Fun with Friends? Participation in the Gay Community Predicts Alcohol and Drug Consumption for Gay and Bisexual Men

Gay and bisexual men report alcohol and drug (AOD) consumption at rates double that of the general population. While some research suggests this may be a result of minority stress, recent studies suggest the level of involvement these men have in the gay community may provide another explanation. Additionally, studies have found AOD consumption among gay and bisexual men may vary by age. This study aimed to understand the association between community participation (CP) and AOD consumption whilst understanding the role age has in this relationship. A cross-sectional online study was conducted with 301 gay (92.4%) and bisexual (7.6%) Australian men over the age of 18. Results indicated that CP predicted AOD consumption, but age did not moderate the relationship. Of the dimensions of community participation (nightlife, community activities, media, and political activism), nightlife was the only factor associated with both alcohol consumption and drug consumption. As greater involvement in the gay community was associated with higher AOD consumption for gay and bisexual men, there is a need to understand how factors such as normative behaviors and the process of belonging may contribute to the relationship. Implications and limitations are discussed further in the report.