Drugs more important than dancing: study

He says that 'feeling the vibe of the event' and drug-taking were among the top five reasons.

The research also found that the majority of young people who go to dance parties and who take drugs plan to be more sensible when they get older.

Mr Marshall says most of the people surveyed expected to grow-out of going to dance parties.

"People were saying 'It's something I do now, it's part of being young and free and the ability to play and express myself'," he said.

"[They said that] that stage will pass and [they'll] pass into another stage of life."

Homosexuals 'feel less oppressed'

Mr Marshall's research also reveals that some homosexuals believe dance parties are a place they can go to feel more accepted.

He says that some gay people go to 'rave parties' to feel part of a community.

"To be in a room with thousands of like-minded people, and feel better about themselves," he said.

"[They] feel freer, and somebody used the term 'less oppressed'." © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation