The users of Novel Psychoactive Substances: Online survey about their characteristics, attitudes and motivations

Abstract

Understanding the different motivations for NPS use in terms of drug groups could enable more effective prevention and consequently a reduction in harm.

New psychoactive substances (NPS) on cryptomarket fora: An exploratory study of characteristics of forum activity between NPS buyers and vendors

“…Concerns were evident within these communities with regard to unpleasant effects of synthetic cannabinoids and inconsistent content of MDMA, often containing other NPS such as MDPV, Methylone and 4-MMA. Similar trends are reported in GDS (2016) and by Soussan & Kjellgren, (2016).…”

“…Online retail is reported to be one sourcing route for NPS, in addition to offline interactions via friends and local contacts (Sande, 2016;Soussan & Kjellgren, 2016;van Amsterdam et al, 2015). The Surface Web is used in the accessing of information around retail, synthesis and cultivation processes, and how to circumvent national legislative controls (Lavorgna, 2014(Lavorgna, :2016van Amsterdam et al, 2015).…”

The Dynamic Landscape of Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Use in Ireland: Results from an Expert Consultation

“…Motives for use are similiar to that reported elsewhere ( Van Hout, 2014;Van Hout & Hearne, 2015;Soussan & Kjellgren, 2016;GDS, 2016). Despite legislation viewed as cross cutting between law enforcement and health (Ryall and Butler, 2011); service responses and preventative measures have not kept up with the increase in poly drug referrals which involve NPS, and the diverse range of NPS used in Ireland.…”

The Quest for Well-Being and Pleasure: Experiences of the Novel Synthetic Opioids AH-7921 and MT-45, as Reported by Anonymous Users Online

“…The users' emphasis on the pleasurable effects is important to acknowledge from a prevention perspective, especially since a previous study has revealed that the main incentive for use of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in general, and for novel opioids in particular, was "pleasure and enjoyment" [21]. The present study found frequently occurring descriptions of a pleasant, relaxed and tranquil state in which the persons felt very content with "just being".…”

“…It has earlier been elucidated that "habit and addiction" constituted a considerable incentive for use of novel opioids [21]. A few persons in the present study explicitly described themselves as opioid dependant, and they reported use of MT-45 or AH-9721 as a means to cope with withdrawal effects from other opioids like oxycodone or heroin.…”