Observations on the effects of buprenorphine and methadone on illicit drug use.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the agonistic effects of buprenorphine and methadone affect drug use. METHOD: Quantitative examination of urine drug concentrations of patients treated with buprenorphine and methadone. RESULTS: Patients on buprenorphine had less opioid and methamphetamine drug use than those on methadone. CONCLUSION: Patients on buprenorphine therapy appear to use less illicit drugs.

Nationwide assessment of illicit drug consumption patterns in South Korea using wastewater-based epidemiology during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022).

Illicit drugs have become a crucial global social issue, with South Korea experiencing a continuous increase in the number of offenders and drug smuggling. This study employed wastewater-based epidemiology to investigate consumption patterns of 8 illicit drugs and their 7 metabolites during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) in South Korea. Ten compouds were detected in the wastewater influent. Methamphetamine (METH) was prevalent in samples, followed by amphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA). Interestingly, MDMA and ketamine (KET), which were not detected in previous Korean studies conducted before COVID-19 pandemic, were detected in this study. METH exhibited the highest consumption rates, decreasing from 16.6 to 12.4 mg/day/1000 people between 2020 and 2022, while MDMA increased over the three years (mean: 1.16, 1.24, and 1.62 mg/day/1000 people in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively) (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were identified between regional income levels and the consumption rates of METH (p < 0.01), MDMA (p < 0.01), and KET (p < 0.05). Furthermore, METH and MDMA consumption rates in cities were positively correlated with the number of drug offenders arrested and local clubs in those cities. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into shaping regulatory policies related to illicit drugs and future studies.

Synergistic interaction between pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use on hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus testing among men who have sex with men in China.

OBJECTIVES: Pay-it-forward incentives effectively promote hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) by offering free testing and donation opportunities. This study aims to explore the interaction between pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use on HBV and HCV testing uptake among Chinese MSM. METHODS: We pooled data from two pay-it-forward studies that aimed to promote dual HBV and HCV testing among MSM in Jiangsu, China. We explored factors associated with hepatitis testing uptake in the two study groups and examined the interaction between pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use on hepatitis testing uptake. RESULTS: Overall, 511 MSM participated in these two studies, with 265 participants in the pay-it-forward incentives group and 246 participants in the standard-of-care group. Among these participants, 59.3% in the pay-it-forward incentive group and 24.8% in the standard-of-care group received dual HBV and HCV testing, respectively. In the pay-it-forward incentives group, participants who used recreational drugs in the past 12 months (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.83, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.06) were more likely to receive dual HBV and HCV testing, compared with those who never used recreational drugs, whereas in the standard-of-care group, those who used recreational drugs were less likely to receive dual HBC and HCV testing (AOR=0.38, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.78). MSM with higher community connectedness (AOR=1.10, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.21) were also more likely to receive hepatitis testing with pay-it-forward incentives. There was a synergistic interaction on both the multiplicative (ratio of ORs=4.83, 95% CI 1.98 to 11.7) and additive scales (the relative excess risk of interaction=2.97, 95% CI 0.56 to 5.38) of pay-it-forward incentives and recreational drug use behaviours on dual HBV and HCV testing uptake among MSM. CONCLUSION: Pay-it-forward incentives may be particularly useful in promoting hepatitis testing among MSM who use recreational drugs.

A Review of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Studies for the Assessment of Over-the-Counter Medicines Used as Recreational Drugs: The Example of Dextromethorphan.

The 'recreational use' of selected over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is an unofficial activity. The traditional surveys assessing the use of drugs are affected by the bias of underreporting and are thus unreliable. The development of analytical techniques helps to monitor the substances at trace levels, such as in wastewater, and might be applied to estimate the consumption of an analyte of interest and ensure additional, evidence-based information complementary to population surveys. We reviewed studies focused on evaluating the estimated consumption of drugs as a reliable and unbiased source of evidence-based information (called wastewater-based epidemiology, WBE) to monitor the scale of this phenomenon. We found there is a need to test not only narcotics in the environment but also medicines that may be abused or recreationally used. The reviewed studies show methods that might provide reliable information about consumption of drugs, narcotics, and OTC medications for proposing targeted, preventive actions. Moreover, as all the selected studies were based on mass spectrometry, there is a potential to include the dextromethorphan and/or related compounds as part of the screening for narcotics and OTC drugs that can be socially harmful, overused, or misused. This article reviews the analytical methods for detecting dextromethorphan and/or its transformation products in environmental water samples.

Tripping into the unknown: Exploring the experiences of first-time LSD users through global drug survey insights.

BACKGROUND: 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.

Navigating the nexus between British Columbia's public consumption and decriminalization policies of illegal drugs.

In January 2023, the province of British Columbia (BC) decriminalized the possession of certain illegal drugs for personal use. The province's primary intent was to reduce the stigma associated with drug use, as well as barriers for people who use drugs (PWUD) to access treatment and supports. However, less than ten months into the decriminalization policy, due to growing concerns about public safety voiced by municipal governments and communities, the provincial government made amendments to the policy to ban the public consumption of illicit drugs in additional locations, and subsequently introduced additional legislation, Bill 34, aimed at regulating public consumption of drugs in public spaces. Some communities have also implemented local bylaws similarly regulating public drug use. Bill 34 and local bylaws may serve as tools to promote community health and safety and minimize direct and indirect harms associated with public drug use. However, such legislation may re-criminalize PWUD and reinforce negative perceptions surrounding drug use, especially if these policies are not paired with strategies to expand the availability and accessibility of critical harm reduction and housing services. Without ample access to these services, limitations on public drug use can potentially displace individuals to areas where they are more likely to use alone, further exposing them to substance use-related harms, and undermining the goals of decriminalization. The potential effects of these restrictions may also disproportionately impact marginalized populations. As of April 2024, Bill 34 remains on hold. Moving forward, it will be important to monitor this bill, as well as other public consumption bylaws and legislation, and their impact on BC's overall decriminalization initiative. Decision-makers are urged to increase engagement with PWUD and relevant stakeholders in the design and implementation of policies pertaining to public consumption to ensure that they effectively address the evolving needs and realities of PWUD, and align with decriminalization goals.

Nitrous Oxide-induced Myeloneuropathy Due to Recreational Abuse.

BACKGROUND: The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased in recent years with a noticeable surge in the incidence of nitrous oxide-related myeloneuropathy. OBJECTIVES: To raise awareness of increasing myeloneuropathy due to recreational nitrous oxide misuse in Israel. METHODS: We conducted a case series documenting the clinical and investigative features of eight patients presenting with nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy who were admitted to our departments. RESULTS: Paresthesia was the chief complaint in all patients, with sensory gait ataxia being a common feature, which was often accompanied by Romberg's sign and mild lower limb weakness. Vitamin B12 levels were below the normal range in seven patients, accompanied by elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed hyperintense signals in the dorsal columns of the cervical spine. All patients improved following vitamin B12 injections. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing awareness, prompting the use of appropriate investigations, and advocating for timely treatment are needed to overcome the risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse.

Suicide ideation and psychotropic recreational drug use by adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is characterized by complex and dynamic changes, often involving experimentation, including the use of psychotropic substances. Although it is well-established that recreational psychotropic drugs are associated with suicide ideation in adults, evidence of this association in adolescents remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between suicide ideation and psychotropic recreational drug use among adolescents. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review with meta-analysis developed at Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU) and Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. METHODS: A search across eight electronic databases for observational studies, without language or publication year restrictions, was conducted. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses and odds ratios were used to measure the effects. RESULTS: The search yielded 19,732 studies, of which 78 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 32 in the meta-analysis. The findings indicated that suicidal ideation was 1.96 times more likely (95% confidence interval, CI = 1.47; 2.61) for adolescents who used some drug recurrently and 3.32 times more likely (95%CI = 1.86; 5.93) among those who abused drugs. Additionally, adolescents who used cannabis were 1.57 times more likely (95%CI = 1.34; 1.84) to experience suicide ideation compared with non-users, while cocaine users had 2.57 times higher odds (95%CI = 1.47; 4.50). CONCLUSIONS: Psychotropic recreational drug use is associated with suicidal ideation among adolescents regardless of current or previous use, abuse, or type of substance used. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Registered in the PROSPERO database under the identification number CRD42021232360. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021232360.

Psychosocial factors associated with overdose subsequent to Illicit Drug use: a systematic review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Psychological and social status, and environmental context, may mediate the likelihood of experiencing overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise psychosocial factors associated with overdose among people who use drugs. METHODS: This review was registered on Prospero (CRD42021242495). Systematic record searches were undertaken in databases of peer-reviewed literature (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cinahl) and grey literature sources (Google Scholar) for work published up to and including 14 February 2023. Reference lists of selected full-text papers were searched for additional records. Studies were eligible if they included people who use drugs with a focus on relationships between psychosocial factors and overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. Results were tabulated and narratively synthesised. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included in the review, with 150,625 participants: of those 3,383-4072 (3%) experienced overdose. Twenty-one (81%) studies were conducted in North America and 23 (89%) reported polydrug use. Psychosocial factors associated with risk of overdose (n = 103) were identified and thematically organised into ten groups. These were: income; housing instability; incarceration; traumatic experiences; overdose risk perception and past experience; healthcare experiences; perception of own drug use and injecting skills; injecting setting; conditions with physical environment; and social network traits. CONCLUSIONS: Global rates of overdose continue to increase, and many guidelines recommend psychosocial interventions for dependent drug use. The factors identified here provide useful targets for practitioners to focus on at the individual level, but many identified will require wider policy changes to affect positive change. Future research should seek to develop and trial interventions targeting factors identified, whilst advocacy for key policy reforms to reduce harm must continue.

Nonmedical Use of Stimulants Among Students in Jordan: A Nationwide Study.

OBJECTIVES: Nonmedical use (NMU) of stimulants is an increasingly common phenomenon worldwide. Motivated by enhancing academic performance, peer pressure, and seeking pleasure, students in the Middle East are thought to be a high-risk population. This is especially important in times when the political instability in the region facilitates the production and trafficking of such substances. This study aimed to unveil the burden of NMU of stimulants and examine associated correlates among senior high school and university students in Jordan. METHODS: We describe a cross-sectional study of senior high school and university students in Jordan assessing NMU of stimulants. Data were collected between January and April of 2022 through a survey, which was distributed online leading to a google forms page. The survey queried sociodemographic characteristics, history of NMU of stimulants, use of other illicit substances, attitudes toward NMU of stimulants, as well as a mental health assessment. RESULTS: A total of 8739 students completed the survey (mean age of 20.40 ± 2.45 years), of which 5.1% reported a lifetime NMU of stimulants. Fenethylline (Captagon) was the most widely reported stimulant (2.6%). Living in the southern region, being diagnosed with a personality disorder, and using concomitant illicit substances were associated with the NMU of stimulants. CONCLUSIONS: The NMU of CNS stimulants, especially fenethylline, is prevalent in Jordan. More surveillance ought to be heeded toward the southern borders of Jordan. Students who use stimulants for academic reasons must be made aware of the potential consequences of the NMU of stimulants.

Assessment of restriction measures implemented during COVID pandemics on community lifestyle choices via wastewater-based epidemiology.

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected lifestyle habits, and the mental health and wellbeing of people around the world. In this manuscript, two towns (Paulton and Radstock) and two cities (Bath and Bristol) in Southwest England (> 1 million people) were monitored for two years using Wastewater-Based Epidemiology to assess impacts of COVID (including management measures such as lockdowns and movement restrictions) on community lifestyle choices: illicit drugs, legal stimulants, abused pharmaceuticals and pain pharma usage. Results were triangulated with key dates captured during the pandemic (national lockdowns, restrictions and social distancing measures, etc.). This highlighted a reduction in cocaine intake (as benzoylecgonine) (community average: -36 %) during the first lockdown and an increase in illicit drugs usage after the 3rd national lockdown (community averages for amphetamine: +8 %, cocaine/benzoylecgonine: +39 %, ketamine:+70 %) when restrictions were removed, and social interaction and recreational activities increased. There was a reduction in the intake of caffeine (as 1,7-dimethylxanthine) (community average:-39 %) after 3rd national lockdown coinciding with pubs reopening while nicotine intake (via cotinine) remained stable indicating lack of impact of COVID on smoking habits. Pain pharma often used in pain management resulting from injuries linked with sport activities (naproxen and diclofenac) showed decrease in usage due to lockdown restrictions in physical exercise and access to gyms/sport facilities.

Sexual effects of commonly used recreational psychostimulants in women and the female rat model.

INTRODUCTION: Recreational psychostimulants have been associated with increased sexual activity or changes in sexual function in women, but every drug in this class has not shown consistent sexual effects in scientific studies. Further, some studies in female animal models may recapitulate the effects observed in humans, while others produce conflicting results. Overall, though, published studies on the sexual effects of recreational stimulants in women are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this manuscript was to review the published sexual effects of prominent recreational psychostimulants in women and in the female rat model. METHODS: Literature searches for "any years" were performed through PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords for the searches included "amphetamine," "methamphetamine," "MDMA," "ecstasy," "3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine," "cocaine," "caffeine," "sex," "sexual," "female," and "women." Studies in humans and using animal models were included. RESULTS: Older studies have shown that amphetamine produces a positive sexual effect in women, but often the sample size was too small to draw generalizable conclusions. Methamphetamine also has a positive effect on several sexual domains in women, as well as on vaginal lubrication. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine may have a negative or positive effect on sexual activity, but often enhances the sensual aspects of sex. Though low doses of cocaine may heighten the sexual experience, most women who use cocaine experience negative sexual effects. Caffeine has been shown to enhance a physiological measure of arousal, vaginal blood flow, but based on our searches, no studies have investigated the subjective sexual effects of the drug. CONCLUSION: Different recreational psychostimulants produce varying effects on sexual behavior and responses in women and female animal models, but more research is needed to understand these effects better.

Marked increase in severe neurological disorders after nitrous oxide abuse: a retrospective study in the Greater Paris area.

BACKGROUND: Recreational nitrous oxide (N2O) use has become more widespread worldwide, leading to an increase in myelopathies and peripheral neuropathies. The aim of this study was to describe clinical and socioeconomical characteristics of severe N2O-induced (NI) neurological disorders (NI-NDs), to determine its incidence in the Greater Paris area and to compare it with that of similar inflammatory neurological disorders. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicentric cohort study of all adult patients with severe NI-NDs in the neurology and general internal medicine departments of the Greater Paris area from 2018 to 2021. The incidence was compared with that of non-NI-myelitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) using a sample of 91,000 hospitalized patients sourced from health insurance data. RESULTS: Among 181 patients, 25% had myelopathy, 37% had peripheral neuropathy and 38% had mixed disease. Most were aged between 20 and 25 years, lived in socially disadvantaged urban areas, and exhibited high rates of unemployment (37%). The incidence of NI-NDs increased during 2020 and reached a peak mid-2021. The 2021 incidence in 20-25-year-olds was 6.15 [4.72; 8.24] per 100,000 persons for NI-myelopathy and 7.48 [5.59; 9.37] for NI-peripheral neuropathy. This was significantly higher than for non-NI-myelitis (0.35 [0.02; 2.00]) and GBS (2.47 [0.64; 4.30]). The incidence of NI-NDs was two to three times higher in the most socially disadvantaged areas. CONCLUSION: The recent increase in recreational N2O use has led to a rise in the incidence of severe NI-NDs, particularly in young adults with low socioeconomic status for whom NI-NDs strongly outweigh similar neurological disorders.

Methamphetamine Poisoning After "Plugging" Intentional Recreational Rectal Use.

BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine is a commonly used illicit substance. The route of administration is usually parenteral, oral ingestion, or snorting. A less common route of administration is placing in the rectum. CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old man presented to the emergency department with acute methamphetamine toxicity within 30 min after intentional rectal administration of methamphetamine for recreational purposes. The patient had hypertension, tachycardia, drug-induced psychosis, elevated creatine kinase, and required rapid sequence intubation and admission to the intensive care unit. Our patient had no clinical evidence of bowel ischemia or injury at the time of discharge. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Rectal administration of methamphetamine is known as "plugging," "booty bumping," "keestering," and "butt whacking." The rectal administration of methamphetamine has the increased risk of severe acute methamphetamine toxicity, as rectal administration bypasses first-pass metabolism, allowing for a more acute onset and higher bioavailability of methamphetamine compared with oral administration. There is the potential for mesenteric ischemia and bowel injury after rectal methamphetamine. Close clinical monitoring for bowel and rectal ischemia or injury are recommended, in addition to management of the sympathomimetic toxidrome.

In-hospital prognosis of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients with recent recreational drug use.

AIMS: Although recreational drug use may induce ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), its prevalence in patients hospitalized in intensive cardiac care units (ICCUs), as well as its short-term cardiovascular consequences, remains unknown. We aimed to assess the in-hospital prognosis of STEMI in patients with recreational drug use from the ADDICT-ICCU study. METHODS AND RESULTS: From 7-22 April 2021, recreational drug use was detected prospectively by a systematic urine multidrug test in all consecutive patients admitted for STEMI in 39 ICCUs across France. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) defined by death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or cardiogenic shock. Among the 325 patients (age 62 ± 13 years, 79% men), 41 (12.6%) had a positive multidrug test (cannabis: 11.1%, opioids: 4.6%, cocaine: 1.2%, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine: 0.6%). The prevalence increased to 34.0% in patients under 50 years of age. Recreational drug users were more frequently men (93% vs. 77%, p = 0.02), younger (50 ± 12 years vs. 63 ± 13 years, P < 0.001), and more active smokers (78% vs. 34%, P < 0.001). During hospitalization, 17 MACEs occurred (5.2%), including 6 deaths (1.8%), 10 cardiogenic shocks (3.1%), and 7 resuscitated cardiac arrests (2.2%). Major adverse cardiac events (17.1% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001) and ventricular arrhythmia (9.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.01) were more frequent in recreational drug users. Use of recreational drugs was associated with more MACEs after adjustment for comorbidities (odds ratio = 13.1; 95% confidence interval: 3.4-54.6). CONCLUSION: In patients with STEMI, recreational drug use is prevalent, especially in patients under 50 years of age, and is independently associated with an increase of MACEs with more ventricular arrhythmia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05063097.

Recreational substance use among international travellers.

BACKGROUND: Drug tourism reflects the expanding illicit drug market, posing health risks in unfamiliar travel settings. Existing knowledge specifically addressing substance use among international travellers is sparse and has not been reviewed to date. This review aimed to describe the recreational substance abuse in international travellers. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus using keywords related to recreational substances and international travellers. A total of 11 021 articles were reviewed, charted and summarized for the evidence on prevalence, patterns and characteristics of substance abuse and their health- and non-health-related problems on international travellers. RESULTS: A total of 58 articles were included. Most were cross-sectional studies and review articles. In total, 20 articles addressed the prevalence of substance abuse in travellers, 33 looked at characteristics and patterns of substance abuse in travellers and 39 investigated the health- and non-health-related problems from substance abuse. Estimated prevalence of recreational substances abuse varied from 0.7% to 55.0%. Rates of substances abuse were 9.45-34.5% for cannabis, 20.4-35.9% for alcohol intoxication, 2.82-40.5% for MDMA, 2-22.2% for cocaine, 2-15% for psychedelic agents and 2% for methamphetamine. The prevalence varied according to travellers' characteristics and travel destinations. Direct health problems included neuropsychiatric problems. Indirect problems included accident and unintentional injuries, crime and violence, risky sexual behaviours and sexual violence and blood-borne infections. Non-health-related problems included air rage, deportation and violation of local laws. CONCLUSION: Substance abuse among international travellers is an underestimated problem that requires intervention. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing this issue to mitigate both health and well-being problems among travellers whilst promoting safer and more responsible travel experiences. In the context of travel health practices, practitioners should counsel travellers whose itineraries may include substance abuse, informing them about associated risks and consequences.