Nightclub culture to blame for excessive drug and alcohol usage?

Last week a popular Dutch DJ played at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast in an event for 16- to 18-year-olds. On the night 60 young people had to be treated for the effects of alcohol and drugs. Most of them were under 18 years old and became seriously unwell as a result of drinking too much alcohol and taking drugs.

DJ Hardwell is rated as the best DJ in the world and is famous for his dance tracks Spaceman and Apollo. Young fans camped out in the pouring rain to ensure they could attend the show.

The problems started before the club opened its doors. Adrian Doyle, the Odyssey Arena general manager, explained that many of the youngsters arrived at the Odyssey Arena already intoxicated and needed medical attention. The concert continued as planned.

Mr Doyle said: “These patrons were not granted entry to the Odyssey Arena, and were treated by the ambulance service outside. Seven patients have been transferred to hospital by ambulance.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service had to declare a major incident because of the large number of people in need of medical attention.

Usually we hear of stories about youngsters becoming unwell after drinking excessively or taking drugs at parties or in nightclubs during an event. The assumption is that the excitement of the event makes people less aware of how much they are consuming.

At the DJ Hardwell event, teenagers felt the need to become intoxicated before the show had started. This suggests that youngsters believe that alcohol and drugs are required in order to enjoy an evening in a nightclub.