Consumption of new psychoactive substances in a Spanish sample of research chemical users.
Débora González, Mireia Ventura, Fernando Caudevilla, Marta Torrens, Magí Farré
Human psychopharmacology July 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2323 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA survey of 230 research chemical users in Spain found that hallucinogenic phenethylamines like 2C-B and 2C-I, along with cathinones such as methylone and mephedrone, were the most commonly used substances. Cannabis was the most frequent drug combined with research chemicals, followed by 2C-B with MDMA. Users who consulted online forums used more research chemicals, obtained them via the Internet, and more often employed risk-reduction strategies. In this forum-consulting group, all sought information before use, 72.3% used precision scales for dosing, and 68.8% analyzed contents before consumption. The findings indicate a distinct user profile characterized by extensive knowledge and proactive risk-reduction behaviors.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 230 |
| Population | Spanish research chemical users recruited at music festivals, NGOs, and through an online forum |
| Keywords | 2c-b Consumption patterns New psychoactive substances Research chemicals Harm reduction |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key finding | Research chemical users who consult online forums are more likely to use multiple substances, obtain them via the Internet, and employ risk-reduction strategies such as information seeking, precision scales, and content analysis. |
Abstract
To know the pattern of use of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in a Spanish sample of research chemical (RC) users and to deepen the RC user profile and risk reduction strategies employed. This study is a cross-sectional survey by means of a specific questionnaire. Recruitment was carried out at music festivals, at non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and through announcements on an online forum. Two RC user profiles were defined, according to whether they search information through online forums. A total of 230 users participated. The most frequent RCs were hallucinogenic phenethylamines (2C-B 80.0%, 2C-I 39.6%) and cathinones (methylone 40.1%, mephedrone 35.2%). The most frequent combination of RC with other illegal drugs was with cannabis (68.6%) and 2C-B with MDMA (28.3%). Subjects who are consulting drug forums (group 1) use more RC, obtain RC by Internet, and use more frequently risk prevention strategies. Regarding the risk-reduction strategies in this group, users sought information concerning RC before consuming them (100%), used precision scales to calculate dosage (72.3%), and analyzed the contents before consumption (68.8%). There is a specific RC user profile with extensive knowledge and consumption of substances, using different strategies to reduce risks associated to its consumption.