What Happens at Underground Raves? Risk, research and Harm Reduction

Underground raves first appeared in the late 80's in the United Kingdom, since then they have spread up to be strongly established throughout many different countries and continents. Opposite to mainstream raves or other recreational contexts (with commercial purpose and publicly advertised), underground raves could be considered the most risky context for their participants´ health. 

On the one hand, substances and poly substance use in underground raves is higher than the one it can be found at mainstream raves or other recreational contexts. Poly substance use is usual in this kind of raves, with a high use of stimulant/hallucinogenic substances. On the other hand, the fact that this kind of parties are self-organized, far away or held in places difficult to get, and that they are not often prepared to attend health emergency situations, could lead to serious consequences to the health of ravers in the case of they should have severe health problems.