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Campos S, Benoit E, Dunlap E. Risk management strategies of synthetic cannabis users. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2019; 19:270-281. [PMID: 34046079 DOI: 10.1108/dat-04-2019-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the various ways users of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) managed the dangers associated with the consumption of this substance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a parent study of the use and market of synthetic cathinones (also known as “bath salts”) in New York City, Houston, Galveston and New Orleans. Focus groups were conducted in all four cities with a total of 20 individuals who identified as users of SCs. Grounded theory was used to analyse focus group transcripts.
Findings
Participants were aware of drug-related risks and implemented strategies to reduce harm to health. Protective measures fell into two broad categories: marketing and consumption. They noted the instability of SC products and consumer manipulation through packaging. Harm reduction (HR) strategies included: carefully selecting SC sources; sticking to one brand; handling their own SC; managing amount of K2 consumed in one sitting; controlling the pace.
Originality/value
Given the small amount of data on user experience with SCs and its risk to health, it is important to learn from users themselves how they create methods to keep themselves safe. This is one of the first studies recording HR practices of SC users and can contribute to intervention programs and organisations serving substance users.
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Smid MC, Metz TD, Gordon AJ. Stimulant Use in Pregnancy: An Under-recognized Epidemic Among Pregnant Women. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2019; 62:168-184. [PMID: 30601144 PMCID: PMC6438363 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stimulant use, including cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, and prescription stimulants, in pregnancy is increasingly common. In the United States, stimulants are the second most widely used and abused substances during pregnancy and pregnant women using stimulants in pregnancy are at increased risk of adverse perinatal, neonatal, and childhood outcomes. In this review, we describe the pharmacology, pathophysiology, and epidemiology of stimulants, summarize the maternal and neonatal effects of perinatal stimulant use, and outline treatment options for stimulant use disorders among pregnant women. Development of effective treatment strategies for stimulant use disorders identified among pregnant women are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela C Smid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center (IDEAS), Salt Lake City VA Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Torri D Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine
| | - Adam J Gordon
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Knowledge and Advocacy (PARCKA), Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement, and Analytic Sciences Center (IDEAS), Salt Lake City VA Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Smith KE, Staton M. Synthetic cannabinoid use among a sample of individuals enrolled in community-based recovery programs: Are synthetic cannabinoids actually preferred to other drugs? Subst Abus 2018; 40:160-169. [PMID: 30457960 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2018.1528495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background: Over the past decade, availability and use of novel psychoactive substances such as synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) have proliferated globally. However, the prevalence of SCRAs use remains uncertain, as does the degree to which individuals reporting SCRA use prefer SCRA to other drugs. Methods: In April 2017, a total of 500 anonymous surveys were completed by clients enrolled in a residential drug recovery program. Chi-square and t tests were used to examine significant differences between those who had ever used SCRA and those who had not. Logistic regression analysis was conducted in order to determine which other substances used within the past 12 months were significantly associated with past-12-month SCRA use. Results: About 69% (68.4%) of clients reported lifetime SCRA use. Those reporting SCRA use were predominantly younger ( x¯ = 32.5 vs. 40.7, P < .001), single (60.3% vs. 48.1%, P = .011), and white (87.1% vs. 77.7%, P = .008) and were more likely to have experienced past-12-month homelessness (6.5% vs. 3.2%, P = .004). This group had higher rates of probation/parole involvement (79.2% vs. 61.8%, P < .001) and incarceration (91.8% vs. 79.6%, P < .001). Individuals reporting SCRA use also showed extensive substance use histories and favored heroin, opioids, and amphetamines compared with SCRA. Only 5.2% of the SCRA-using group stated that SCRA was a preferred substance, and only 11.8% reported that they would try SCRA again. E-cigarettes (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.88), traditional cannabis (AOR = 3.87), amphetamines (AOR = 2.20), and synthetic cathinones (AOR = 3.51) were significantly associated with past-12-month SCRA use. Motivations for use included circumnavigating drug screens and peer influence. Approximately half of those who tried SCRA reported adverse effects associated with use. Conclusions: Prevalence of SCRA use among individuals with a history of substance misuse and criminal justice system involvement is high; however, SCRA are not indicated as a preferred drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Elin Smith
- Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville , Louisville , Kentucky , USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol and Research, University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol and Research, University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
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Simultaneous determination of 20 drugs of abuse in oral fluid using ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 411:193-203. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1428-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Smith KE, Bunting AM, Staton M, Walker R, Shalash S, Winston E, Pangburn K. Examination of Synthetic Cannabinoid and Cathinone Use among a Drug-Using Offender Sample, 2013-2015. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:436-445. [PMID: 28813207 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1361560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "Spice," "Serenity") and cathinones (e.g., "bath salts") has proliferated in recent years; however, there is a gap in research examining prevalence among offender samples. This study examined demographics, drug use, mental health characteristics, and criminal histories of NPS users compared to non-NPS users within an offender sample entering drug treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, combined 2013-2015 assessment data were examined (N = 8,791). NPS users offended more often (x̄ = 10.3), were more likely to have experienced homelessness (12.2%), and to have lived in a metro area (59.0%). NPS users reported significantly more past-year drug use, including substances not readily detected by standard urine analysis (e.g., hallucinogens, alcohol, and inhalants). Individuals with higher anxiety symptom counts (OR = 1.07; p < .001) and those who reported drinking to intoxication (OR = 1.30; p < .001) had an increased likelihood of NPS use. Older individuals (OR = 0.95; p < .001) and those who began using drugs at an older age (OR = 0.95; p < .001) were less likely to report NPS use. NPS use may be a marker of more severe using patterns in an offender sample. Future investigation should focus on NPS use as a possible method for bypassing drug testing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Elin Smith
- a Former Senior Data Coordinator, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA.,b Doctoral Student and Research Assistant, Kent School of Social Work , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Amanda M Bunting
- c Research Assistant, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA.,d Doctoral Candidate, Department of Sociology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Michele Staton
- e Associate Professor, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA.,f Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Robert Walker
- g Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Sara Shalash
- h Senior Data Coordinator, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Erin Winston
- i Study Director, Center of Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
| | - Kevin Pangburn
- j Director of Substance Abuse Division, Kentucky Department of Corrections , Lexington , KY , USA
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