Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health最新文献

{"title":"Challenges in New Psychoactive Substances and Traditional Drugs of Abuse Testing in Saudi Arabia","authors":"A. Al Asmari","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, new psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to increase in incidence threating life, and may lead to deaths in many circumstances. In contrast, in the scientific literature from the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, including Saudi Arabia, drug-related fatalities have rarely been reported. Little is known about drug-related deaths, although in the media tons of drugs have been seized annually. In addition, most studies in the MENA region are outdated. In other words, in MENA regions, even drug seized the custom department seems to be not matched with what is trending worldwide. The phenomenon of NPS is widely speared across the globe, but little is known in these regions. Confirmation of the identity of illicit and licit drugs in each matrix or as seized material are paramount task in forensic and clinical toxicology. Although many reviews have been published on the potential advantages of hyphenated techniques in toxicology, these devices required special setting may be not available in custom department or outside laboratories. Many portals small devices are not available for testing these seized materials on custom such as Raman spectroscopy. This presentation will address the use of many small devices that can be attached to GC-MS or LC-MS techniques. These techniques are rapid, accurate and efficient for primary identify both traditional and NPS in different sample types either biological or seized material. At first glance, identification of targeted analytes is not always problematic if standards are available, a suitable method of extraction is used and there is an adequate chromatographic separation. However, problems arise when trying to follow identification criteria using guidelines based on GC-MS analysis using new technologies. Challenging encountered with identification using portal, small and mobile techniques will be discussed. In fact, many identification parameters are presented which may give toxicologists added confidence in making decisions as to the presence of such drugs in seized and biological matrices. In this presentation, the role of forensic toxicology centre across Saudi Arabia in fighting against the emerging NPS and traditional drug of abuse will be discussed in parallel with introducing Saudi Arabia experience and solutions in combination of old and new identification techniques for such analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100062"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140961","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recreational Use of Nitrous Oxide – a Growing Concern in Europe","authors":"J. De Morais,&nbsp;L. Van Aerts,&nbsp;M. Evans-Brown,&nbsp;A. Gallegos,&nbsp;R. Christie,&nbsp;R. Jorge,&nbsp;T. Néfau,&nbsp;G. Planchuelo,&nbsp;R. Sedefov,&nbsp;C. Victorri-Vigneau,&nbsp;R. Povilanskiene,&nbsp;K. Grasaasen,&nbsp;D.F.t. Palmqvis,&nbsp;D. Mongan,&nbsp;K. Killeen,&nbsp;A.O. Duarte,&nbsp;A.S. Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100085","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is used medically as an analgesic and anaesthetic. It has been used recreationally for its brief euphoric effects for over 200 years, however, in the last decade, there has been a large increase in its recreational use and, more recently, an increase in reported serious health and social harms in some countries. The situation in seven European countries has been analyzed, including epidemiology, health and social harms, policy responses, and lessons learned. This can be used to inform relevant stakeholders on how to respond to nitrous.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Case studies on the situation with nitrous oxide in Denmark, France, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Portugal were developed based on the information collected by the national Early Warning Systems within their networks and literature. For the case study of the United Kingdom, open-source data were used. In addition, relevant information was retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Easy availability, low price, short-lived effects, and perception as a safe and socially acceptable drug might explain growing popularity of nitrous oxide. The market has expanded in recent years with a range of specialised internet shops, partly offering it under the disguise of ‘party accessories’, but also openly when the legal situation permits. Social media is also used to promote and sell it. In some cases, the supply has moved from shops to social media following measures to restrict its supply. Of special concern is that most use of nitrous is by young people, including teenagers inexperienced with drug use. The current situation has led to an increase in frequent and heavy use and an increase in poisonings reported to poison centres. According to the French Addictovigilance networ, the number of notifications linked to nitrous increased from 10 in 2018 to 358 in 2021. Harms include frostbites, barotrauma, serious neurological toxicity (such as myeloneuropathy), cardiovascular consequences (such as thrombo-embolic events), psychiatric disorders, and driving under the influence. More recently, harms are fuelled by a switch from small canisters to large cylinders.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Poison centres and the French Addictovigilance system played a key role in detecting, monitoring, and responding to the issue of nitrous oxide. Its growing recreational use is a public health concern requiring an integrated multi-sectoral approach to reduce demand, availability, and risks. The responses might include prevention, monitoring, treatment, and legislative actions. Data sharing at EU level to monitor this issue is needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100085"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detecting Fentanyl Analogs by Combining Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and Paper Spray Mass Spectroscopy (PS-MS).","authors":"S. Dogruer Erkok,&nbsp;R. Gallois,&nbsp;P. Camoiras Gonzalez,&nbsp;A. van Asten,&nbsp;B. McCord","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100088","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Many fentanyl analogs are developed and mixed with other illicit drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. Detecting fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in these illicit drug mixtures gains more importance. Most confirmatory procedures require time-consuming and expensive, highly sophisticated laboratory equipment and experimental procedures, which can delay critical information that might save a victim or identify a suspect. In this project, we propose miniaturizing and accelerating this process by combining SERS analysis and mass spectrometry on a single microfluidic device. This procedure, known as paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS), can isolate fentanyl analogs from even complex drug mixtures. Thus, we propose to develop a novel device capable of simultaneously detecting fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in illicit drug mixtures.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>For this aim, first, a dual-purpose plasmonic paper substrate will be developed and optimized by soaking the filter papers into the synthesized bimetallic (Au-Ag) nanostars. The various images will be taken to define the characteristics of these paper substrates. Then, a procedure for drug screening by Raman will be combined with paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) confirmation. Finally, this newly developed method will be used in seized drug samples.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The soaking time of the filter paper is affecting the enhancement. As the papers stay in the nanostar solutions more (up to 6 days), the enhancement of the peaks gets better. Different illicit drugs such as fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine can be detected on these filter papers by portable Raman spectroscopy. Optimizing the PSI-MS method is still in process.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Coupling portable SERS and PSI-MS methods will provide strong confirmatory results for real-world samples and drug mixtures. The experimental results obtained in this project can be readily implemented in field applications and in smaller laboratories, where inexpensive portable Raman spectrometers are often present and are used in drug analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100088"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143140970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs During the Covid-19 Lockdown: a Cross-Cultural Study on Potential Users and Associated Risks","authors":"I. De Luca,&nbsp;F. Di Carlo,&nbsp;J. Burkauskas,&nbsp;A.R. Dores,&nbsp;M.A. Gómez-Martínez,&nbsp;A. Szabo,&nbsp;H. Fujiwara,&nbsp;C. Monteiro,&nbsp;M. Di Nicola,&nbsp;M. Mazza,&nbsp;G. Sani,&nbsp;D. Luciani,&nbsp;M. Pettorruso,&nbsp;M. di Giannantonio,&nbsp;I. Cataldo,&nbsp;G. Esposito,&nbsp;G. Martinotti,&nbsp;O. Corazza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs), or lifestyle drugs, are a wide range of products presented as having the potential to improve mental and physical function and health. Little is known about IPEDs consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown. The present study aimed to profile IPEDs during this period characterised by physical distancing, isolation, gym closures, and other altered lifestyle habits.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional observational study investigating the type of IPEDs consumed and purchasing methods was disseminated via a web-based questionnaire in eight countries (United Kingdom, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Japan) between April and May 2020. This included the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 736 IPEDs users were included in the survey. The mean age of the sample was 33.05 years (SD =10.06), with females rate of 64.2%. Among IPEDs users, 6.8% were at risk of exercise addiction (EAI &gt;24), 27.6% presented high levels of appearance anxiety and 24.9% revealed low levels of self-compassion and emotional self-regulation. Most participants (55.6%) purchased IPEDs through pharmacies/specialised shops, while 41.3% purchased IPEDs on the Internet. Online shoppers of IPEDs were mainly men who reported higher scores on the Exercise Addiction Inventory. One or more IPEDs classifiable as “potentially at-risk” were used by 66.3% of the sample. Users of “potentially at-risk IPEDs” were younger and mostly males. They showed higher scores both at Exercise Addiction Inventory and Appearance Anxiety Inventory.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study profiled users of IPEDs during the peak of lockdown policies due to the COVID-19 breakdown. Both purchasing methods and types of IPEDs consumed were associated with distinct socio-demographic aspects and psychopathological traits. Some relevant cross-cultural differences were highlighted. Longitudinal studies will be needed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on IPEDs consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100083"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"IPEDs Use in Recreational Sport Settings: Public Health Implications and Prevention Strategies","authors":"L. Lazuras","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recreational sport and physical activity engagement are meant to promote healthy lifestyles across the lifespan and help individuals develop positive psychological skills and characteristics. The use of Image and Performance Enhancement Drugs (IPEDs) is against this idea and poses a significant health risk to users. IPEDs use is increasingly recognized as an emerging public health and societal challenge because it can directly affect millions of people engaging in recreational sport across countries. The present talk will provide an overview of the prevalence of IPEDs use in recreational sport settings and will discuss the latest evidence about the mental and physical health problems associated with this behaviour. The key social and psychological drivers of IPEDs use will be presented, with an emphasis on availability, accessibility, and patterns of use. Lastly, the existing legislative and policy measures to tackle IPEDs use in recreational sport will be reviewed. Drawing on international research projects and policy initiatives, the talk will discuss novel evidence-informed preventive strategies focusing on building positive psychological characteristics (e.g., mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion), and on developing a systems-based approach that involve multiple stakeholders, including National Anti-Doping Organisations, public health authorities, and the fitness industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Trends in the United States","authors":"E.D. Lockhart","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100102","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100102","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>New psychoactive substances (NPS) have continually evolved since appearing in the United States in 2009. The timely dissemination of information outlining the NPS currently in the market provides useful information to the law enforcement and health communities. This presentation will illustrate NPS identifications and trends tracked by Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) laboratory system.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data was collected for this analysis through a query of archived seizure and analysis information. The information targeted in this query included the date and location of the seizure and substances identified during the chemical analysis performed by the eight DEA chemistry laboratories. These seizure details and analytical results are used to compile drug intelligence, detect the appearance of new drugs of abuse, and monitor drug trends.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The most prevalent NPS identified in the United States fall within the categories of synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and opioids. Other chemical classes identified during the first half of CY 2023 include benzodiazepines, tryptamines, hallucinogens, and several other classes. Particular attention will be paid to the current opioid market in the United States.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Due to the ever-changing nature of NPS, the criminal justice system is confronted with a unique set of challenges. Understanding the current trends and monitoring the emergence of NPS within the United States enables the health, forensic, enforcement, and legislative communities to be better prepared to fight the NPS epidemic.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing Prevalence, Knowledge and Use of Cognitive Enhancers among University Students in the United Arab Emirates: A quantitative study","authors":"S. Sharif,&nbsp;S. Fergus,&nbsp;A. Guirguis,&nbsp;N. Smeeton,&nbsp;F. Schifano","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100120","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100120","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The use of prescription stimulants for cognitive enhancement by healthy university students, identified as the largest cohort of cognitive enhancer (CE) users, is of growing interest. The purpose of this study was to look at the understanding, perception, experience, and level of access of CEs among healthy university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted in six highly competitive university programmes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 university students to discuss their own experiences and those of their friends and peers regarding the use of prescription stimulants. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven teaching faculty staff members (Registered pharmacists and Medical doctors) to explore their views on the use of CEs in their university.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data were analysed thematically for the identification of themes and subthemes within the data using coding. It was found that, ‘Adderall’ was the most common prescribed CE drug and caffeine supper strength pills were the most common non-prescribed CE drug, both reported to enhance concentration, motivation, and meet academic deadlines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>It is expected that the findings of this study will be of interest to a wide range of services in UAE universities. This will enable them to raise awareness about the use of CEs among students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100120"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"‘Scary but Brilliant’: The Views of People who Use SCRAs in a Community Setting on a Novel Point-of-care SCRA Detection Device","authors":"M. Skumlien","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are prevalent among people incarcerated in UK prisons and those experiencing homelessness. There are currently no tests that can identify SCRAs at the point-of-care (POC), but a new method for POC SCRA detection in drug materials and human saliva has recently been developed by our team. In this study, we examine the views of people who use SCRAs in community settings on a novel device for SCRA detection, to guide implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We will interview 12-20 people with lifetime experience of SCRA use who are experiencing homelessness. Interviews will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Preliminary results are based on nine interviews conducted in the Southwest of England thus far. Improved detection was believed to act as a deterrent to using SCRAs. There was unanimous agreement that the device should be used in healthcare settings and participants were also positive towards SCRA identification by drug checking services. However, there were mixed responses as to whether they would attend such a community-based service and use the information provided to guide drug-taking. Still, there was a strong wish for more information about SCRAs and the risks of use. Finally, whilst participants were generally positive about prisons using the device to reduce the availability of SCRAs, this was also seen as likely provoking strong negative reactions among users.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Improved POC SCRA detection is viewed positively by users, but potential downstream effects must be evaluated, particularly in forensic settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Scientometric Insight into 70 Years of Research in Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sports","authors":"A. Carollo,&nbsp;O. Rabin,&nbsp;O. Corazza,&nbsp;G. Esposito","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The use of performance-enhancing substances is extremely high among athletes. Besides compromising the spirit of fair sport competition, performance-enhancing substances also pose a serious threat to athletes’ health. The control of such substances requires a close dialogue between science, medicine, and legislation. Therefore, providing an updated review of the literature on performance-enhancers is paramount.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The current study aims to identify the key publications and main thematic domains in the literature on performance-enhancing substances. To do so, a scientometric approach was used to analyze an amount of 4330 documents collected from Scopus. A document co-citation analysis was performed, and a network of co-cited documents was generated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the network, the most impactful document emerged to be authored by Ntoumanis et al. in 2014, who examined the psychosocial predictors of doping use in physical activity. Furthermore, seven major thematic clusters were identified. Overall, researchers focused on investigating specific substances, such as erythropoietin, growth hormone, and dietary supplements.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In the literature, the discussion about adequate screening methods represented a strong and recurrent thematic interest. Additionally, the pivotal role of physicians and sports medicine practitioners in educating athletes was identified.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New Psychoactive Substance Consumption Within the UK Homeless Population","authors":"T. Coombs,&nbsp;T. Ginige,&nbsp;P. Van Calster,&nbsp;A. Abdelkader,&nbsp;O. Corazza,&nbsp;S. Assi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The last few years have seen the emergence of new psychoactive substance among the homeless population, specifically synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and experiences of new psychoactive substances amongst users from the homeless population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An explanatory research design was applied using a semi-structured questionnaire with the focus on gaining insights on the prevalence, motivations, and effects. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from support organizations and charities UK-wide. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were applied to analyze the data obtained from participant surveys.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 105 participants met the inclusion criteria and were in the age range of 18 to 64 years old. Almost 70% consumed new psychoactive substance products, which “Spice” was the most prevalent substance. Homeless users had consumed new psychoactive substance to escape reality and to self-treat themselves and stopped consumption due to the adverse effects. Adverse events were reported from the majority of the participants and led to more than 20% of the participants requiring medical treatment following hospitalization.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings from this study can contribute to the development of guidelines and policies that specifically address the needs of the homeless population who use new psychoactive substances.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"4 ","pages":"Article 100080"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143141779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}