The Rise Of VR Raves And Digital Drug Culture

According to a report by WIRED a man in Dublin spent 60 consecutive hours wearing a VR headset, and dancing in the virtual environment after consuming ketamine, cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol. WIRED reports that he never leaves his apartment.

“If you’re not able to self-moderate, it’s endless,” says WIRED O’Rourke, a 38-year-old IT worker from Dublin. “You’re not going to win; you’re not going to see the end of the party,” he added.

Since the Covid-19 lockdowns, VR raving has taken off. Platforms like VRChat now host thousands of partygoers each weekend, as noted in a Reddit post. The virtual clubs mimic real-world venues—minus the costs, rules, and risks of physical nightlife. But with freedom comes excess.

WIRED reports that VR raving has exploded in popularity since the Covid-19 lockdowns. Each Weekend, thousands of partygoers attend virtual events on VRChat. Virtual clubs on these platforms replicate real-world nightclubs, minus the costs, rules, and risks of physical nightlife. But with freedom comes excess.

“There’s a lot of weird shit going on, and it can be hard to adjust, but if you do it’s magical,” O’Rourke says to WIRED. He’s logged almost 1,800 hours in VR and runs a virtual party called Euro-Corp.

But he admits going too far. “I accidentally did a heroic dose (of mushrooms) […[ I haven’t taken shrooms since.” He now prefers ketamine, which he says enhances the virtual experience.

The technology allows users to become anyone, or anything. Ru, a trans DJ in Ohio, finds safety and self-expression in the scene. “I get sexually assaulted far less often,” she says to WIRED. “Go listen to your local people, and then come to any random club in VR; you’re going to be shocked that your local DJs suck ass.”

Luna, 21, from the Netherlands, found community in VR when she was depressed and isolated. WIRED reported that after months of virtual partying, she even met her boyfriend through a rave organized by a VR club.

A 2023 study titled “Social Virtual Reality as a Mental Health Tool”, explored how people consciously use VRChat to support their wellbeing. In interviews and surveys, participants said VRChat helped them reduce loneliness, improve confidence, and even cope with anxiety. The researchers found that VRChat served, for some, as an informal therapeutic environment, boosting social skills, easing depressive thoughts, and offering a safe space for social experimentation.

The study highlights the potential of VR as a digital mental health tool, particularly for men who often struggle to seek help offline. Still, researchers caution against overreliance. VR can foster connection, but escaping into digital worlds shouldn’t replace real-world relationships.

Experts warn of further risks when it comes to VR raves. Maria Balaet, a researcher at Imperial College London, says drug use in VR may intensify bad trips and cause disorientation. “Having a bad trip in VR is probably worse than a bad trip outside of VR,” she says ro WIRED. “Once one comes out of the VR environment their body and mind needs to readjust to the world too, and that is taxing in addition to the bad trip itself,” she added.

While some see a utopia, others see a trap. As Balaet puts it, “I’m not sure how long one can stay in this state without feeling disconnected,” as reported by WIRED.