But it would be too simplistic to draw conclusions concerning a causal relationship and to blame certain musical styles for patterns of drug use evolving in youth populations. Young people joining specific groups feel attracted to complex lifestyle patterns and other influences on the cultural level. Since music and drugs are regarded as ´everyday commodities´ by participants in popular culture, these patterns may include a musical preference and a preference for drug use, since this behaviour represents participation at symbolic levels.
The relationship between music preference and substance use is either wholly or partially mediated by perceived peer use. Music can model substance use, and fans of different types of music may select friends with use patterns that reinforce their own substance-use inclinations..."
