The current study uses a qualitative methodology to investigate socio-cultural and psychological aspects involved in the use of LSD and comparable psychedelic substances. To date, 26 narrative interviews have been conducted with 12 female and 14 male users aged 19 to 53 years. The resulting data were subjected to content analysis in several thematic areas. Subjective reports of LSD use and experiences are considered among the complex interrelationship of drug effects, individual and environmental factors, as well as in comparison to the results reported in earlier research. Preliminary results suggest the use of LSD is largely independent of the “party drugs” scene, although its users do embrace elements of alternative lifestyles and subcultures. The majority of participants report their LSD experiences to be of great importance and to have intellectual relevance for their individuation process and personality development. Exploration of the self and the desire to experience profound changes in their perception of the world are reported as primary motives for LSD use, in addition to its hedonistic value. Individual backgrounds, knowledge and patterns of reaction are found to strongly influence the character of the drug effects that are experienced. Next to a wide range of extra-pharmacological factors, various methods for actively modifying LSD induced states were discovered to determine the general character of LSD experiences. These are discussed with regard to their implications for the development of suitable harm reduction concepts.
Purpose This study aims to describe and analyse an approach in the city of Bremen (Germany) to establish streetwork-supported tolerance zones for local open drug and alcohol scenes to reduce related disorder and nuisance in public spaces. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative methodology included systematic participant observations at public sites of drug and alcohol use, and problem-centred interviews with different groups of respondents (residents, passers-by, trades people, drug users, experts from addiction help and police). Findings In residential districts, tolerance zones were well accepted by their target group and found to reduce perceived disorder and nuisance in public space. However, their success depends on the social and spatial conditions of the chosen location, its surrounding urban infrastructure, cooperation among local actors and characteristics of drug using groups. Originality/value Usually, policing of open drug scenes focuses on repression and law enforcement. The example of Bremen suggests that streetwork-supported tolerance zones dedicated to the drug scene can substantially reduce disorder and nuisance in public space.
Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Angehörige offener Drogenszenen sind von diversen sozialen und gesundheitlichen Risikolagen betroffen. Die Studie untersucht, welche Substanzen und Konsumformen in der Bremer Drogenszene verbreitetet sind sowie die damit assoziierten Probleme, Risiken und Hilfebedarfe. Methoden Im Rahmen dieser qualitativen Studie wurden 50 teilnehmende Beobachtungen in Drogenszenen in vier Bremer Stadtteilen, 36 leitfadengestützte, problemzentrierte Interviews mit Szeneangehörigen sowie 8 Expert*inneninterviews mit Fachkräften aus der Sucht- und Wohnungslosenhilfe durchgeführt. Ergebnisse Die körperliche, psychische und soziale Situation von Angehörigen der Bremer Drogenszene ist von erheblichen Risiken und Belastungen geprägt. Der lange Zeit auf wenige deutsche Großstädte beschränkte Konsum von Crack hat sich auch in Bremen etabliert. Von den Befragten werden verschiedene niedrigschwellige und risikomindernde Maßnahmen benannt, die das Bremer Suchthilfesystem weiterentwickeln könnten. Schlussfolgerung Das Bremer Suchthilfesystem sollte u. a. durch verlängerte Öffnungszeiten von Hilfsangeboten, eine Ausweitung der psychosozialen Betreuung sowie die Einrichtung einer Diamorphin-Ambulanz weiterentwickelt werden.
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