A qualitative study on the initiation into injection drug use: Necessary and background processes

Khobzi, Nooshin; Strike, Carol; Cavalieri, Walter; Bright, Robert; Myers, Ted; Calzavara, Liviana; Millson, Margaret

doi:10.1080/16066350802011664

Cited by 26 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Friends (41, 44, 47, 48, 50, 51, 55, 56, 60, 68, 70, 73, 77), family (41, 43, 44, 51, 52, 55, 68, 70–73), intimate partners (42, 48, 49, 52, 57, 59, 60, 64, 68, 70–72, 77), acquaintances (37, 43, 77), gang members (63), elders (65) and drug dealers (41, 42) were all described as influential. Different types of social interactions shaped injection initiation.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some studies referenced the idea of ‘exposure’ to drug injecting behaviors within particular social networks and locations (e.g., street drug scenes) (44, 61, 70, 72). More precise conceptualizations identified witnessing or observing others injecting (38, 47, 50, 52, 55, 70), which can generate awareness and curiosity (44, 52): “He would sit in the back [of the car] and start shooting himself. And I was watching him as he was nodding out, much more than I was, and I started getting jealous” (Woman, 21 years old, USA (48)).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The experience of initiating injection drug use and its social context: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

et al. 2017

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Background and aim Understanding the experience of initiating injection drug use and its social contexts is crucial to inform efforts to prevent transitions into this mode of drug consumption and support harm reduction. We systematically reviewed and synthesized existing qualitative scientific literature to identify the socio-structural contexts for, and experiences of, the initiation of injection drug use. Methods We systematically searched six databases (Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, IBSS, and SSCI), along with a manual search, including of key journals and subject experts. Peer-reviewed studies were included if they qualitatively explored experiences of or socio-structural contexts for injection drug use initiation. A thematic synthesis approach was used to identify descriptive and analytical themes across studies. Results From 1731 initial results, 41 studies reporting data from 1996 participants were included. We developed eight descriptive themes and two analytical (higher order) themes. The first analytical theme focused on injecting initiation resulting from a social process enabled and constrained by socio-structural factors: social networks and individual interactions, socialization into drug-using identities, and choices enabled and constrained by social context all combine to produce processes of injection initiation. The second analytical theme addressed pathways that explore varying meanings attached to injection initiation and how they link to social context: seeking pleasure, responses to increasing tolerance to drugs, securing belonging and identity, and coping with pain and trauma. Conclusions Qualitative research shows that injection drug use initiation has varying and distinct meanings for individuals involved and is a dynamic process shaped by social and structural factors. Interventions should therefore respond to the socio-structural influences on injecting drug use initiation by seeking to modify the contexts for initiation, rather than solely prioritizing the reduction of individual harms through behavior change.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The experience of initiating injection drug use and its social context: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

et al. 2017

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“…Further, the efficiency afforded by injection vs. non-injection of drugs has been identified as a key motivator for transitions into initiation, particularly among individuals experiencing endemic poverty and during periods when the price of illegal drugs increases [26][27][28][29][30][31].…”

Section: Risk Factors For Injection Initiatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preventing Injection Drug use Initiation: State of the Evidence and Opportunities for the Future

et al. 2017

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“…Further, "lifestyle similarities" between a non-injector and an injector had resulted in the transition. Exposure to other IDUs as a factor influencing the transition to drug injection has been widely documented in other studies, as well (14,18,24,(28)(29)(30).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transition to and Away from Injecting Drug Use among Young Drug Users in Tehran, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Rahimi-Movaghar

Noroozi

Page

et al. 2016

Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci

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Background: Iran has a large population of non-injection opioid users potentially at risk of initiation of drug injection. Objective: We implemented a qualitative study to characterize the factors facilitating transition from non-injection drug use (NIDU) to injection drug use (IDU) and vice versa. Materials and Methods:We conducted 42 in-depth interviews among purposefully selected groups of injecting and non-injecting drug users and health workers, in 2011 in Tehran, Iran. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using OpenCode 3.6 software. Results: The predominant factor for transition from NIDU to IDU was a high level of drug dependence. IDU decreased the cost associated with drug use by several fold in the short-term. The influence of other injectors, either by learning directly from, encouraged by, feeling coerced by, or identifying with a lifestyle was also mentioned as a causal factor in the transition to IDU. Pleasure-seeking or desire to experience an immediate rush were rarely reported; rather, themes of the need to maintain functionality, reduce pain, and overcome financial difficulties emerged. Vein damage and other IDU-related physical health problems, as well as pressure from family were reasons for reverse transition (IDU to NIDU). Conclusions: New harm reduction approaches could focus on blocking the transition from NIDU to injection and promoting the return to less harmful routes of administration.

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A qualitative study on the initiation into injection drug use: Necessary and background processes

Cited by 26 publications

References 11 publications

The experience of initiating injection drug use and its social context: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

The experience of initiating injection drug use and its social context: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis

Preventing Injection Drug use Initiation: State of the Evidence and Opportunities for the Future

Transition to and Away from Injecting Drug Use among Young Drug Users in Tehran, Iran: A Qualitative Study

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