Hassle-Free Highs: How Young People Regulate Their Drug Use in Amsterdam

In recent years, concerns about drug use among young people have grown. While it can be unsettling to care for youth who engage in recreational drug use, it's crucial to acknowledge that they are seeking and experiencing positive effects alongside the potential negative consequences. To better understand this complex issue, ethnographic fieldwork was conducted as part of the ChemicalYouth project, which sought to explore the lived experiences of young drug users and their self-regulation techniques.

The findings revealed five distinct and interlocking self-regulation methods that youth employ to minimize risks while still enjoying their 'hassle-free highs'. These strategies involve careful planning, monitoring, and adaptation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. By studying these practices, we can gain valuable insights into how young people regulate their drug use and what they do to avoid harm.

In response, health authorities in Amsterdam have implemented harm reduction strategies that build on and reinforce the self-regulation practices of young drug users. These approaches aim to strike a balance between warning about negative effects and acknowledging the positive experiences of recreational drug use. By doing so, they create a safe space for youth to engage in responsible and informed drug use.

The city's policies are grounded in two key principles: harm is not always present and can be minimized through effective strategies that engage with the collective, material, and affective practices within drug-using communities. This approach has led to innovative harm reduction initiatives that cater specifically to the needs of young people.

By exploring these findings and the city's response, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of how young people regulate their drug use in Amsterdam. Our research highlights the importance of acknowledging the complex realities of recreational drug use among youth and developing evidence-based policies that prioritize their well-being and safety.

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