Novel psychoactive drug use among younger adults involved in US nightlife scenes

Abstract

Introduction The emergence of novel psychoactive substances has been reported in clinical studies and recent studies of users. The use of these substances in European nightlife scenes is well documented. Little research has been done to identify the prevalence of these drugs among young adults active in other regions. Aims We focus our sample on socially active young adults to gain an indication of the prevalence and understanding of demographic factors associated with past year mephedrone (“meph”, “bath salts”) and synthetic cannabinoid (“spice”, “K2”) use. Design and Methods This study reports on the results of a field based survey of 1740 patrons at nightlife venues in New York City. Results Within the sample, 8.2% reported use of synthetic cannabinoids and 1.1% reported the use of mephedrone. Gay and Bisexual men reported higher prevalence of mephedrone use. Latinos reported higher prevalence of synthetic cannabinoid use. Multivariate analyses indicate sexual minority identity is associated with mephedrone use and younger age and Latino ethnicity are associated with synthetic cannabinoid use. Discussion and Conclusion The findings suggest the use of synthetic cannabinoids and mephedrone among adults in US. nightlife scenes remains relatively low in comparison to European nightlife scenes, and is low relative to other drug use among young people within these scenes.

Is the recent emergence of mephedrone injecting in the United Kingdom associated with elevated risk behaviours and blood borne virus infection?

“…The subsequent emergence of the injection of synthetic cathinones, including mephedrone, has caused particular concerns in Europe [9], with the injection of these drugs having been associated with increases in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and risk behaviours among people who inject drugs (PWID) in several central European countries [10,11]. The use, and in particular the injection, of mephedrone by some populations of men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly during sex, has also recently been reported in Europe and elsewhere [12][13][14], often in settings where unsafe sex and sharing of injecting equipment occur [12,13].…”

Contribution of serotonin and dopamine to changes in core body temperature and locomotor activity in rats following repeated administration of mephedrone

“…Although mephedrone has been implicated in a number of deaths and became illegal in Europe and the United States between 2010 and 2012 (Dargan et al, 2011;Gershman and Fass, 2012), it remains widely available for illicit use (Elliott and Evans, 2014;Kelly et al, 2013;Yamamoto et al, 2013) and users report similar psychoactive effects to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Mephedrone is a high-affinity substrate for the monoamine reuptake transporters for dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytrypatamine (5-HT).…”

Use of synthetic cathinones and cannabimimetics among injection drug users in San Diego, California

“…Current knowledge about SCs comes mostly from research among people associated with the “dance music” or “party” scenes. In these studies, SC use has been associated with: sexual minority status, use of other psychedelic and inhalant drugs, and risky behaviors such as binge use and unprotected sex (Bruno et al, 2012; Kelly et al, 2013). Reports of drug use practices among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United Kingdom include use of mephedrone (an SC) along with other psychoactive substances, including methamphetamine and MDMA, which may contribute to elevated risk for HIV infection (Hunter et al, 2014; Kirby and Thornber-Dunwell, 2013).…”