Profile and correlates of colorimetric reagent kit use among people who use ecstasy/MDMA and other illegal stimulants in Australia

Peacock, Amy; Gibbs, Daisy; Price, Olivia; Barratt, Monica J.; Ezard, Nadine; Sutherland, Rachel; Hill, Patricia M.; Grigg, Jodie; Lenton, Simon; Page, Robert L.; Salom, Caroline; Hughes, Caitlin; Bruno, Raimondo

doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103334

Cited by 6 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…The emergence of community drug checking is not a coordinated response and has rarely been spearheaded by public health as a publicly funded, comprehensive overdose prevention service (Carroll, 2021; Palamar et al , 2019; Peacock et al , 2021). Rather, what exists is a scattering of pilot projects, research initiatives, grassroots and sometimes unsanctioned services.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A distributed model to expand the reach of drug checking

Wallace

Gozdzialski

Qbaich

et al. 2022

DHS

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Purpose While there is increasing interest in implementing drug checking within overdose prevention, we must also consider how to scale-up these responses so that they have significant reach and impact for people navigating the unpredictable and increasingly complex drug supplies linked to overdose. The purpose of this paper is to present a distributed model of community drug checking that addresses multiple barriers to increasing the reach of drug checking as a response to the illicit drug overdose crisis. Design/methodology/approach A detailed description of the key components of a distributed model of community drug checking is provided. This includes an integrated software platform that links a multi-instrument, multi-site service design with online service options, a foundational database that provides storage and reporting functions and a community of practice to facilitate engagement and capacity building. Findings The distributed model diminishes the need for technicians at multiple sites while still providing point-of-care results with local harm reduction engagement and access to confirmatory testing online and in localized reporting. It also reduces the need for training in the technical components of drug checking (e.g. interpreting spectra) for harm reduction workers. Moreover, its real-time reporting capability keeps communities informed about the crisis. Sites are additionally supported by a community of practice. Originality/value This paper presents innovations in drug checking technologies and service design that attempt to overcome current financial and technical barriers towards scaling-up services to a more equitable and impactful level and effectively linking multiple urban and rural communities to report concentration levels for substances most linked to overdose.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A distributed model to expand the reach of drug checking

Wallace

Gozdzialski

Qbaich

et al. 2022

DHS

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“…Table 3 presents the geography, methodology, and synthesis of the themes identified across the sample. Not all national studies collected data in every Australian jurisdiction, however the majority ( n = 11) had done so (Black et al, 2008; Dietze et al, 2015; Dunn et al, 2006; Gibbs et al, 2023; Johnston et al, 2006; Peacock et al, 2019, 2021; Sindicich & Burns, 2011, 2015; Sindicich et al, 2016; Uporova et al, 2018). Of the 15 national studies, 11 reported on data from the EDRS.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Just over half of the studies ( n = 13) solely collected quantitative data through surveys (Allott & Redman, 2006; Barratt et al, 2018) and interviews, which was significantly influenced by the 11 EDRS outputs utilizing a structured interview methodology (Black et al, 2008; Dietze et al, 2015; Dunn et al, 2006; Gibbs et al, 2023; Johnston et al, 2006; Peacock et al, 2019, 2021; Sindicich & Burns, 2011, 2015; Sindicich et al, 2016; Uporova et al, 2018). Four studies collected both qualitative and quantitative data via surveys (Day et al, 2018; Southey et al, 2020) and interviews (Copeland et al, 2006; Gascoigne et al, 2004).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seventeen studies (73.91%) found a range of drug consumption practices utilized to manage MDMA-related harms while maximizing “highs” (Allott & Redman, 2006; Barratt et al, 2018; Black et al, 2008; Copeland et al, 2006; Dietze et al, 2015; Dilkes-Frayne, 2014; Duff et al, 2007; Dunn et al, 2006; Gascoigne et al, 2004; Gibbs et al, 2023; Leslie et al, 2016; Panagopoulos & Ricciardelli, 2005; Peacock et al, 2019, 2021; Pennay & Moore, 2010; Sindicich & Burns, 2011, 2015; Sindicich et al, 2016).…”

Section: Drug Consumption Practicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Managing dosage was also thought to soothe negative emotions and accentuate the positives ( n = 8, 34.78%) (Allott & Redman, 2006; Dilkes-Frayne, 2014; Duff et al, 2007; Leslie et al, 2016; Panagopoulos & Ricciardelli, 2005; Peacock et al, 2019; Peacock et al, 2021; Pennay & Moore, 2010). To avoid over-intoxication, people set dosage limits before going out, consumed test quantities, decreased use on single occasions, and spaced-out dosages (Allott & Redman, 2006; Panagopoulos & Ricciardelli, 2005; Peacock et al, 2019; Peacock et al, 2021).…”

Section: Drug Consumption Practicesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Scoping Review of Australian Literature on People Who Use MDMA and Their Harm Reduction Practices

Span,

Farah,

Ivetìc

et al. 2023

Contemporary Drug Problems

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Background: Discourses around MDMA are often predominantly concerned with identifying risk and characterizing harm. Reluctance from Australian governments to reform drug policy and implement harm reduction services has created a policy and service gap, and it is therefore pertinent to consider how people who use MDMA mediate potential harms, and how this knowledge can inform approaches to drug use and policy reform. This community-led scoping review aimed to identify Australian literature on the practices of harm reduction strategies by people who use MDMA. Methods: Seven topic-specific and multidisciplinary databases were searched in February 2023 in line with conventional scoping review methodology. Eligible articles were published from 2002 onwards, reported on the voices of people who use MDMA as primary evidence within the context of Australia, and included at least one strategy to reduce harm. Data were analyzed by drawing on conventional content analysis and thematic analysis frameworks. Results: Twenty-three peer-reviewed and gray literature sources were included. Five key themes were identified on how people mediate harms and enhance the pleasurable aspects of MDMA use: drug consumption practices, planning and preparation, testing drugs, accessing health services, and community care practices. Conclusion: The results suggest that people who use MDMA take care to identify and reduce unwanted harms. The way people who use MDMA make decisions around drugs is mediated by peer groups and online technologies, as well as broader social and cultural contexts of drug use and drug prohibition. More qualitative, participatory, and action research projects are recommended to accurately reflect the views and needs of people who use MDMA and meaningfully shape service reform.

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Adulteration and substitution of drugs purchased in Australia from cryptomarkets: An analysis of Test4Pay

Barratt,

Ball,

Wong

et al. 2024

Drug and Alcohol Review

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IntroductionProhibited drugs in unregulated markets may be adulterated, resulting in increased risks for people who use drugs. This study investigated levels of drug adulteration and substitution of drugs purchased in Australia from cryptomarkets.MethodsData were collected from a darknet forum called Test4Pay from 1 September 2022 to 23 August 2023. Posts were included if they reported the results of drug samples submitted by post to the Vancouver‐based Get Your Drugs Tested service, which uses Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy with immunoassay strip tests (fentanyl and benzodiazepines).ResultsOf 103 samples, 65% contained only the advertised substance, 14% contained the advertised substance in combination with other psychoactive and/or potentially harmful substances and for 21%, the advertised substance was absent. Substances sold as MDMA, methamphetamine or heroin were consistently found to contain only the advertised substance, while substances sold as 2C‐B, alprazolam or ketamine were the most likely to be completely substituted. Only 4 samples sold as cocaine contained solely the advertised substance, with 13 containing cocaine with adulterants like lidocaine, creatine, levamisole and boric acid (n = 19). No fentanyl contamination was detected. Novel dissociatives and novel benzodiazepines were detected, as well as a nitazene compound.Discussion and ConclusionsDrug markets under prohibition continue to contain numerous unexpected substances, some of which can elevate risk of harm. Cryptomarkets are not immune to this problem, despite review systems, which should, in theory, make vendors more accountable for the quality of their stock. These findings demonstrate a need for expansion of local drug checking services in Australia.

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Profile and correlates of colorimetric reagent kit use among people who use ecstasy/MDMA and other illegal stimulants in Australia

Cited by 6 publications

References 23 publications

A distributed model to expand the reach of drug checking

A distributed model to expand the reach of drug checking

A Scoping Review of Australian Literature on People Who Use MDMA and Their Harm Reduction Practices

Adulteration and substitution of drugs purchased in Australia from cryptomarkets: An analysis of Test4Pay

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