The adult entertainment industry represents a large division of the multi-billion dollar sex industry. The number of exotic dance clubs has nearly doubled over the past two decades; over 4,000 strip clubs are estimated to exist nationally and employ over 300,000 dancers. Existing qualitative research has made broad assertions in relation to risk practices among female exotic dancers (FEDs) regarding career-related stigma, substance use, and club environments. This cross-sectional pilot study aims to extend the present empirical knowledge of FEDs and inform quantitative analyses of substance use and abuse. Relationships between club type, career-related risk behaviors, career-related stigma, length of employment, and substance use across two timeframes: (1) prior 3-month use, and (2) before and/or during a typical shift were examined. A total of 72 in-depth face-to-face interviews were administered between May and September 2009. The study sample had a mean age of 25 years (SD = 6.8), all women interviewed were current dancers, or had worked as an exotic dancer in the past two years. Bivariate analyses were computed using Fisher's Exact chi-square test to examine the association between variables. Chi-square results confirmed relationships between career-related stigma, demographics, and substance use. Additionally, data indicated high rates of career-related risk behaviors among FEDs. Prolonged exposure to stigma and harassment are linked to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Based on the results, a more comprehensive conceptual model using multivariate analyses is warranted to examine drug use and abuse among FEDs.
