Pub Date : 2019-10-23DOI: 10.1108/DAT-06-2019-0021
S. Sznitman, M. Barratt, Tom Decorte, P. Hakkarainen, S. Lenton, G. Potter, Bernd Werse, C. Wilkins
Purpose It is conceivable that cannabis cultivators who grow for medical purposes aim to improve the therapeutic index of their cannabis by attempting to produce particular concentrations of CBD and/or THC. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether small-scale medical cannabis growers differ from those growing for recreational reasons in terms of self-assessed concentrations of THC and CBD in the cannabis they grow. Design/methodology/approach Data collection was conducted online from a convenience sample of 268 cannabis growers visiting a popular Israeli cannabis internet forum. χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis H were used to test bivariate associations between medical and recreational cannabis cultivators in terms of self-assessed cannabinoid concentrations. Findings In total, 40 percent of cannabis growers reported that they grow for medical purposes. Medical cannabis growers were more likely to report that they thought they knew the cannabinoid concentrations of the cannabis they grew and they reported higher self-assessed concentrations of THC, but not CBD. Originality/value Compared to recreational growers, medical cannabis growers are more likely to strive to be informed in terms of the content of their cannabis. Medical growers may also be attempting to grow more potent THC but not CBD cannabis.
{"title":"Do medical cannabis growers attempt to produce cannabis with different cannabinoid concentrations than recreational growers?","authors":"S. Sznitman, M. Barratt, Tom Decorte, P. Hakkarainen, S. Lenton, G. Potter, Bernd Werse, C. Wilkins","doi":"10.1108/DAT-06-2019-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-06-2019-0021","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000It is conceivable that cannabis cultivators who grow for medical purposes aim to improve the therapeutic index of their cannabis by attempting to produce particular concentrations of CBD and/or THC. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether small-scale medical cannabis growers differ from those growing for recreational reasons in terms of self-assessed concentrations of THC and CBD in the cannabis they grow.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Data collection was conducted online from a convenience sample of 268 cannabis growers visiting a popular Israeli cannabis internet forum. χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis H were used to test bivariate associations between medical and recreational cannabis cultivators in terms of self-assessed cannabinoid concentrations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000In total, 40 percent of cannabis growers reported that they grow for medical purposes. Medical cannabis growers were more likely to report that they thought they knew the cannabinoid concentrations of the cannabis they grew and they reported higher self-assessed concentrations of THC, but not CBD.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Compared to recreational growers, medical cannabis growers are more likely to strive to be informed in terms of the content of their cannabis. Medical growers may also be attempting to grow more potent THC but not CBD cannabis.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-06-2019-0021","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47341400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-10-23Epub Date: 2019-09-02DOI: 10.1108/dat-04-2019-0012
Stephanie Campos, Ellen Benoit, Eloise Dunlap
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the various ways users of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) managed the dangers associated with the consumption of this substance. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a parent study of the use and market of synthetic cathinones (also known as “bath salts”) in New York City, Houston, Galveston and New Orleans. Focus groups were conducted in all four cities with a total of 20 individuals who identified as users of SCs. Grounded theory was used to analyse focus group transcripts. Findings Participants were aware of drug-related risks and implemented strategies to reduce harm to health. Protective measures fell into two broad categories: marketing and consumption. They noted the instability of SC products and consumer manipulation through packaging. Harm reduction (HR) strategies included: carefully selecting SC sources; sticking to one brand; handling their own SC; managing amount of K2 consumed in one sitting; controlling the pace. Originality/value Given the small amount of data on user experience with SCs and its risk to health, it is important to learn from users themselves how they create methods to keep themselves safe. This is one of the first studies recording HR practices of SC users and can contribute to intervention programs and organisations serving substance users.
{"title":"Risk management strategies of synthetic cannabis users.","authors":"Stephanie Campos, Ellen Benoit, Eloise Dunlap","doi":"10.1108/dat-04-2019-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/dat-04-2019-0012","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore the various ways users of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) managed the dangers associated with the consumption of this substance.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This paper is based on a parent study of the use and market of synthetic cathinones (also known as “bath salts”) in New York City, Houston, Galveston and New Orleans. Focus groups were conducted in all four cities with a total of 20 individuals who identified as users of SCs. Grounded theory was used to analyse focus group transcripts.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Participants were aware of drug-related risks and implemented strategies to reduce harm to health. Protective measures fell into two broad categories: marketing and consumption. They noted the instability of SC products and consumer manipulation through packaging. Harm reduction (HR) strategies included: carefully selecting SC sources; sticking to one brand; handling their own SC; managing amount of K2 consumed in one sitting; controlling the pace.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Given the small amount of data on user experience with SCs and its risk to health, it is important to learn from users themselves how they create methods to keep themselves safe. This is one of the first studies recording HR practices of SC users and can contribute to intervention programs and organisations serving substance users.","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/dat-04-2019-0012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39027291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-09-18DOI: 10.1108/dat-10-2018-0052
S. Rolando, Franca Beccaria
Purpose Drug-related web forums have been argued to be an effective way to investigate the latest generation of drug users. The purpose of this paper is to explore discussions about drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) on an Italian psychonauts’ online community in order to gain a better understanding of the psychonauts’ profiles by scrutinising their main motives for consumption, which is mainly addressed to psychedelic drugs. Design/methodology/approach To collect data, a keywords list was used in the forum search engine. The first five most recent conversations (threads) for each of ten most frequently mentioned substances were selected. In addition, ten posts written by new forum members to introduce themselves were added to the data set, bringing the total number of threads to 60. The data were coded using Atlas.ti 7 applying a template model analysis (King, 1998). Findings The forum members present themselves as well-educated, informed drug users, and connoisseurs of the pharmacological properties of chemical compounds: accordingly, they claim to be aware of drug effects and possible risks. The analysis of the motives for using psychedelic drugs substantially confirms previous studies, indicating that the main reasons include spiritual needs, self-exploration and self-treatment. The shift from a recreational use towards more “committed” aims such as self-development is seen as a step forward in a drug user’s career. A generalised interest in harm reduction suggests that the psychonauts’ attitude may be a protective factor against adverse consequences of drug use. The most problematic users represented in the data are those who use drugs for self-treatment, since their discourse focusses on suffering rather than on pleasure. Originality/value Most efforts to analyse and monitor drug-related forums have focussed on “leading edge” English-language international websites. No studies have dealt with Italian forums. Furthermore the study address a misleading use of the term e-psychonauts recently introduced by some scholars whose’s studies were focussed on NPS.
{"title":"“The junkie abuses, the psychonaut learns”: a qualitative analysis of an online drug forum community","authors":"S. Rolando, Franca Beccaria","doi":"10.1108/dat-10-2018-0052","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/dat-10-2018-0052","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Drug-related web forums have been argued to be an effective way to investigate the latest generation of drug users. The purpose of this paper is to explore discussions about drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) on an Italian psychonauts’ online community in order to gain a better understanding of the psychonauts’ profiles by scrutinising their main motives for consumption, which is mainly addressed to psychedelic drugs.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000To collect data, a keywords list was used in the forum search engine. The first five most recent conversations (threads) for each of ten most frequently mentioned substances were selected. In addition, ten posts written by new forum members to introduce themselves were added to the data set, bringing the total number of threads to 60. The data were coded using Atlas.ti 7 applying a template model analysis (King, 1998).\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The forum members present themselves as well-educated, informed drug users, and connoisseurs of the pharmacological properties of chemical compounds: accordingly, they claim to be aware of drug effects and possible risks. The analysis of the motives for using psychedelic drugs substantially confirms previous studies, indicating that the main reasons include spiritual needs, self-exploration and self-treatment. The shift from a recreational use towards more “committed” aims such as self-development is seen as a step forward in a drug user’s career. A generalised interest in harm reduction suggests that the psychonauts’ attitude may be a protective factor against adverse consequences of drug use. The most problematic users represented in the data are those who use drugs for self-treatment, since their discourse focusses on suffering rather than on pleasure.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Most efforts to analyse and monitor drug-related forums have focussed on “leading edge” English-language international websites. No studies have dealt with Italian forums. Furthermore the study address a misleading use of the term e-psychonauts recently introduced by some scholars whose’s studies were focussed on NPS.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/dat-10-2018-0052","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42104734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0070
Niels Graf, Heino Stöver
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect on the usefulness of quality standards aimed at prevention interventions for drug using young offenders. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses critical literature on quality standards, readings of quality standards and qualitative interviews as well as focus-group discussions with professionals working in services targeting drug use among young offenders. Findings The findings show discrepancies between the idea that quality standards provide a tool for supporting the implementation of more effective interventions and professionals’ experiences with quality standards as almost absent in their work. Originality/value This viewpoint highlights barriers to the implementation of quality standards that have to be overcome if quality standards are to be adopted and implemented in practice.
{"title":"Critical reflections on quality standards within drug demand reduction","authors":"Niels Graf, Heino Stöver","doi":"10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0070","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to critically reflect on the usefulness of quality standards aimed at prevention interventions for drug using young offenders.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This paper uses critical literature on quality standards, readings of quality standards and qualitative interviews as well as focus-group discussions with professionals working in services targeting drug use among young offenders.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings show discrepancies between the idea that quality standards provide a tool for supporting the implementation of more effective interventions and professionals’ experiences with quality standards as almost absent in their work.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This viewpoint highlights barriers to the implementation of quality standards that have to be overcome if quality standards are to be adopted and implemented in practice.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0070","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46532447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-04-2019-0014
K. Axel, B. Stothard
Purpose In two separate sections the authors summarise the observations, use the insights to reflect on some of the propositions made in the book, and follow the appeal of one of the authors to civil society and academics to “help governments out of the drug policy dilemma that is now facing them”. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach The genre the authors follow here is ethnography and the material takes the form of reflective field notes. Since each author follows a particular set of interests the authors split the paper into two sections. There are no strong conclusions, safe that the concerns about the international drug control system were fully borne out by events on the floor. Findings The role of CSOs is critical in moving the process forward – but countries are likely to drift apart as the policy differences are becoming inrreconcilable. Research limitations/implications It is imperative to develop new models of cooperation in the management of psychactive substances. Practical implications This is in recognition that at national level just as much as at Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and UN General Assembly Special Session the increased involvement of CSOs has been pivotal in shifting focus towards public health and human rights. This in turn has encouraged some nations to do the same in their domestic policies – and to stand up and say so in CND meetings. Social implications More involvement of academics and editorial teams in the design of sustainable policies and practices. Originality/value In a critical report on the CND the authors challenge the viability of the international drug control regime in view of the emerging differences between different member states. This is the first attempt in the drug policy literature to assess the durability of the drug control regime as it is faced by the fast paced transformation of cannabis into a recognised medicine and regulated recreational substance. If the appearance of agreement is maintained this is entirely for diplomatic reasons and organisational benefit. In reality, the system is breaking apart and new methods for regulating drugs are emerging.
{"title":"No end in sight: the international drug control system once again baulks at the prospect of reform","authors":"K. Axel, B. Stothard","doi":"10.1108/DAT-04-2019-0014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-04-2019-0014","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000In two separate sections the authors summarise the observations, use the insights to reflect on some of the propositions made in the book, and follow the appeal of one of the authors to civil society and academics to “help governments out of the drug policy dilemma that is now facing them”. The paper aims to discuss this issue.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The genre the authors follow here is ethnography and the material takes the form of reflective field notes. Since each author follows a particular set of interests the authors split the paper into two sections. There are no strong conclusions, safe that the concerns about the international drug control system were fully borne out by events on the floor.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The role of CSOs is critical in moving the process forward – but countries are likely to drift apart as the policy differences are becoming inrreconcilable.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000It is imperative to develop new models of cooperation in the management of psychactive substances.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000This is in recognition that at national level just as much as at Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and UN General Assembly Special Session the increased involvement of CSOs has been pivotal in shifting focus towards public health and human rights. This in turn has encouraged some nations to do the same in their domestic policies – and to stand up and say so in CND meetings.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000More involvement of academics and editorial teams in the design of sustainable policies and practices.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000In a critical report on the CND the authors challenge the viability of the international drug control regime in view of the emerging differences between different member states. This is the first attempt in the drug policy literature to assess the durability of the drug control regime as it is faced by the fast paced transformation of cannabis into a recognised medicine and regulated recreational substance. If the appearance of agreement is maintained this is entirely for diplomatic reasons and organisational benefit. In reality, the system is breaking apart and new methods for regulating drugs are emerging.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-04-2019-0014","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47402086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-11-2017-0058
E. Fulton, D. Baines, Naomi Bartle
Purpose Parental beliefs about underage drinking are known to influence the drinking behaviours of their children. The purpose of this paper is to explore parental beliefs about their own child drinking alcohol and young people in general, in order to ascertain whether there is a need to target such beliefs in the design of public health interventions. Design/methodology/approach Parents of 11–18 year olds attending one of nine schools in the Midlands of England, UK were invited to take part. Participants completed a newly designed 40-item questionnaire measuring parental beliefs about the impact and causes of underage drinking; talking to their child about alcohol; and how much and how often they thought their child consumed alcohol. Findings In total, 185 parents took part in the study, reporting on their eldest child aged 18 or under. The majority of parents agreed that underage drinking is detrimental to child health and wellbeing. However, over 60 per cent believed that alcohol consumption is a “natural part of growing up”, and stronger agreement with this belief was associated with higher parental reports of alcohol consumption in their children. Social implications The majority of parents recognised the risks and negative effects of alcohol; however, many also believe it is a natural part of growing up. Parents may hold conflicting beliefs about underage drinking, which could impact on the drinking beliefs and behaviours of their children. Originality/value Public health interventions may need to counter the common parental belief that underage drinking is a normal part of growing up and therefore to be expected. Clear messages about the impact parent beliefs and behaviour have on young people drinking, to ensure parents recognise that messages are aimed at themselves, and not just “other parents” are imperative.
{"title":"Underage drinking as a natural part of growing up: a UK study of parental beliefs","authors":"E. Fulton, D. Baines, Naomi Bartle","doi":"10.1108/DAT-11-2017-0058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-11-2017-0058","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Parental beliefs about underage drinking are known to influence the drinking behaviours of their children. The purpose of this paper is to explore parental beliefs about their own child drinking alcohol and young people in general, in order to ascertain whether there is a need to target such beliefs in the design of public health interventions.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Parents of 11–18 year olds attending one of nine schools in the Midlands of England, UK were invited to take part. Participants completed a newly designed 40-item questionnaire measuring parental beliefs about the impact and causes of underage drinking; talking to their child about alcohol; and how much and how often they thought their child consumed alcohol.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000In total, 185 parents took part in the study, reporting on their eldest child aged 18 or under. The majority of parents agreed that underage drinking is detrimental to child health and wellbeing. However, over 60 per cent believed that alcohol consumption is a “natural part of growing up”, and stronger agreement with this belief was associated with higher parental reports of alcohol consumption in their children.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000The majority of parents recognised the risks and negative effects of alcohol; however, many also believe it is a natural part of growing up. Parents may hold conflicting beliefs about underage drinking, which could impact on the drinking beliefs and behaviours of their children.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Public health interventions may need to counter the common parental belief that underage drinking is a normal part of growing up and therefore to be expected. Clear messages about the impact parent beliefs and behaviour have on young people drinking, to ensure parents recognise that messages are aimed at themselves, and not just “other parents” are imperative.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-11-2017-0058","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48860464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-11-2018-0068
H. Gleeson, Karen Duke, B. Thom
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how substance use practitioners intervene with ethnically and culturally diverse groups of young people in contact with the youth justice system. Design/methodology/approach Telephone, face-to-face interviews and a focus group were conducted. Data were analysed thematically using a frame-reflective theoretical approach. Findings Practitioners tended to offer individualised interventions to young people in place of culturally specific approaches partly due to a lack of knowledge, training or understanding of diverse cultural needs, and for practical and resource reasons. Research limitations/implications Practitioners reject the official narrative of BAME youth in the justice system as dangerous and in need of control, viewing them instead as vulnerable and in need of support, but report they lack experience, and sufficient resources, in delivering interventions to diverse groups. Originality/value There is little information regarding how practitioners respond to diversity in their daily practice. This paper is an exploration of how diversity is framed and responded to in the context of youth substance use and criminal justice.
{"title":"Challenges to providing culturally sensitive drug interventions for black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups within UK youth justice systems","authors":"H. Gleeson, Karen Duke, B. Thom","doi":"10.1108/DAT-11-2018-0068","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-11-2018-0068","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore how substance use practitioners intervene with ethnically and culturally diverse groups of young people in contact with the youth justice system.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Telephone, face-to-face interviews and a focus group were conducted. Data were analysed thematically using a frame-reflective theoretical approach.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Practitioners tended to offer individualised interventions to young people in place of culturally specific approaches partly due to a lack of knowledge, training or understanding of diverse cultural needs, and for practical and resource reasons.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Practitioners reject the official narrative of BAME youth in the justice system as dangerous and in need of control, viewing them instead as vulnerable and in need of support, but report they lack experience, and sufficient resources, in delivering interventions to diverse groups.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000There is little information regarding how practitioners respond to diversity in their daily practice. This paper is an exploration of how diversity is framed and responded to in the context of youth substance use and criminal justice.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-11-2018-0068","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45212384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0026
A. Asadollahi, Abdolkarim Najafi
Purpose Injecting drug use addiction is a main factor in hepatitis B, C infection and HIV–AIDS infection. The purpose of this paper is to measure seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C virus and HIV–AIDS amongst injecting drug users (IDUs) and its influencing factors. Design/methodology/approach The cross-sectional method was used in mid-2017 in Ahwaz city, southwest Iran. In total, 133 IDUs, aged 29–71 years (mean age=48.21 ± 10.4), were chosen from Aria addiction treatment centre. The data were collected on demographic and behavioural characteristics. In addition, serum samples were screened for those diseases. Findings In a total of 131 IDUs, 2 (1.5 per cent) were HIV+, 16 (11.7 per cent) HCV+ and 8 (6.1 per cent) HBV+. There was a significant correlation between diseases and IDU. Results of multiple regression stated that IDU was a more predicting variable as β=0.76 and the model was able to predict 74.1 per cent of the variance, F (3, 35)=12.42, ρ<0.001, R2=0.741, OR=3.01, 95% CI [1.44, 3.83]. The synchronised pairwise effect of age, imprisonment and IDU with GLM analysis was significant, F (2, 114)=20.433, ρ<0.000, η HCV + 2 = 0.609 , η HBV + 2 = 0.616 , and η HCV + 2 = 0.612 , λWilks’=0.056. The infection rate among IDUs was significant and the most important risk factor for these infections has been intravenous drug use, together with age of misusing and imprisonment. Research limitations/implications The non-cooperation of two samples, lack of participation of three addiction rehabilitation centres in Ahwaz city, the end of cooperation in the first two months of the implementation of the plan, and the lack of consistency of the three serum samples in the cases (two cases) were limitations of the study. Practical implications Based on the results, the following suggestions could be presented: establishing “Intervention Clubs” for treatment in the peripheral urban areas for the participation of women drug users – the responsible organisation is Cultural and Social Deputy of Ahwaz Municipality Organisation. Integration of “Small Self-caring Groups” in Sepidar Women’s Penitentiary in the East Ahwaz region – the responsible organisation is Khuzistan Province Prisons Organisation (the southwestern Iranian prisons authority); constructing “Community-based Committees” to increase the level of social intervention – the responsible organisation is the Iran Drug Control Headquarters at Iranian Presidential Office; screening of injecting drug use in the populations at risk, especially girls and women in marginalised areas – the responsible organisation is Deputy Director of Prevention and Treatment of Addiction in the Iran Welfare and Rehabilitation Organisation; establishing an “Patient Treatment Center” in high-risk areas along with directing drug users and supervising the relevant authorities – the responsible organisation is Deputy Police Commander on Social Assistance; providing education to families invol
{"title":"Do risk factors increase measurement of hepatitis B, C signs and HIV-AIDS among middle-aged and older IDUs in southwest Iran?","authors":"A. Asadollahi, Abdolkarim Najafi","doi":"10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0026","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Injecting drug use addiction is a main factor in hepatitis B, C infection and HIV–AIDS infection. The purpose of this paper is to measure seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C virus and HIV–AIDS amongst injecting drug users (IDUs) and its influencing factors.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The cross-sectional method was used in mid-2017 in Ahwaz city, southwest Iran. In total, 133 IDUs, aged 29–71 years (mean age=48.21 ± 10.4), were chosen from Aria addiction treatment centre. The data were collected on demographic and behavioural characteristics. In addition, serum samples were screened for those diseases.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000In a total of 131 IDUs, 2 (1.5 per cent) were HIV+, 16 (11.7 per cent) HCV+ and 8 (6.1 per cent) HBV+. There was a significant correlation between diseases and IDU. Results of multiple regression stated that IDU was a more predicting variable as β=0.76 and the model was able to predict 74.1 per cent of the variance, F (3, 35)=12.42, ρ<0.001, R2=0.741, OR=3.01, 95% CI [1.44, 3.83]. The synchronised pairwise effect of age, imprisonment and IDU with GLM analysis was significant, F (2, 114)=20.433, ρ<0.000, \u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000η\u0000\u0000\u0000HCV\u0000+\u0000\u0000\u00002\u0000\u0000\u0000=\u00000.609\u0000\u0000\u0000, \u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000η\u0000\u0000\u0000HBV\u0000+\u0000\u0000\u00002\u0000\u0000\u0000=\u00000.616\u0000\u0000\u0000, and \u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000η\u0000\u0000\u0000HCV\u0000+\u0000\u0000\u00002\u0000\u0000\u0000=\u00000.612\u0000\u0000\u0000, λWilks’=0.056. The infection rate among IDUs was significant and the most important risk factor for these infections has been intravenous drug use, together with age of misusing and imprisonment.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The non-cooperation of two samples, lack of participation of three addiction rehabilitation centres in Ahwaz city, the end of cooperation in the first two months of the implementation of the plan, and the lack of consistency of the three serum samples in the cases (two cases) were limitations of the study.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Based on the results, the following suggestions could be presented: establishing “Intervention Clubs” for treatment in the peripheral urban areas for the participation of women drug users – the responsible organisation is Cultural and Social Deputy of Ahwaz Municipality Organisation. Integration of “Small Self-caring Groups” in Sepidar Women’s Penitentiary in the East Ahwaz region – the responsible organisation is Khuzistan Province Prisons Organisation (the southwestern Iranian prisons authority); constructing “Community-based Committees” to increase the level of social intervention – the responsible organisation is the Iran Drug Control Headquarters at Iranian Presidential Office; screening of injecting drug use in the populations at risk, especially girls and women in marginalised areas – the responsible organisation is Deputy Director of Prevention and Treatment of Addiction in the Iran Welfare and Rehabilitation Organisation; establishing an “Patient Treatment Center” in high-risk areas along with directing drug users and supervising the relevant authorities – the responsible organisation is Deputy Police Commander on Social Assistance; providing education to families invol","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0026","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45278336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0045
J. Flores-Aranda, M. Goyette, Valérie Aubut, Maxime Blanchette, Frédérick Pronovost
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to document the experience of current and former methamphetamine users on their crystal meth use patterns and on their use of services related to their chemsex practice. Design/methodology/approach For qualitative component, two focus groups were formed with nine current users of methamphetamine and eight former users. Thematic analysis was performed to know their experiences. Findings All participants were already engaging in chemsex with various substances before they first started using methamphetamine. Methamphetamine use led some to slam (methamphetamine or mephedrone injection). Some participants report that their sexual experiences were intensified early in their chemsex practice. They reported feeling more confident with their partners, feeling like they are sexually attractive and overcoming their barriers to sexuality. The intensification of methamphetamine use and, in particular, injection change the positive perception of sexual life. Thus, for some participants, substance use takes more space and their sexual experiences become less satisfactory. Practical implications Participants report the services that address the phenomenon of chemsex are still scarce in Quebec province. In addition, the few services available aim to relearn a sober sexuality. However, the mourning of the positive aspects of chemsex on sexual experiences seems still very little discussed. Greater consideration of positive chemsex experiences is needed in services that address this issue. Originality/value This project documented the perception of pleasure related to sexual practices among regular methamphetamine users. Their perception of pleasure will help develop services adapted to their reality.
{"title":"Let’s talk about chemsex and pleasure: the missing link in chemsex services","authors":"J. Flores-Aranda, M. Goyette, Valérie Aubut, Maxime Blanchette, Frédérick Pronovost","doi":"10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0045","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to document the experience of current and former methamphetamine users on their crystal meth use patterns and on their use of services related to their chemsex practice.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000For qualitative component, two focus groups were formed with nine current users of methamphetamine and eight former users. Thematic analysis was performed to know their experiences.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000All participants were already engaging in chemsex with various substances before they first started using methamphetamine. Methamphetamine use led some to slam (methamphetamine or mephedrone injection). Some participants report that their sexual experiences were intensified early in their chemsex practice. They reported feeling more confident with their partners, feeling like they are sexually attractive and overcoming their barriers to sexuality. The intensification of methamphetamine use and, in particular, injection change the positive perception of sexual life. Thus, for some participants, substance use takes more space and their sexual experiences become less satisfactory.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Participants report the services that address the phenomenon of chemsex are still scarce in Quebec province. In addition, the few services available aim to relearn a sober sexuality. However, the mourning of the positive aspects of chemsex on sexual experiences seems still very little discussed. Greater consideration of positive chemsex experiences is needed in services that address this issue.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This project documented the perception of pleasure related to sexual practices among regular methamphetamine users. Their perception of pleasure will help develop services adapted to their reality.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0045","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47735566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2019-08-21DOI: 10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0071
M. Herold, Cecilia Rand, V. A. Frank
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss how a “holistic approach” is enacted in two interventions accommodating the same target group, young adults with offending behaviour and drug use experiences, but offered in very different contexts, the Prison Service and the community. The aim is to show how enactments of a “holistic approach”, although similar on paper, differ in welfare institutional practices due especially to organisational and structural conditions. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews and written material from and about the two interventions. Findings Different enactments of a “holistic approach”, due to organisational and structural conditions of the interventions, construct different possibilities for institutional identities. These insights could be useful to take into consideration when discussing prevention initiatives (in a broad sense) for young people with complex problems, including co-occurring offending behaviour and drug use experience. Originality/value Research with a focus on citizens with complex problems who do not comply with OR conform to standard welfare institutions are limited. The authors contribute to this literature by focussing on young adults with offending behaviour and drug experiences.
{"title":"Enactments of a “holistic approach” in two Danish welfare institutions accommodating young adults with offending behavior and drug use experiences","authors":"M. Herold, Cecilia Rand, V. A. Frank","doi":"10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0071","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0071","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to discuss how a “holistic approach” is enacted in two interventions accommodating the same target group, young adults with offending behaviour and drug use experiences, but offered in very different contexts, the Prison Service and the community. The aim is to show how enactments of a “holistic approach”, although similar on paper, differ in welfare institutional practices due especially to organisational and structural conditions.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The paper is based on qualitative semi-structured interviews and written material from and about the two interventions.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Different enactments of a “holistic approach”, due to organisational and structural conditions of the interventions, construct different possibilities for institutional identities. These insights could be useful to take into consideration when discussing prevention initiatives (in a broad sense) for young people with complex problems, including co-occurring offending behaviour and drug use experience.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Research with a focus on citizens with complex problems who do not comply with OR conform to standard welfare institutions are limited. The authors contribute to this literature by focussing on young adults with offending behaviour and drug experiences.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0071","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47091239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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