By Renata Glavak-Tkalić, Mike Vuolo, Anja Wertag

Background: Nightlife environments, including nightclubs, bars, and entertainment districts, are associated with elevated substance use and related harms. In situ nightlife studies offer an opportunity to capture real-time data on substance use from targeted populations. Despite the growing number of studies, no systematic review has yet been conducted on this topic. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to explore empirical in situ research in nightlife settings, with a focus on substance use. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four databases (WOS, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Google Scholar) for English-language peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2014 and 2023 that involved in situ primary data collection about substance use in nightlife settings. In total, 55 articles met the inclusion criteria. Detailed data were extracted on various aspects, such as study design, recruitment methods, substances reported, and key findings. Results: Included studies represented the United States, Europe, Brazil, and Oceania. Most (93%) employed surveys; over half (56%) also collected biomarkers. Substance use was highest among males, young adults, and sexual minorities, with polydrug use and high-risk behavior particularly prevalent in Electronic Dance Music scenes. Included articles varied substantially in their focus, including prevalence, correlates, patterns, harms, and interventions. Recruitment and reporting methods varied widely, complicating cross-study comparisons. Conclusions: This review highlights both the value and challenges of in situ research. Biomarker data enhance the reliability of self-report measures, while inconsistent reporting and non-random sampling limit generalizability. Future research should adopt standardized reporting guidelines that would allow for stronger evidence, permit reproducibility, and increase transparency

Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports 8 October 2025, 100387 In Press, Journal Pre-proof

By The Wisconsin O ffice of Justice Assistance S tatistical Analysis Center

Seriousness of Drug Abuse: Wisconsin residents view drug abuse as a very serious issue, closely linked with other social problems like poverty and crime.

Preferred Anti- Drug Methods: Residents favor aggressive law enforcement against drug importers and manufacturers, but also believe in the importance of family and educational influences.

Perceptions of Risk: There is a strong awareness of the risks associated with drug use, particularly with cocaine and heavy alcohol consumption.

Social Problems: More than two -thirds believe that addressing other social issues is essential for making progress in the war on drugs.

Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance: Statistical Analysis Center, 1992, 36 pages

By Barrett Wallace Montgomery, Arnie Aldridge, Dara Drawbridge, Ira Packer, Gina M Vincent, Rosa Rodriguez-Monguio

Individuals within the criminal justice system are at greater risk of substance use–related morbidity and mor tality and have substantial healthcare needs. In this quasi-experimental study, we assessed utilization patterns of Massachusetts Medicaid Program (MassHealth) services and associated expenditures among drug court probationers compared to a propensity score–matched sample of traditional court probationers. Risk of reoffending, employment status, age, and living arrangement data were used to calculate propensity scores and match probationers between the two court types, producing a final sample of 271 in each court (N=542). Utilization of services and associated expenditures were analyzed using a two-part model to address the skewed distribution of the data and to control for residual differences after matching from the perspective of the payer (i.e., MassHealth). The largest categories of MassHealth spending were prescription pharmaceuticals, hospital inpatient visits, and physician visits. In the unadjusted analysis, drug court probationers exhibited greater MassHealth services utilization and expenditures than traditional court probationers. However, drug courts enrolled more females, more people at higher risk of reoffending, and more people with opioid use disorders. After controlling for differences between the two court types, the difference in MassHealth services utilization and associated expenditures did not reach statistical significance. Drug court probationers were more likely to engage with healthcare services but did not incur significantly greater expenditures than traditional court probationers after controlling for differences between the samples.  

Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports 12 (2024) 100258