scholarly journals Knowledge and Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances in an Italian Sample with Substance Use Disorders

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 915
Author(s):  
Deborah Dal Farra ◽  
Alice Valdesalici ◽  
Giancarlo Zecchinato ◽  
Alfio De Sandre ◽  
Diego Saccon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Addiction Services ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Addiction Service ◽  
Italian Sample

This study aims to determine prevalence and frequency of use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and to identify the factors associated with NPS use in an Italian sample of patients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Prevalence and correlates of NPS knowledge and use were assessed in 185 patients with SUD in three addiction services (Padova, Belluno, Feltre) in the Veneto region with an ad-hoc designed survey. Two thirds of the samples reported knowing NPS and one third reported using them. NPS were considered by them less dangerous than “regular” substances of abuse (t = 6.06 mean 0.78, p < 0.001). Factors associated with NPS use were youth (OR = 4.81; p < 0.001), studentship (OR = 4.99; p = 0.004), subsequent mental disorders diagnosis (OR = 2.49; p = 0.027), suicide attempt history (OR = 11.67; p < 0.001), home detention (OR = 2.30; p = 0.040), residential care (OR = 5.66; p = 0.002), and polysubstance abuse (t = 8.99 mean 2.65 p < 0.001). NPS use in patients with SUD is highly prevalent, particularly in the youngest age group, and associated with psychiatric comorbidity and worse prognosis. It is crucial to systematically assess NPS use and inform addiction service users with SUD of the toxic and potentially lethal side effects. Mental healthcare professionals working in addiction services should receive education and training. Cohort and longitudinal studies are needed.

scholarly journals Availability of Illegal Drugs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Western Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Scherbaum ◽  
Udo Bonnet ◽  
Henning Hafermann ◽  
Fabrizio Schifano ◽  
Stefan Bender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Consumption ◽  
Illegal Drugs ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Addiction Services ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Single Subjects ◽  
Western Germany ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Substance Related Disorders

Background: In response to the COVID-19-pandemic, a lockdown was established in the middle of March 2020 by the German Federal Government resulting in drastic reduction of private and professional traveling in and out of Germany with a reduction of social contacts in public areas.Research Questions: We seek evidence on whether the lockdown has led to a reduced availability of illegal drugs and whether subjects with substance-related problems tried to cope with possible drug availability issues by increasingly obtaining drugs via the internet, replacing their preferred illegal drug with novel psychoactive substances, including new synthetic opioids (NSO), and/or by seeking drug treatment.Methods: A questionnaire was anonymously filled in by subjects with substance-related disorders, typically attending low-threshold settings, drug consumption facilities, and inpatient detoxification wards from a range of locations in the Western part of Germany. Participants had to both identify their main drug of abuse and to answer questions regarding its availability, price, quality, and routes of acquisition.Results: Data were obtained from 362 participants. The most frequent main substances of abuse were cannabis (n = 109), heroin (n = 103), and cocaine (n = 75). A minority of participants reported decreased availability (8.4%), increased price (14.4%), or decreased quality (28.3%) of their main drug. About 81% reported no change in their drug consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown. A shift to the use of novel psychoactive substances including NSO were reported only by single subjects. Only 1–2% of the participants obtained their main drug via the web.Discussion: Present findings may suggest that recent pandemic-related imposed restrictions may have not been able to substantially influence either acquisition or consumption of drugs within the context of polydrug users (including opiates) attending a range of addiction services in Germany.

scholarly journals Prevalence of, Factors Associated with and Level of Dependence of Psychoactive Substance Use among Mekelle University Students, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema ◽  
Znabu Hadush Kahsay ◽  
Gebrezgi Gidey Lemma ◽  
Welday Hagos Gebretsadik ◽  
Mamuye Mussie Weldemaryam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Psychoactive Substance ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Orthodox Christian ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Current Prevalence ◽  
Mekelle University ◽  
Psychoactive Substance Use ◽  
University Undergraduate Students

Background: Psychoactive substance use is a major public health concern globally. Though youth attending higher education institutions are considered particularly vulnerable to psychoactive substances, there is a paucity of evidence in Ethiopia. We aimed to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use, factors associated with psychoactive substance use and level of dependence among Mekelle University undergraduate students in Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based quantitative cross-sectional survey was used to randomly (using multistage sampling) invite 1220 undergraduate students in April and May 2017 to participate. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with psychoactive substance use. Level of dependence was determined using the WHO’s Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test classification. Results: Among the eligible students approached, 1214 participants completed the survey, which yields a 99.5% response rate. The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 66.5% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 64% to 69%) while the current prevalence was 49% (95% CI = 46% to 52%). A history of, but not current, psychoactive substance use was reported by 18%, while 33.5% reported never having used psychoactive substances. The current prevalence of alcohol use was 35.5%, tobacco 7.8% and khat 5.7%. Of the current users, 17% (95% CI = 14% to 20%) were at a moderate to high risk of dependency. Being over 21 years of age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.25), male (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI = 2.26 to 4.34), living in urban areas (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.77 to 3.23), an Orthodox Christian (AOR = 7.55, 95% CI = 4.56 to 12.48), and being in their 3rd year (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.49 to 3.55), 4th year (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.51) and 5th year (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI = 2.81 to 7.67) at university were associated with currently using psychoactive substances. Being male and Orthodox Christian was associated with being an ex-smoker. Conclusions: Approximately half of Mekelle University undergraduate students were using psychoactive substances with almost one in five at risk of dependency. The likelihood of use increased with seniority. Evidence-based strategies are needed to prevent school-aged children from using psychoactive substances and university students becoming dependent on substances. Interventions designed to stop current psychoactive substance use may also have promise for reducing dependency.

scholarly journals Substance Use in the Club Scene of Rome: A Pilot Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Emiliano Vento ◽  
Giovanni Martinotti ◽  
Eduardo Cinosi ◽  
Matteo Lupi ◽  
Tiziano Acciavatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Smart Drugs ◽  
History Of ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire ◽  
Very High

Objective. Over the last few years, a wide number of unregulated substances have been marketed on the Web and in smart and head shops; they are usually advertised as legal alternatives to commonly known drugs and are defined as “smart drugs,” “legal highs,” and “novel psychoactive substances” (NPS). Aim of our work is to describe use habits and distribution of NPS in a population of young adults in Rome club scene.Methods. A self-administered questionnaire was proposed to subjects over 18 years of age at the entrance of 5 nightclubs in Rome. Socioeconomic characteristics and substance use were investigated.Results. Preliminary results give evidence that 78% of respondents have a lifetime history of NPS use. In addition, 56% of the sample has consumed illicit drugs in the past and 39% has used psychoactive substances in the 12 hours preceding the questionnaire administration.Conclusions. A significant proportion of subjects report use of novel psychoactive substances; traditional illicit drugs consumption, particularly cocaine, appears to be very high as well in the club scene. These data highlight a serious public health challenge, since pharmacological, toxicological, and psychopathological effects linked to interactions among all these substances may be unpredictable and sometimes fatal in vulnerable individuals.

P.6.c.015 Epidemiology of novel psychoactive substances in an Italian sample

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. S683 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Chillemi ◽  
G. Martinotti ◽  
L. Bonifaci ◽  
R. Santacroce ◽  
E. Cinosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Italian Sample

Injecting ATS/NPS use and drug abjection in Romania

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liviu Gabriel Alexandrescu
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Vantage Point ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Symbolic Distance ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate a group of Romanian injecting substance users “migrating” from heroin to novel psychoactive substances (NPS) as a counterpublic seeking to escape the stigma of drug abjection. Design/methodology/approach – The findings are drawn from interview and observational data collected mainly at drug services sites in Bucharest, Romania. Findings – The stimulant powders sold by head shops appealed to experienced drug users because they seemed to emulate a consumerist ethos and cultivate a healthy, rational agent that popular discourses of addiction deem incompatible with drug careers. NPS and head shops were thus initially understood as a possibility of escaping “junk identities”. However, they ultimately sealed injectors as abject bodies that obstructed the collaborative goals of rehabilitation and health restoration. A sense of symbolic distance shaped by notions of moral and bodily hygiene separated heroin and NPS users, as the latter increasingly came to be seen and see themselves as flawed consumers of health and freedom. Practical implications – NPS retail spaces could present valuable opportunities to insert harm-reduction resources and harness counterpublic health strategies. Social implications – Dominant definitions of substance use as unavoidable paths into self-destruction push users towards unknown compounds they can attach more fluid meanings to. This suggests that prohibitionist language still obscures rational dialogue about existing and emerging drugs. Originality/value – The paper traces ATS/NPS in an Eastern European context offering an alternative vantage point to harm-focused perspectives.

scholarly journals Use of psychoactive substances in students at a public university

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meire Luci da Silva ◽  
Franciele Santos Rego ◽  
Nathalia Fagundes Roque ◽  
Vitor Engrácia Valenti
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Public University ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Drug Addicts ◽  
Psychoactive Substance ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Current Frequency ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Psychoactive Substance Use

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances by the student population has been the object of various studies in Brazil. Objective: To determine the prevalence of substance use among students. Methods: Quantitative study with a closed questionnaire based on standardized assessment instruments was developed. It consists of questions related to types of psychoactive substance use, abuse, frequency and duration of use, self-criticism regarding the use, consequences of use in relation to health, and misdemeanors committed under the influence of psychoactive substances. The sample included the participation of 268 students. A total of 183 (68.3%) questionnaires were analyzed, and only those with positive result for substance abuse at some point in life, the remainder, 85 (31%) questionnaires, had negative responses to psychoactive substances. Results: Students’ responses to the two years surveyed indicated that the first psychoactive substance used was alcohol (77.9%), followed by tobacco use (10.9%), and marijuana (7.6%). Of the students surveyed, 145 (79.2%) answered that still make use of psychoactive substances, and the current frequency of use varies from one or more times per week. When asked about the possibility of being or becoming drug addicts, 169 (92.3%) responded that they are not or will not become dependent. Conclusion: The results indicate the high rate of substance use among college students surveyed, and point to their contradiction to consider such psychoactive substances harmful to their health.

Risk factors associated with substance use

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel M. Barber ◽  
Alexandra Crouch ◽  
Stephen Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Factors Associated

Prospettiva e Valore della matrice Cheratinica nella valutazione dell'utilizzo di Nuove Sostanze Psicoattive nella popolazione che afferisce ai SERD

MISSION ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
Concettina Varango ◽  
Francesca Musarella ◽  
Mara Cella ◽  
Antonella Varango
Keyword(s):  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances

Questo articolo nasce dall'esigenza di informare un pi&ugrave; ampio pubblico sul pericolo rappresentato da queste sostanze, far conoscere le NPS (Novel Psychoactive substances) agli operatori del settore (personale di laboratorio, personale delle unit&agrave; di emergenza/ urgenza, operatori sanitari, ricercatori, ecc.) al fine di agevolare l'analisi di campioni sconosciuti e divulgare i dati scientifici che cominciano ad emergere da studi clinici e preclinici sui loro effetti tossici e farmacologici.&nbsp;Dal 2009 sono comparsi nel gruppo delle N.P.S., i nuovi oppioidi sintetici, molecole estremamente potenti che comportano una seria minaccia per la salute pubblica. Si tratta di prodotti dalla notevole potenza (il fentanyl, per esempio, capostipite di questa famiglia, ha un'azione circa 100 volte maggiore rispetto a quella della morfina) che vengono utilizzati sia per s&eacute; sia come adulteranti di partite di sostanze classiche, soprattutto eroina, causando scie di decessi per overdose.&nbsp;

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