Correlates of new psychoactive substance use among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees in the United States.

Nearly half (46.4%) of a self-selected sample of US nightclub attendees reported lifetime use of at least one new psychoactive substance (NPS). Synthetic cannabinoids were the most common (24.8%), followed by tryptamines (23.0%), psychedelic phenethylamines (21.7%), euphoric stimulants (16.2%), and synthetic cathinones (10.5%). Females and older respondents (ages 22-60) had lower odds of any NPS use. Frequent nightclub attendance, especially weekly versus less than once a month, was linked to higher odds of NPS use overall. The authors suggest harm reduction initiatives are needed for this population, where environmental factors may amplify risks from lesser-known substances.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Although new psychoactive substances (NPS) continue to emerge at a rapid rate, US national surveys only measure the use of non-specific categories of NPS and are not designed to access high-risk populations. In this paper we report lifetime use of specific NPS (of 58) and examine correlates of use among a high-risk population: nightlife attendees. The self-selected sample from the Global Drug Survey (2013) consisted of 2,282 respondents in the US, aged 16-60 years, who reported nightclub attendance in the last year. Multivariable logistic regression models determined unique predictors of lifetime use. Lifetime use of a wide range of NPS was reported (any NPS; 46.4%), including synthetic cannabinoids (24.8%), tryptamines (eg, 4-AcO-DMT, 23.0%), psychedelic phenethylamines (eg, 2C-B, 25I-NBOMe; 21.7%), euphoric stimulants (eg, BenzoFury; 16.2%), and synthetic cathinones (eg, methylone; 10.5%). Females (AOR = 0.49 [.41, .60]) and older respondents (age 22-60; AOR = .73 [.59, .89]) were at lower odds of reporting any lifetime NPS use. Frequent nightclub attendance was associated with increased odds of reporting lifetime NPS use overall (eg, weekly compared with less than once a month, AOR = 2.33 [1.70,3.19]), but not specifically with synthetic cannabinoid use. Among a self-selected sample of nightclub attendees, a large range of novel substances were reported, and young attendees, males, and those who attended more frequently were at increased odds of reporting use. Harm reduction initiatives are needed to reduce risk of harm in this population, where environmental characteristics may augment risks associated with consuming lesser-known psychoactive substances. (Am J Addict 2016;25:400-407).