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Wu SC, Chen LY, Hsiao PC, Ting TT, Yen CF, Chang SS, Li CY, Yang HJ, Yen CF, Chen CY, Huang JH, Tu YK, Chen WJ. The Use of Premixed Drugs in Commodity Packets in the Population: Prevalence and Correlates Revealed by the 2018 National Survey of Substance Use in Taiwan. J Epidemiol 2024; 34:218-227. [PMID: 37460297 PMCID: PMC10999518 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20220356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administering premixed drugs in commodity packets was first reported in Asia in 2015, but there continues to be a dearth of related population-based data. This study aimed at examining (1) the prevalence of drug-packet use in the population and (2) the sociodemographic profiles, particularly gender distribution, of drug-packet users. METHODS Data were derived from a survey of 18,626 Taiwanese civilians, aged 12-64 years, using stratified, multi-stage, random sampling in 2018. Participants anonymously completed a computer-assisted self-interview on tablet computers which covered the use and problematic use of illicit drugs/inhalants, prescription drugs, and other psychoactive substances. RESULTS Approximately 1.46% of respondents had a lifetime use of illicit drugs, with drugs in commodity packets (0.18%) being ranked the fifth-most commonly used illicit drugs, higher than nitrous oxide (0.14%) and heroin (0.09%). Ten formats of drug packets were endorsed by users. Approximately 81.6% of persons with drug packet use had lifetime use of other illicit drugs. The correlates of the use of drugs in commodity packets were different from those of the exclusive use of other drugs, particularly concerning the lack of gender differences in the former category in the whole sample and the subgroups of various sociodemographic characteristics and other substance use. CONCLUSION Drugs in commodity packets have become a common way of administering illicit drugs in the population in Taiwan, and there were no gender differences among users. Our findings have implications for more efficient drug testing and culturally appropriate intervention for drug-packet use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Chi Wu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
| | - Lian-Yu Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Department of Addiction Psychiatry and Kunming Prevention and Control Center, Taipei City Hospital
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine
| | - Po-Chang Hsiao
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
| | - Te-Tien Ting
- School of Big Data Management, Soochow University
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital & School of Medicine and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University
| | - Shu-Sen Chang
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
| | - Chung-Yi Li
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
| | - Hao-Jan Yang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University
| | - Chia-Feng Yen
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University
| | - Chuan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes
| | - Jiun-Hau Huang
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
| | - Wei J Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University
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2
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Gavioli C, Vlooswijk C, Janssen SHM, Kaal SEJ, Kerst JM, Tromp JM, Bos MEMM, van der Hulle T, van der Graaf WTA, Lalisang RI, Nuver J, Bijlsma RM, Kouwenhoven MCM, Husson O, Beijer S. Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations for cancer prevention in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors: results from the SURVAYA study. J Cancer Surviv 2024:10.1007/s11764-023-01529-4. [PMID: 38224397 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01529-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE For adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors with a good prognosis, having a healthy lifestyle prevents morbidity and mortality after treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of (un)healthy lifestyle behaviors and related determinants in AYA cancer survivors. METHODS A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed among long-term (5-20 years) AYA cancer survivors (18-39 years old at diagnosis) registered within the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Self-reported questionnaires data about health behaviors were used to calculate the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) adherence score. Associations between the score and clinical/sociodemographic determinants of (un)healthy behaviors were investigated using logistic regression models. RESULTS The mean WCRF/AICR score was low to moderate, 3.8 ± 1.2 (0.5-7.0) (n = 3668). Sixty-one percent adhered to "limit the consumption of sugar sweetened drinks," 28% to "be a healthy weight," 25% to "fruit and vegetable consumption," and 31% to "limit alcohol consumption." Moderate and high adherence were associated with being a woman (ORmoderate = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.14-1.85, and ORhigh = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.46-2.4) and highly educated (ORmoderate = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.30-1.83, and ORhigh = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.46-2.4). Low adherence was associated with smoking (ORmoderate = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50-0.92, and ORhigh = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.21-0.44) and diagnosis of germ cell tumor (ORmoderate = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.39-0.86, and ORhigh = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.30-0.69). CONCLUSIONS Adherence to the 2018 WCRF/AICR lifestyle recommendations was low to moderate, especially regarding body weight, fruit, vegetables, and alcohol consumption. Men, current smokers, lower-educated participants, and/or those diagnosed with germ cell tumors were less likely to have a healthy lifestyle. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Health-promotion programs (e.g., age-specific tools) are needed, focusing on high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Gavioli
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, 3511 DT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Vlooswijk
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, 3511 DT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie H M Janssen
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne E J Kaal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Martijn Kerst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline M Tromp
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique E M M Bos
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom van der Hulle
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roy I Lalisang
- Department of Internal Medicine, GROW-School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht UMC+ Comprehensive Cancer Center, 6229 HX, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Janine Nuver
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rhodé M Bijlsma
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde C M Kouwenhoven
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olga Husson
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sandra Beijer
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, 3511 DT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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Axelsson MAB, Lövgren H, Kronstrand R, Green H, Bergström MA. Retrospective identification of new psychoactive substances in patient samples submitted for clinical drug analysis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 131:420-434. [PMID: 36028947 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are life-threatening through unpredictable toxicity and limited analytical options for clinicians. We present the retrospective identification of NPS in raw data from a liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) based multidrug panel analysis on 14,367 clinical oral fluid samples requested during 2019 mainly by psychiatric and addiction care clinics. Retrospectively analysed NPS included 48 notified originally in 2019 by the European Union Early Warning System (EU-EWS) and 28 frequently reported in Sweden. Of 88 included NPS, 34 (mitragynine, flualprazolam, 3F/4F-α-P(i)HP, etizolam, 4F-MDMB-BINACA, cyproheptadine, 5F-MDMB-PICA, isotonitazene, isohexedrone, MDPEP, N-ethylpentedrone, tianeptine, flubromazolam, 4'-methylhexedrone, α-P(i)HP, eutylone, mephedrone, N-ethylhexedrone, 5F-MDMB-PINACA, ADB-BUTINACA, 3-methoxy PCP, 4F-furanylfentanyl, 4F-isobuturylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, clonazolam, norfludiazepam, 3F-phenmetrazine, 3-MMC, 4-methylpentedrone, BMDP, ethylphenidate, methylone, α-PVP) were identified as 219 findings in 84 patients. Eight NPS notified in 2019 were identified, five before EWS release. NPS occurred in 1.20% of all samples and 1.53% of samples containing traditional drugs, and in 1.87% of all patients and 2.88% of patients using traditional drugs. NPS use was more common in men and polydrug users. Legal (not scheduled) NPS were more used than comparable illegal ones. Retrospective identification could be useful when prioritizing NPS for clinical routine analysis and when studying NPS epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus A B Axelsson
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanna Lövgren
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Kronstrand
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Henrik Green
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Moa Andresen Bergström
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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4
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McCartney AM, McGovern HT, De Foe A. Psychedelic assisted therapy for major depressive disorder: Recent work and clinical directions. JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.2022.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Psychedelic substances such as psilocybin and ketamine may represent the future of antidepressant treatment, due to their rapid and prolonged effects on mood and cognition. The current body of psychedelic research has focused on administration and treatment within a psychiatric context. Here, instead, we put to the test the contention that it is necessary to evaluate the current state of this literature from a broader biopsychosocial perspective. Examining these arguably neglected social and psychological aspects of psychedelic treatment can provide a more holistic understanding of the interplay between the interconnected domains. This review of six major clinical trials applies a biopsychosocial model to evaluate the antidepressant effects of psilocybin and ketamine assisted therapy. We conclude that combination psychedelic treatment and psychotherapy facilitate more enduring and profound antidepressant effects than produced by ketamine or psilocybin alone. Emphasising the advantages of therapeutic intervention will encourage those who may attempt to self-medicate with psychedelics to instead seek a framework of psychological support, minimising associated risks of unregulated use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander De Foe
- The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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5
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Student-, Study- and COVID-19-Related Predictors of Students' Smoking, Binge Drinking and Cannabis Use before and during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in The Netherlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020812. [PMID: 35055634 PMCID: PMC8776226 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco, alcohol and cannabis are commonly used among university students. However, student lives and their substance use have changed dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on (trends in) weekly smoking, weekly binge drinking and weekly cannabis use in Dutch university students and investigated associated student-, study- and COVID-19-related characteristics. Between April and June 2020, several Dutch higher educational institutes invited their students to participate in an online survey. Data of 9967 students (Mage = 22.0 (SD = 2.6); Nfemale = 7008 (70.3%)) were available for analyses. Overall, weekly smoking remained stable (±11.5%), weekly binge drinking decreased (from 27.8% to 13.9%) and weekly cannabis use increased (from 6.7% to 8.6%). Male gender, not living with parents, being a bachelor student, having less financial resources and less adherence to the COVID-19 measures were found to increase the risk of substance use (before/during the first COVID-19 lockdown). Additionally, male gender, not living with parents, being a bachelor student, not being born in the Netherlands and having a student loan contributed to the likelihood of increased substance use during COVID-19. Patterns of characteristics contributing to the likelihood of decreased weekly substance use during COVID-19 were less clear. The risk factors male gender, not living with parents and being a bachelor student do not only contribute to the likelihood of using substances but also contribute to the likelihood of increased use during a lockdown. Prevention and intervention programs should especially target these risk groups.
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6
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Scott IA, Scott RJ. Author reply. Intern Med J 2020; 50:1598. [PMID: 33354888 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Scott
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Russ J Scott
- Prison Mental Health Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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7
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Dick S, Vasiliou VS, Davoren MP, Dockray S, Heavin C, Linehan C, Byrne M. A Digital Substance-Use Harm Reduction Intervention for Students in Higher Education (MyUSE): Protocol for Project Development. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e17829. [PMID: 32851980 PMCID: PMC7484779 DOI: 10.2196/17829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital interventions have been identified as a possible tool for reducing the harm caused by illicit drug use among students attending higher education (ie, college students). However, the success of interventions in this area has been hampered by a lack of user involvement and behavior change theory in their design. The My Understanding of Substance use Experiences (MyUSE) project combines a rigorous user-centered design (UCD) methodology and a robust behavioral change framework to develop a digitally delivered harm reduction intervention for illicit drug use among students in higher education. OBJECTIVE This project aims to design and develop a digital intervention that targets drug use-related harm among students in higher education. METHODS The MyUSE project will take place over 3 phases. The first phase was exploratory in nature, involving 3 systematic reviews, a large survey, and student workshops to gather a comprehensive evidence base to guide the project. The second phase is the development stage of the project, involving the use of the Behavior Change Wheel theoretical framework to determine the behavior change techniques of the intervention and the use of the UCD methodology to guide the development of the digital intervention. The third phase is the evaluation stage, whereby the intervention will undergo a 5-stage evaluation process to comprehensively evaluate its impacts. RESULTS The exploratory phase 1 of the MyUSE project was completed in December 2018. Phase 2 is currently underway, and phase 3 is due to begin in September 2020. CONCLUSIONS Higher education institutions (HEIs) are ideally placed to intervene and support students in the area of illicit drug use but are constrained by limited resources. Current digital interventions in this area are sparse and have several weaknesses. The MyUSE project combines a UCD approach with a robust behavior change framework to develop a digitally delivered intervention that is economically viable, effective in changing behavior, usable and acceptable to students, and able to sustain long-term implementation in HEIs. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17829.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Dick
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Martin P Davoren
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Sexual Health Centre, Cork, Ireland
| | - Samantha Dockray
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ciara Heavin
- Health Information Systems Research Centre, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Conor Linehan
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael Byrne
- Student Health Department, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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8
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De-Giorgio F, Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Trapella C, Camuto C, Foti F, Frisoni P, Neri M, Botrè F, Marti M. Methiopropamine and its acute behavioral effects in mice: is there a gray zone in new psychoactive substances users? Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1695-1711. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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9
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Specka M, Kuhlmann T, Sawazki J, Bonnet U, Steinert R, Cybulska-Rycicki M, Eich H, Zeiske B, Niedersteberg A, Schaaf L, Scherbaum N. Prevalence of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use in Patients Admitted to Drug Detoxification Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:569. [PMID: 32733288 PMCID: PMC7358402 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 15 years ago, a diverse group of new recreational psychotropic substances began to emerge, which were marketed for example as "legal highs," "research chemicals," or "designer drugs." These substances were later subsumed under the label "Novel Psychoactive Substances" (NPS). Important NPS classes are cathinones, synthetic cannabimimetics, phenethylamines, and herbal drugs. The health care system for psychotropic substance use disorders (SUDs) traditionally focused on a few substances, such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, or cannabis. Users of illicit substances often engage in polydrug use. However little is known about the prevalence of NPS use within the group of "classical" illicit substance users. OBJECTIVE We investigated lifetime and recent use of NPS and other drugs in patients who underwent in-patient detoxification treatment from illicit drugs in Germany. METHODS In a multicenter study with eight participating facilities, patients admitted to treatment underwent a standardized interview at admission, concerning their past and current substance use. The interview comprised classical substances of abuse, NPS, and rarely used substances such as LSD. In addition, participating sites had the opportunity to analyze their patients' routine drug screenings by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which permitted detection of NPS. RESULTS Interviews from 295 patients could be analyzed. Most patients were opiate dependent and multiple substance users. About 32% reported use of synthetic cannabimimetics during lifetime, but usually only a few times. An important reason for their use was that NPS were not detected by drug testing in prisons or drug treatment facilities. Cathinones, herbal drugs or other NPS had rarely been used during lifetime. NPS use during the last 30 days before admission was nearly zero. This was confirmed by urine analysis results. In contrast, lifetime and current use of opiates, alcohol, cocaine, benzodiazepines, and cannabis was high. In addition, 18% reported of regular unprescribed pregabalin use during lifetime, and 20% had recently used pregabalin. CONCLUSION Patients admitted to drug detoxification treatment showed multiple substance use, but this did not include NPS use. The diversion of legal medications such as pregabalin in this group is a serious concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Specka
- LVR Hospital Essen Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuhlmann
- Psychosomatische Klinik Bergisch Gladbach, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | - Udo Bonnet
- Castrop-Rauxel Evangelical Hospital, Castrop-Rauxel, Germany
| | - Renate Steinert
- LWL-Klinik Münster, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | | | - Helmut Eich
- Clinic Maria Hilf GmbH, Moenchengladbach, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Norbert Scherbaum
- LVR Hospital Essen Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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10
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Dick S, Whelan E, Davoren MP, Dockray S, Heavin C, Linehan C, Byrne M. A systematic review of the effectiveness of digital interventions for illicit substance misuse harm reduction in third-level students. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1244. [PMID: 31500618 PMCID: PMC6734361 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7583-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Illicit substance misuse is a growing public health problem, with misuse peaking among 18–25 year-olds, and attendance at third-level education identified as a risk factor. Illicit substance misuse has the potential to harm mental and physical health, social relationships, and impact on academic achievements and future career prospects. Digital interventions have been identified as a vehicle for reaching large student populations and circumventing the limited capacity of student health services for delivering face-to-face interventions. Digital interventions have been developed in the area of alcohol and tobacco harm reduction, reporting some effectiveness, but the evidence for the effectiveness of digital interventions targeting illicit substance misuse is lacking. This review aims to systematically identify and critically appraise studies examining the effectiveness of digital interventions for illicit substance misuse harm reduction in third-level students. Methods We systematically searched ten databases in April 2018 using keywords and database specific terms under the pillars of “mHealth,” “substance misuse,” and “student.” To be eligible for inclusion, papers had to present a measure of illicit substance misuse harm reduction. Included articles were critically appraised and included in the qualitative synthesis regardless of quality. Results A total of eight studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Studies reported harm reduction in terms of substance misuse or initiation, as consequences or problems associated with substance misuse, or as correction of perceived social norms. Overall, five out of the eight studies reported at least one positive outcome for harm reduction. The critical appraisal indicated that the study quality was generally weak, predominantly due to a lack of blinding of study participants, and the use of self-reported substance misuse measures. However, results suggest that digital interventions may produce a modest reduction in harm from illicit substance misuse. Conclusions The results of this review are positive, and support the need for further high-quality research in this area, particularly given the success of digital interventions for alcohol and tobacco harm reduction. However, very few studies focused solely on illicit substances, and those that did targeted only marijuana. This suggests the need for further research on the effectiveness of this type of intervention for other illicit substances. Trial registration This review is registered on PROSPERO, ID number: CRD42018097203.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Dick
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Eadaoin Whelan
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Martin P Davoren
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Sexual Health Centre, Cork, Ireland
| | - Samantha Dockray
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ciara Heavin
- Health Information Systems Research Centre, Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Conor Linehan
- School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Michael Byrne
- Student Health Department, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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11
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Syse VL, Brekke M, Grimsrud MM, Persett PS, Heyerdahl F, Hovda KE, Vallersnes OM. Gender differences in acute recreational drug toxicity: a case series from Oslo, Norway. BMC Emerg Med 2019; 19:29. [PMID: 31035940 PMCID: PMC6489220 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-019-0244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female drug users report poorer physical and mental health than male drug users. We describe female and male patients treated for acute recreational drug toxicity, and look for gender differences in clinical state, treatment, and toxic agents taken. METHODS Retrospective case series from a primary care emergency outpatient clinic and a hospital emergency department in Oslo, Norway. All patients treated for acute recreational drug toxicity from October 2013 through March 2015 were included, except patients with lone alcohol intoxication. Patients were grouped according to whether they had taken opioids or not, as a proxy differentiation between heavy drug users and party drug users. Data from the two clinical settings were analysed separately. RESULTS In total, 2495 cases were included, 567 (22.7%) were women. Female patients were younger than males, median 31 vs 34 years (p < 0.001). On most comparisons of clinical variables there were no significant differences between genders. A larger proportion of females in the outpatient opioid group were hypotensive, 10.9% vs 3.9% (p < 0.001). Fewer females were intubated, none vs 21.1% (p = 0.019) in the hospital opioid group, and 6.4% vs 21.0% (p = 0.039) in the hospital non-opioid group. The proportion of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) poisoning was larger among females both at the outpatient clinic (14.4% vs 8.6%, p < 0.001) and at the hospital (60.3% vs 36.4%, p = 0.001), while the proportion of heroin poisoning was smaller among females at the outpatient clinic (37.1% vs 47.0%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION One in four patients treated for acute recreational drug toxicity were women. Female patients were younger, had more frequently taken GHB and were less frequently intubated. Otherwise, the gender differences regarding clinical state and treatment were small. Although female drug users are known to report poorer health than males, we did not find that women had a more severe clinical course than men when presenting with overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Lykke Syse
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic, Department of Emergency General Practice, City of Oslo Health Agency, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Brekke
- General Practice Research Unit, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Mæhle Grimsrud
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- The Norwegian PSC Research Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Sverre Persett
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fridtjof Heyerdahl
- Department of Prehospital Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Erik Hovda
- The Norwegian CBRNe Centre of Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Odd Martin Vallersnes
- Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic, Department of Emergency General Practice, City of Oslo Health Agency, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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