36 research outputs found
Experiences of Tobacco Smoking and Quitting Among Mental Health Consumers
No full textBackground: Rates of smoking remain high in people who have a diagnosis of mental illness. The high prevalence of smoking in this population highlights the need to engage people experiencing mental ill-health in enhancing quit-smoking programs. Method: This study examined the experience of tobacco smoking, reasons for and benefits of quitting smoking among people diagnosed with a mental illness. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 participants who had attempted to quit smoking to gain insights into their experiences and gather recommendations for improved smoking cessation support. Results: Findings indicate a link between smoking and mental health, with consumers using smoking as a way to cope with psychological distress. Often, the reasons for quitting smoking were associated with increased personal recovery. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of support and the right timing to maximise consumers' likelihood of quitting smoking. Smoking cessation interventions should be delivered in a recovery-focused way, which enhances self-determination and the personal decision to quit smoking. Patient or Consumer Contribution: The first author is in a designated lived experience (Consumer) role. The first author conducted the interviews and was explicit regarding their lived experience of mental health challenges and experience as an ex-smoker when engaging with participants.Full Tex
Sweating for Sobriety: Exploring the Relationship Between Exercise Engagement and Substance Use Disorders
No full textDespite various interventions available for substance use disorders, relapse rates remain substantial and, therefore, alternative strategies for attenuating dependence are needed. This study examined the associations between exercise frequency, illicit substance use, and dependence severity among a large sample of people who use drugs. The study utilized data from the Global Drug Survey 2018 (N = 57,110) to investigate the relationship between exercise frequency, illicit substance use, and substance dependence severity. Binomial regressions were employed to examine the relationship between exercise and SDS scores for 9 drugs. Greater exercise frequency correlated with reduced severity of substance dependence for specific drugs: cannabis (χ2 = 14.75, p < .001), MDMA (χ2 = 4.73, p = .029), cocaine (χ2 = 8.37, p = .015), amphetamine powder (χ2 = 6.39, p = .041), and methamphetamine (χ2 = 15.17, p < .001). These findings suggest a potential link between exercise and reduced substance use dependency. Further research is needed to understand the complex dynamics between exercise and substance use, considering potential bidirectional relationships and concurrent factors.Full Tex
“They sent it away for testing and it was all bunk”: Exploring perspectives on drug checking among steroid consumers in Queensland, Australia
No full textIntroduction: Research supports the feasibility and acceptance of drug checking among nightlife and festival attendees. Interest in expanding drug checking to other groups of people who use drugs, including those who inject drugs, has grown. However, understanding the acceptability and feasibility of drug checking among specific cohorts, like anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) consumers, remains a research gap. This study explores AAS consumers' perspectives on drug checking and service preferences, aiding the preparation for drug checking delivery in Queensland, Australia. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 15 AAS consumers (9 males, 6 females; Mage = 36.80 years, SD = 6.12) from Australia. One-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with questions exploring participants' views on drug checking/testing and their preferences for AAS analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted with final themes established through iterative consensus. Results: Consumers expressed frustration with the prevailing stereotypes, social stigma, and the perception of criminality associated with the use of AAS. There was a strong dependence on personal connections and trusted suppliers, with coaches exerting significant influence. Participants expressed concerns about the widespread availability of counterfeit products and underground operations. The act of using unknown AAS was likened to a game of Russian roulette, underscoring the importance of obtaining accurate information and access to reliable drug checking services. Consumers expressed a preference for a web-based platform that enables individuals to access their own test results while contributing to a comprehensive database of brand-specific testing outcomes. Discussion: AAS consumers recognise the significance of monitoring their AAS use and seek a service that can not only assist them in making informed decisions regarding AAS usage but also potentially contribute to the knowledge of the wider AAS-consuming community. These findings underscore the importance of tailored education, drug checking services, and harm reduction measures to address the diverse needs of AAS consumers.Full Tex
Tobacco endgame and priority populations: a scoping review
No full textAim To summarise the research literature on the impacts or perceptions of policies to end tobacco use at a population level (ie, tobacco endgame policies) among people from eight priority population groups (experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, HIV, homelessness, unemployment or low incomes, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex (LGBTQI+) or who have experienced incarceration). Methods Guided by JBI Scoping Review Methodology, we searched six databases for original research examining the impacts or perceptions of 12 tobacco endgame policies among eight priority populations published since 2000. We report the results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Results Of the 18 included studies, one described perceptions of five endgame policies among people on low incomes in Aotearoa (New Zealand), and 17 focused on the effectiveness or impacts of a very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarette standard among people experiencing mental illness (n=14), substance use disorders (n=8), low incomes (n=6), unemployment (n=1) or who identify as LGBTQI+ (n=1) in the USA. These studies provide evidence that VLNC cigarettes can reduce tobacco smoking, cigarette cravings, nicotine withdrawal and nicotine dependence among these populations. Conclusions Most of the tobacco endgame literature related to these priority populations focuses on VLNC cigarettes. Identified research gaps include the effectiveness of endgame policies for reducing smoking, impacts (both expected and unexpected) and policy perceptions among these priority populations.No Full Tex
Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights
No full textBackground:
The recreational use of LSD, a synthetic psychedelic drug, has surged in recent years, coinciding with a renewed research focus on its potential psychotherapeutic properties.
Aim:
This study aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of individuals engaging in LSD use for the first time, derived from a large international sample.
Methods:
This study utilised 2018 Global Drug Survey data collected from 6 November 2017 to 10 January 2018. Participants who initiated LSD use in the preceding 12 months answered questions on their experiences, social settings, harm-reduction behaviours, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were employed, and characteristics of those seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) and those not planning further LSD use were compared with other respondents.
Results:
Among 3340 respondents who used LSD in the past year, their first-time experiences generally exceeded expectations, with 97.7% expressing excitement. Adverse and unwanted side effects were rarely reported, and only 17 individuals needed EMT. Feelings of fear were reported by most (64.1%), but only very mildly and not enough to put them off from wanting to use LSD again.
Discussion:
Although the occurrence of unwanted side effects seems low and the LSD experience is generally pleasurable, vigilance amid the rising illicit use of LSD through harm-reduction education is still important in preventing possible risks.Full Tex
From chaos to kaleidoscope: Exploring factors in psychedelic self-treatment for mental health conditions
No full textIntroduction:
This study explores how individuals self-treat psychiatric conditions with psychedelics outside medical guidance bridging the gap in understanding unregulated therapeutic use.
Aims:
The primary objective was to extract specific factors underlying the effects of psychedelics, exploring their relationship with the need for medication, particularly for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, we aimed to understand how the likelihood of being prescribed pharmacological medication varies based on mental health diagnoses and demographic factors.
Methods:
This research utilised the Global Drug Survey 2020, an annual online survey focused on substance use patterns and demographics, incorporating modules addressing mental health and psychedelic use. The study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis to discern latent factors underlying the self-reported effects of psychedelics. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to investigate the association between identified factors and the likelihood of current prescribed medication usage.
Results:
In all, 2552 respondents reported using psychedelics for self-treatment of mental health conditions. Three significant factors were identified: Improved Mental Health, Improved Self-Awareness and Neuro-Sensory Changes. The majority of the sample reported a history of depression (80%) or anxiety (65.6%), with a significant association observed between reported factors of psychedelics’ effects and current medication usage for mental health, especially notable in cases of depression or comorbid depression and anxiety.
Conclusions:
Perceived symptom improvement following psychedelic self-treatment may reduce the need for medically supervised pharmacological interventions. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics to positively influence mental health and self-awareness, paving the way for further research into their therapeutic application.Full Tex
Barriers to the use of no and low alcohol products in high-risk drinkers
No full textIntroduction
Consuming no or low (NoLo) alcohol products in place of regular strength alcohol products could reduce alcohol-related harms in high risk drinkers. This study provides a new perspective by exploring beliefs about NoLo products and motives for their use by level of risky drinking using a model of behaviour change.
Methods
The 2022 Global Drug Survey included items on NoLo product use, beliefs, and motives for consuming or not consuming NoLo products. Findings were mapped onto the COM-B (capability-opportunity-motivation) model.
Results
In a sample of 33,033 respondents (59.5% cis men; 37.3% cis women; 3.2% trans/non-binary) over half (52.2%) reported NoLo product use in the last 12 months. Recent NoLo use was associated with older age, employment status and more common in respondents who drank alcohol compared to non-drinkers. High-risk drinkers were more likely to believe NoLo products could help them to drink less and to avoid embarrassment. However, higher risk drinkers who had never consumed NoLo products were more likely to report that they drank to be intoxicated and believed they would not have a good time if they switched.
Discussion and Conclusions
People who are drinking for enhancement motives (e.g., for fun, to feel intoxicated) may be less amenable to substituting regular strength alcohol products for NoLo products. NoLo use may help some higher risk drinkers consume less alcohol, and social and motivational factors could be targeted to increase their use. There should be renewed focus on broader intervention strategies, such as creating viable social alternatives to consuming alcohol.Full Tex
Why, Where, and with Whom? Understanding the set and setting influencing the consumption of NoLo beverages
No full textBackground: Production and use of no- and low-alcohol (NoLo) beverages has increased globally in recent years. Using data from a large international sample of people who drink alcohol, this study aimed to investigate patterns of NoLo drink consumption. Methods: The study utilized data from the 2022 Global Drug Survey (GDS). We used cross-tabulation and multiple correspondence analysis to understand usage patterns and identify key groupings. Results: Of the 15,686 participants reporting NoLo use, most (59%) reported drinking NoLo products less than monthly. Frequent NoLo consumption was more prevalent in relaxed environments (92%) compared to team environments (27%) and party settings (49%), with a significant relationship between heavy alcohol drinking prevalence and increased likelihood of engaging in NoLo alcohol consumption. Conclusions: We uncovered nuanced preferences for NoLo drinks driven by cultural, consumption, and economic factors. Heavy alcohol drinking and an increased likelihood of NoLo consumption is suggestive of a growing acceptance of NoLo beverages as substitutes for alcoholic beverages perhaps, for example, as a response to avoiding experiences of embarrassment due to drunkenness in particular social settings. This suggests a need for further research into public health policies promoting NoLo options to mitigate alcohol-related problems.Full Tex
Symposium: 2024: the year of multiple drug checking services in Australia
No full textAim: In 2024, multiple new drug checking initiatives have commenced in Australia, including a community-based service in Brisbane, festival drug checking services in Queensland, drug checking services at Sydney's medically supervised injecting centre, and a testing service specifically for people who use performance and image enhancing drugs in Queensland. The aim of this interactive panel is to help answer questions from conference attendees from jurisdictions still working towards implementing drug checking services, by bringing together a panel of people who are actively conducting drug checking services in Australia.No Full Tex
“We're gonna want to know the label's right”: Co-designing a drug checking service for anabolic-androgenic steroid consumers
No full textIntroduction: Of the current harm reduction initiatives available drug checking is presently surrounded by the most contention in Australia. Drug checking is an integrated service allowing consumers to have their substances analysed and receive harm reduction advice. With the advent of drug checking in Queensland, where there is a high proportion of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users, this study scoped the needs of a traditionally marginalised group of substance consumers.
Method: This study conducted exploratory interviews with AAS consumers (N = 15) regarding AAS testing practices, and what a drug checking service for AAS would look like. Data were analysed thematically.
Key Findings: A narrative was developed with four overarching themes: “You're basically playing Russian Roulette”; dangers of current AAS use, respected brands; the social and peer networks dictating supply, “Yeah, we're gonna want to know the label's right”; service design for AAS consumers and “Steroids is something which is often overlooked”, integrating drug checking and harm reduction into public health response.
Discussions and Conclusions: This preliminary study indicates that AAS consumers are feeling poorly represented in public health responses to substance use. AAS consumers are concerned regarding the state of ‘underground' product available to them and are supportive of a drug testing service which considers their unique needs. The data suggest testing services provide presence and purity information which is provided through anonymous and confidential means. Integrated harm reduction through resources and peer-led frameworks are highly sought after among this consumer group.No Full Tex
