Patterns of use of new psychoactive substances and perceived benefits and negative effects: results of online survey in Georgia (country)

Subeliani, David; Otiashvili, David; Kutelia, Lika; Beselia, Ada; Mgebrishvili, Tamar; Vardanashvili, Irina; Kirtadze, Irma

doi:10.1080/14659891.2019.1692927

Cited by 4 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The rate of psychotic complications in our sample corresponds with the international level of 30% and reflects the need for more robust emergency care addressing NPS poisoning and intoxication. The observed NPS use patterns indicated the high frequency of daily narcotization episodes along with variable NPS dosages in our patients that agree with the findings reported by Stanley and Subeliani [11,12]. The short period between the first episode of NPS use and addiction onset demonstrated the rapid development of the NPS dependency syndrome and is consistent with previous literature data on destructive nature of synthetic drugs [13,14].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Prevalence of new psychoactive substances addiction: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Prilutskaya

Yussopov²,

Negay³

et al. 2020

J Clin Med Kaz

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Background: New psychoactive substances are a combined group of chemical substances developed in an attempt to circumvent control and restrictive measures for traditional drugs. Until 2017, the countries of Central Asia remained a gray spot on the maps of epidemiological new psychoactive substances reports. The largest share of new psychoactive substances on the Kazakhstani market became of a serious concern for both the law enforcement authorities and the public health services during the last five years.Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the proportion of hospitalizations in Kazakhstan related to new psychoactive substances addiction over a three-year period (2016)(2017)(2018) and to describe the patterns of new psychoactive substances use in the sample of admitted patients.Material and methods: This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional investigation using regional databases consisting of the 2018 cases of hospitalizations at 16 state regional mental treatment centers and 3 state narcological clinics across Kazakhstan. We analyzed 345 cases of NPS addiction.Results: The proportion of admitted in 2018 new psychoactive substances patients amounted to 10.01% (9.1%; 11.1%), comprising an ascending trend since 2016. The highest prevalence of the new psychoactive substances addiction was registered in Nur-Sultan, Almaty cities, and North-Kazakhstan region. Cathinones prevailed over other NPS groups (71.9%) and were mostly used in parallel with traditional opioids. Synthetic cannabinoids (28.1%) were associated with herbal cannabis use in three quarters of cases; smoking absolutely prevailed as the main route of their administration. Conclusion:This study suggests that new psychoactive substances addiction is a current clinical phenomenon, which should be reflected in the development and revision of the national drug treatment programs across Kazakhstan. The disparity of new psychoactive substances prevalence in the regions should be considered in the development of local anti-drug plans by the health care service and law enforcement authorities.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Prevalence of new psychoactive substances addiction: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Prilutskaya

Yussopov²,

Negay³

et al. 2020

J Clin Med Kaz

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“…Importantly, the data on non-injection drug use in Georgia are limited. Available research indicates growing use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are increasingly available in the illicit market [ 19 ], and the increasing use of psychoactive substances in nightlife settings [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, recent studies suggest the diffusion of alternative distribution models. Mobile phone applications (e.g., Telegram ) and online markets (e.g., Matanga ) are now used for the drug procurement [ 23 ]; about a quarter of respondents in a recent study report purchasing their drugs via the Internet [ 19 ]. The virtual dealers employ a common modus operandi—upon the receipt of the payment they provide the consumers with coordinates and a photo of the place where their purchase (the drug) has been hidden in advance (dead drop).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on illicit drug supply, drug-related behaviour of people who use drugs and provision of drug related services in Georgia: results of a mixed methods prospective cohort study

Otiashvili

Mgebrishvili²,

Beselia³

et al. 2022

Harm Reduct J

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Background This study examines the effects of COVID-19 related restrictions on the supply of illicit drugs, drug-use behaviour among people who use drugs (PWUD) regularly (at least weekly), and drug-related service provision in Tbilisi, Georgia. Methodology In this mixed methods study, a cohort of 50 Georgian PWUD recruited through a snow-ball sampling participated in a bi-weekly online survey in April–September, 2020. They also took part in the qualitative telephone interviews at 12- and 24-week follow-up time points. In addition, four key informants (field experts) were interviewed monthly to assess their perceptions of changes in the illicit drug market and drug service delivery. Results Mean age in the sample was 36 (range 18–60); 39 (78%) were males. Perceived availability of drugs was reduced during the lockdown, and many PWUD switched to alternative substances when preferred drugs were not available. On average, participants used significantly fewer substances over the course of the study, from 3.5 substances in the preceding 14 days to 2.1 (aOR 0.92; 95% CI 0.90–0.94). Consumption of cannabis products declined significantly (aOR 0.89; 95% CI 0.84–0.95), likewise alcohol (aOR 0.94; 95% CI 0.88–1.0), diverted medicinal methadone (aOR 0.85; 95% CI 0.8–0.9) and diverted medicinal buprenorphine (aOR 0.91; 95% CI 0.84–0.99). PWUD cited fewer contacts with drug dealers, the lack of transportation, and the lack of conventional recreational environment as the main reasons for these changes. When access to sterile injection equipment was limited, PWUD exercised risk-containing injection behaviours, such as buying drugs in pre-filled syringes (aOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80–0.96). Harm reduction and treatment programs managed to adopt flexible strategies to recover services that were affected during the initial stage of the pandemic. Conclusions COVID-19-related restrictive measures mediated specific changes in supply models and drug-use behaviours. While adjusting to the new environment, many PWUD would engage in activities that put them under increased risk of overdose and blood-borne infections. Harm reduction and treatment services need to develop and implement protocols for ensuring uninterrupted service delivery during lockdowns, in anticipation of the similar epidemics or other emergency situations.

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“…One Nepal study held in the psychiatric hospital also exhibited reliable results. According to Subeliani D et; unmarried people are at high risk of mental illness and substance abuse in comparison to married people 19 . About 50% of people using psychoactive substances had secondary education qualification.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Socio-Demographic Profile of Psychoactive Substance Users Attending A Tertiary Care Centre

Khan¹,

Farooq²,

Mehdi³

et al. 2022

PJMHS

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Aim: The goal of this analysis is to determine the proportion of psychoactive substance disorder and socio-demographic profile of Psychoactive Substance Users. Study Design: A descriptive study. Place and Duration: In the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences department PGMI/AMC/LGH Lahore, Pakistan and Mardan Medical Complex for six months duration from October 2021 to March 2022. Methods: A total of 120 subjects with psychoactive substance use disorder (conferring to the ICD-10 criteria) were recruited after attaining their written informed consent. In the course of the study, all patients with substance use disorders were interviewed through partially structured addiction questionnaire. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 21.0 using inferential and descriptive statistics. Results: Out of the 120 subjects, 100 were men and 20 were women. The adults and adolescents were the main groups indulging in the consumption of psychoactive substances. Most of the subjects, 45%, started substance abuse at 16-20 years of age. Of the remaining 18.3%, started substance abuse at 26 years old and older, 24.2% started at the age of 21-25 years, and 12.5% started at the age of 13-15 years. It was found that 50% were in the recovery process. The relapse rate was 33.3%, 12.5% were not in contact, 2.5% died, and 1.7% were in prison. Opioid was the psychoactive substance preferred by 66.7% of the young population. The most common opioid was brown sugar; 13.3% prefer cannabis, 2.5% prefer tablets, 4.2% prefer injectable use and 0.83% prefer volatile usage of substances. Conclusion: The main consumers of psychoactive substances were the adults and adolescents and majority start using it at a younger age. Psychoactive substance abuse is a serious problem effecting young people, which is a sensitive group. So, special consideration should be paid to psychoeducation about psychoactive substances prior to adolescent. Keywords: Psychoactive substance, Sociodemographic profile.

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Patterns of use of new psychoactive substances and perceived benefits and negative effects: results of online survey in Georgia (country)

Cited by 4 publications

References 17 publications

Prevalence of new psychoactive substances addiction: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Prevalence of new psychoactive substances addiction: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on illicit drug supply, drug-related behaviour of people who use drugs and provision of drug related services in Georgia: results of a mixed methods prospective cohort study

Socio-Demographic Profile of Psychoactive Substance Users Attending A Tertiary Care Centre

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