Drug and alcohol use in recreational settings are linked to a range of health and social problems. These include acute health problems, such as unconsciousness and unintentional injury, aggressive behaviour and violence, unsafe and unwanted sex, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. In the 2009–12 EU drugs action plan and, more recently, through the adoption in 2010 of Council conclusions in this area, the EU has addressed drug and alcohol use in places where young people gather to socialise and dance. Reflecting these conclusions, this paper summarises some of the approaches used today to prevent and reduce the health and social risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol in recreational settings.

Table of contents:
Introduction
The need for a balanced and evidence-based approach
Prevention at the user level
Environmental strategies
Training of staff
Interventions involving stakeholders
Policing and law enforcement measures
Conclusions