional highs induced by these substances can often enhance the physical and emotional connection to the music, creating a more immersive experience. However, these substances come with significant risks, including physical and psychological harm. Over the years, the conversation around drugs in the rave scene has shifted toward harm reduction, with events like Shambhala Music Festival offering drug testing services and promoting safe use. It’s crucial to recognize that not everyone in the scene uses drugs, and many fans prefer to enjoy the music and atmosphere sober.
While some rave-goers may turn to drugs to amplify the experience, it’s important to recognize that the underlying foundation of the rave culture is the music itself, with artists and producers driving the scene forward. The vibrant community of drum & bass lovers shares a passion for the genre’s energetic beats, complex rhythms, and transformative soundscapes. For many fans, the music is an experience in itself, one that can be enjoyed without the need for mind-altering substances.
One of the most common substances linked to the rave scene is MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly when in its pure form. MDMA has long been associated with the rave culture, particularly in genres like drum & bass, where its euphoric and empathic effects enhance the sensory experience. The music, already intense with its layered breaks and rolling basslines, is often made more powerful by the emotional connectivity that MDMA induces. MDMA increases the release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and a heightened sense of connection to others. This makes it particularly popular in communities that prioritize togetherness, such as drum & bass raves, where the crowd often dances in unison, unified by the shared experience of the music. MDMA is typically ingested orally in pill or capsule form (ecstasy) or as a powder (Molly). Users swallow pills or snort powder for a fast onset of effects. MDMA pills usually cost between $10 and $20 each, depending on purity, while Molly powder can cost $40–$60 per gram.
However, MDMA comes with its own risks. The physical effects of MDMA include dehydration, overheating, and jaw clenching. These risks can be exacerbated in the high-energy environment of a rave, where people are dancing in a crowded, often hot and humid space. The "comedown" from MDMA use can leave users feeling emotionally drained, with symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and anxiety. Chronic use of MDMA can also lead to serotonin depletion, potentially causing long-term mood disturbances and anxiety. For more on MDMA and its effects, organizations like Dance Safe offer education and harm reduction advice to help ensure safety at raves and festivals.
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is another substance that has long been part of the rave scene, particularly in the psychedelic subgenres of drum & bass and jungle. LSD is known for its ability to induce vivid hallucinations and alter perceptions of time, space, and sound. The music of drum & bass, which is already complex and layered, can feel even more dynamic and surreal under the influence of LSD. The effects of LSD often extend beyond auditory changes, altering the visual and emotional aspects of the rave experience. Users may see trails of light or colorful patterns in the environment, while the intensity of the music is magnified, creating a more immersive and surreal experience. LSD is typically taken orally, often in the form of small squares of paper soaked with the drug (blotter acid). It can also come in liquid form or gel tabs. Users often experience vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, a heightened sense of self-awareness, and an altered perception of time. The intricate layers of drum & bass become more immersive, and some listeners report profound emotional or philosophical insights during their trips. A dose of LSD typically costs $5–$20 per hit, depending on location and quality.
The primary risk associated with LSD is the potential for a “bad trip,” which can induce feelings of anxiety, paranoia, and disorientation. These negative psychological effects can be particularly unsettling in a crowded, sensory-overloaded environment like a rave. In some cases, LSD use can also trigger latent psychological issues or exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions. For those considering LSD, it is recommended to do so in a safe, controlled environment with trusted individuals. Exploring more about LSD’s effects and potential risks can be done through resources like Erowid, which provides user-generated reports and harm-reduction strategies for psychedelics.
Ketamine, often referred to as a "club drug," is a dissociative anesthetic that has become a popular choice in the rave scene. Ketamine’s ability to induce a dreamlike, out-of-body experience makes it particularly appealing in high-energy environments. While Ketamine is primarily used in medical settings as an anesthetic, recreational use in rave environments offers a unique and often profound, yet disconnected, experience. Ketamine is typically snorted as a powder or injected, though it can also be ingested orally. When used recreationally, Ketamine induces a state of dissociation in which users feel detached from their body and surroundings. This can result in a sense of floating, detachment from reality, and altered perceptions of the environment. In the high-energy atmosphere of a drum & bass rave, the sense of detachment may feel freeing, providing a surreal contrast to the intensity of the music. Ketamine typically costs $40–$80 per gram.
The risks of Ketamine use include memory loss, confusion, and motor impairment, all of which can be dangerous in the chaotic, crowded environment of a rave. Chronic use of Ketamine is linked to serious health risks, including bladder and kidney issues, as well as long-term psychological effects. Users are encouraged to be cautious when considering Ketamine , particularly due to the risk of addiction and the potential for physical harm. For more information on Ketamine , the National Institute on Drug Abuse offers comprehensive resources about the drug’s effects, risks, and medical uses.
While cannabis may not have the intense effects of other rave drugs, it remains a popular choice for many in the drum & bass and jungle scenes, adding a calming, euphoric element to the experience. Cannabis is commonly used by fans who enjoy its ability to enhance the sensory experience of the music without the intensity or risks of other substances. Cannabis is often smoked in joints, blunts, or pipes, though it can also be vaporized or consumed in edible form. It provides a mild, relaxing high that can help users focus on the intricate layers of drum & bass, allowing them to sink deeper into the atmosphere of the rave. A typical eighth of cannabis (3.5g) costs around $25–$60. While cannabis is generally considered less harmful than other substances, it can still impair coordination and judgment, making it less suitable for high-energy environments like raves.
Amphetamines, also known as speed, are stimulant drugs that increase energy and alertness, making them a popular choice for those looking to stay awake and keep dancing throughout a rave. These drugs can heighten the effects of the intense, fast-paced rhythms of drum & bass, allowing users to maintain stamina and focus on the music for longer periods. Amphetamines are usually taken orally, snorted, or injected. They provide a burst of energy, enabling users to dance for hours without tiring. Amphetamines can also induce a sense of euphoria and heightened self-confidence. Amphetamine sulfate typically costs $10–$30 per gram. However, long-term use of amphetamines can lead to serious health risks, including addiction, anxiety, and cardiovascular issues. The stimulating effects of amphetamines can also cause overheating, dehydration, and other dangerous side effects.
Nitrous oxide, often referred to as “NOS” or “laughing gas,” is another substance commonly used in rave environments for its quick, short-lived high. Nitrous oxide is inhaled from small canisters, often passed around in balloons during parties and raves. The effects are brief but intense, providing a burst of euphoria, light-headedness, and sometimes visual distortions. The appeal of nitrous oxide lies in its ability to produce an instant high, which is perfect for the fast-paced atmosphere of a rave. Nitrous oxide typically costs $2–$5 per canister, and a single balloon can cost anywhere from $3–$10. However, nitrous oxide carries risks, particularly if used improperly. In rare cases, nitrous oxide abuse can cause asphyxiation or damage to the brain due to oxygen deprivation.
While the drugs mentioned above are commonly associated with the rave scene, it’s important to note that the culture around drum & bass and jungle music is shifting toward greater awareness of harm reduction. Events like Let’s Talk About Drugs and Safe Rave are helping educate attendees on drug safety and offering services like drug testing to ensure purity and minimize risks. These initiatives provide resources for individuals to make informed decisions about their health while still enjoying the vibrant, immersive experience of the rave. It’s also worth mentioning that not everyone in the rave culture engages in drug use. Many fans find fulfillment in the music itself, the sense of community, and the collective experience of a rave without resorting to substances.
The relationship between drugs and the rave culture surrounding drum & bass and jungle is complex and multifaceted. While certain substances have become synonymous with the scene, there is a growing focus on education, harm reduction, and safe alternatives. The scene is evolving, as artists and fans alike increasingly prioritize health and well-being without sacrificing the raw energy and passion that make drum & bass so captivating. Ultimately, the music remains the heartbeat of the rave, and it is through this shared love of sound and experience that the rave culture continues to thrive, adapting and evolving in the face of challenges.