{"title":"Public health and human rights: accepted or denied?","authors":"B. Stothard","doi":"10.1108/DAT-09-2019-074","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-09-2019-074","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-09-2019-074","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41314456","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 : 2019-06-18DOI: 10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0073
Franca Beccaria, S. Rolando
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between drug use and offending by using the concept of critical moments as an analytical tool. Design/methodology/approach In total, 41 semi-structured individual interviews with young people (15–25 years) using drugs and in touch with the criminal justice system (CJS) were conducted. Findings Analysing critical moments in young people’s drug use contributes to explaining some of the multiple, possible links between drug use and offending. Institutional factors emerged as important, as well as social and economic inequality. This was in particular clear when comparing students’ and immigrants’ trajectories. Research limitations/implications Limitations are due to the difficulties in getting access to prisoners and young people in touch with the CJS and the possibility to meet them only once with time limits due to the setting. Practical implications Prevention intervention addressed to this target group could take young people’s social contexts and everyday life situation into consideration. Social implications To decrease both offending and drug use, structural measures aimed at decreasing social inequalities would be more effective than punishment. Originality/value The study proposes a practical way to analyse narratives of young people who have experienced both drug use and offending and to show the importance of socially structured patterns without reducing the complexity of the topic.
{"title":"The role of critical moments in young offenders’ drug-using trajectories","authors":"Franca Beccaria, S. Rolando","doi":"10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0073","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between drug use and offending by using the concept of critical moments as an analytical tool.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000In total, 41 semi-structured individual interviews with young people (15–25 years) using drugs and in touch with the criminal justice system (CJS) were conducted.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Analysing critical moments in young people’s drug use contributes to explaining some of the multiple, possible links between drug use and offending. Institutional factors emerged as important, as well as social and economic inequality. This was in particular clear when comparing students’ and immigrants’ trajectories.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Limitations are due to the difficulties in getting access to prisoners and young people in touch with the CJS and the possibility to meet them only once with time limits due to the setting.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Prevention intervention addressed to this target group could take young people’s social contexts and everyday life situation into consideration.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000To decrease both offending and drug use, structural measures aimed at decreasing social inequalities would be more effective than punishment.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The study proposes a practical way to analyse narratives of young people who have experienced both drug use and offending and to show the importance of socially structured patterns without reducing the complexity of the topic.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-12-2018-0073","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46342015","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 : 2019-06-03DOI: 10.1108/DAT-06-2018-0030
Iain McPhee, B. Sheridan, Steve O’Rawe
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons and risk factors that explain the threefold increase in drug-related deaths from 267 in 1996 to 934 in 2017 in Scotland. The authors explore the known links between deprivation and problem drug use (PDU) and discuss the impact of drug policy and service provision on PDU and drug-related deaths. Design/methodology/approach Using quantitative data sets from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) for drug-related deaths registered in 2017 and data sets from the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), we produce statistical data on mortality rates relating to areas of deprivation, gender and age. Findings The data highlight the disproportionate number of deaths in the most deprived areas in comparison to the least deprived areas and the national average. Findings indicate that one quarter of male and female DRD in 2017 were under 35. When examining the least deprived vingtile, drug-related deaths account for 2.84 per 100,000 population. Based on this mortality rate calculation, the amount of drug-related deaths are 23 times higher in the most deprived area than the least deprived area. Research limitations/implications The research design uses data obtained from the NRS and data from Scottish Multiple Index of Deprivation. Due to the limitations of available data, the research design focused on SIMD population vingtiles. Practical implications This research contributes to making unarguable links between entrenched structural inequality and increased drug-related death. Social implications This paper contributes to knowledge on the need for drug policy advisors to recognise the importance of deprivation that plays a major part in risks of problematic drug use and harms. Originality/value While several national data sets have published information by SIMD vingtile, no published research has sought to investigate the disproportionate number of deaths by population in the most deprived areas.
{"title":"Time to look beyond ageing as a factor? Alternative explanations for the continuing rise in drug related deaths in Scotland","authors":"Iain McPhee, B. Sheridan, Steve O’Rawe","doi":"10.1108/DAT-06-2018-0030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-06-2018-0030","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons and risk factors that explain the threefold increase in drug-related deaths from 267 in 1996 to 934 in 2017 in Scotland. The authors explore the known links between deprivation and problem drug use (PDU) and discuss the impact of drug policy and service provision on PDU and drug-related deaths.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Using quantitative data sets from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) for drug-related deaths registered in 2017 and data sets from the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), we produce statistical data on mortality rates relating to areas of deprivation, gender and age.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The data highlight the disproportionate number of deaths in the most deprived areas in comparison to the least deprived areas and the national average. Findings indicate that one quarter of male and female DRD in 2017 were under 35. When examining the least deprived vingtile, drug-related deaths account for 2.84 per 100,000 population. Based on this mortality rate calculation, the amount of drug-related deaths are 23 times higher in the most deprived area than the least deprived area.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The research design uses data obtained from the NRS and data from Scottish Multiple Index of Deprivation. Due to the limitations of available data, the research design focused on SIMD population vingtiles.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000This research contributes to making unarguable links between entrenched structural inequality and increased drug-related death.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000This paper contributes to knowledge on the need for drug policy advisors to recognise the importance of deprivation that plays a major part in risks of problematic drug use and harms.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000While several national data sets have published information by SIMD vingtile, no published research has sought to investigate the disproportionate number of deaths by population in the most deprived areas.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-06-2018-0030","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44894622","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 : 2019-06-03DOI: 10.1108/DAT-03-2018-0011
Sonia Bergamo, G. Parisi, P. Jarre
Purpose Efforts to establish harm reduction interventions in Italy have persisted since the mid-1990s. Despite this, no sanctioned SIF has ever been implemented. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about a 10 year unsanctioned drug user-run SIF experience in Italy called Stanzetta. Design/methodology/approach The aim of the paper is to assess how Stanzetta met its objectives. Analysis was conducted compiling narrative accounts from the staff working in the NSP, which is adjacent to the Stanzetta, and conducting a simple frequency analysis of the available statistical data. Findings The Stanzetta unsanctioned SIF has been running for ten years and continues to be vulnerable due to its legal status. Being open 24 h/days has maximised its accessibility, but at the same time, it has encouraged a misuse of the Stanzetta. Although not trained, drug users became self-empowered to run the Stanzetta and to keep it clean, but the hygiene-health aspect is seen as one of the greatest challenges by the NSP professional staff. Over 10 years, not a single overdose death has been recorded. Drug use in the park has shifted from more visible places to the Stanzetta. As a result, the abandoned syringes have diminished in number and those disposed of correctly have increased. Moreover, no complaints from citizens or law enforcement were ever made. The neighbourhood acceptance seems to be the main goal of the peer-run unsanctioned SIF. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on a narrative account from the point of view of the professional staff involved, and results are specific to the context in which the study was conducted. Because of the chosen approach, the research results lack scientific generalisability. A relevant limitation is that no peer was involved in this study. Despite this, the research contributes to the information based on peer-run SIFs and makes a case for the de-medicalisation of SIFs in Europe. Practical implications This paper gives visibility to a long-lasting drug user-run SIF experience that was not made public mostly for an unclear legislative background about SIF in Italy. Social implications Efforts to establish harm reduction interventions in Italy have persisted since the mid-1990s and were undertaken primarily in response to epidemics of HIV infection and overdose (DPA, 2017). Despite this, no sanctioned SIF has ever been implemented. Primarily, this study wants to underline the urgency for an SIF pilot in Italy, and secondly the need to consider de-medicalising these services through direct support for peer-based models. Originality/value The Stanzetta unsanctioned SIF in Italy that has been running for ten years. Despite this, the venue continues to be vulnerable due to its legal status. For this reason, these results were never made public before. The experience showed a good working synergy between NSP professionals and the SIF peers. This model can be considered as a “light” de-medicalis
{"title":"Harm reduction in Italy: the experience of an unsanctioned supervised injection facility run by drug users","authors":"Sonia Bergamo, G. Parisi, P. Jarre","doi":"10.1108/DAT-03-2018-0011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-03-2018-0011","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Efforts to establish harm reduction interventions in Italy have persisted since the mid-1990s. Despite this, no sanctioned SIF has ever been implemented. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about a 10 year unsanctioned drug user-run SIF experience in Italy called Stanzetta.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The aim of the paper is to assess how Stanzetta met its objectives. Analysis was conducted compiling narrative accounts from the staff working in the NSP, which is adjacent to the Stanzetta, and conducting a simple frequency analysis of the available statistical data.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The Stanzetta unsanctioned SIF has been running for ten years and continues to be vulnerable due to its legal status. Being open 24 h/days has maximised its accessibility, but at the same time, it has encouraged a misuse of the Stanzetta. Although not trained, drug users became self-empowered to run the Stanzetta and to keep it clean, but the hygiene-health aspect is seen as one of the greatest challenges by the NSP professional staff. Over 10 years, not a single overdose death has been recorded. Drug use in the park has shifted from more visible places to the Stanzetta. As a result, the abandoned syringes have diminished in number and those disposed of correctly have increased. Moreover, no complaints from citizens or law enforcement were ever made. The neighbourhood acceptance seems to be the main goal of the peer-run unsanctioned SIF.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000The paper is based on a narrative account from the point of view of the professional staff involved, and results are specific to the context in which the study was conducted. Because of the chosen approach, the research results lack scientific generalisability. A relevant limitation is that no peer was involved in this study. Despite this, the research contributes to the information based on peer-run SIFs and makes a case for the de-medicalisation of SIFs in Europe.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000This paper gives visibility to a long-lasting drug user-run SIF experience that was not made public mostly for an unclear legislative background about SIF in Italy.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000Efforts to establish harm reduction interventions in Italy have persisted since the mid-1990s and were undertaken primarily in response to epidemics of HIV infection and overdose (DPA, 2017). Despite this, no sanctioned SIF has ever been implemented. Primarily, this study wants to underline the urgency for an SIF pilot in Italy, and secondly the need to consider de-medicalising these services through direct support for peer-based models.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000The Stanzetta unsanctioned SIF in Italy that has been running for ten years. Despite this, the venue continues to be vulnerable due to its legal status. For this reason, these results were never made public before. The experience showed a good working synergy between NSP professionals and the SIF peers. This model can be considered as a “light” de-medicalis","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-03-2018-0011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48012124","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 : 2019-06-03DOI: 10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0028
S. Morton, L. O’Reilly
Purpose This paper reports on the findings of an action research study that sought to explore the development and provision of community-based low-threshold services within a socially disadvantaged area. In the context of debates, in regard to both the nature and efficacy of low-threshold drugs services and increasingly neo-liberal policy approaches to drug service provision that prioritise outcomes and drug treatment interventions, the purpose of this paper is to report on practitioners’ understandings of challenges, relationship building and outcomes within community-based low-threshold service provision in Dublin, Ireland. Design/methodology/approach An action research method of co-operative inquiry groups was utilised, with nine practitioners from one community-based drug agency participating in a series of four sessions over a three-month period. Findings Three key themes emerged in relation to building and sustaining client–practitioner relationships: the mechanisms by which the practitioners engaged with their clients and sought to develop relationships; how safe spaces were created and maintained in order to address client needs; and practitioners’ understanding of challenges and outcomes in low-threshold intervention work. Originality/value Drawing on a co-operative inquiry method, this paper concludes that practitioner attention to relational distance evidenced in community-based low-threshold service provision, may provide an alternative to episodic, outcome driven drug treatment and intervention.
{"title":"Challenges, relationship and outcomes in low-threshold drug services","authors":"S. Morton, L. O’Reilly","doi":"10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0028","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper reports on the findings of an action research study that sought to explore the development and provision of community-based low-threshold services within a socially disadvantaged area. In the context of debates, in regard to both the nature and efficacy of low-threshold drugs services and increasingly neo-liberal policy approaches to drug service provision that prioritise outcomes and drug treatment interventions, the purpose of this paper is to report on practitioners’ understandings of challenges, relationship building and outcomes within community-based low-threshold service provision in Dublin, Ireland.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000An action research method of co-operative inquiry groups was utilised, with nine practitioners from one community-based drug agency participating in a series of four sessions over a three-month period.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Three key themes emerged in relation to building and sustaining client–practitioner relationships: the mechanisms by which the practitioners engaged with their clients and sought to develop relationships; how safe spaces were created and maintained in order to address client needs; and practitioners’ understanding of challenges and outcomes in low-threshold intervention work.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Drawing on a co-operative inquiry method, this paper concludes that practitioner attention to relational distance evidenced in community-based low-threshold service provision, may provide an alternative to episodic, outcome driven drug treatment and intervention.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-05-2018-0028","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46269289","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}
{"title":"Editorial","authors":"B. Stothard, A. Klein","doi":"10.1108/dat-06-2019-069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/dat-06-2019-069","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/dat-06-2019-069","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42503693","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 : 2019-03-12DOI: 10.1108/DAT-08-2018-0040
N. Kiepek, Jonathan Harris, B. Beagan, Marisa Buchanan
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence and patterns of substance use among Canadian social workers. With legalisation of can professional regulatory bodies are pressed to consider implications of substance use for their members. Design/methodology/approach An online survey collected data about demographics and substance use prevalence and patterns. Statistical analysis involved pairwise comparisons, binary logistic regression models and logistic regression models to explore correlations between substance use and demographic and work-related variables. Findings Among the respondents (n=489), findings indicate that past-year use of cannabis (24.1 per cent), cocaine (4.5 per cent), ecstasy (1.4 per cent), amphetamines (4.3 per cent), hallucinogens (2.4 per cent), opioid pain relievers (21.0 per cent) and alcohol (83.1 per cent) are higher than the general Canadian population. Years of work experience and working night shift were significant predictors of total number of substances used in the past year. Use of a substance by a person when they were a student was highly correlated with use when they were a professional. Research limitations/implications Prevalence of substance use among social workers was found to be higher than the Canadian population; potential due to the anonymous nature of data collection. Originality/value This study has implications for social conceptualisations of professionalism and for decisions regarding professional regulation. Previous literature about substance use by professionals has focussed predominantly on implications for increased surveillance, monitoring, and disciplinary action. We contend that since substance use among professionals tends to be concealed, there may be exacerbated social misconceptions about degree of risk and when it is appropriate to intervene.
{"title":"Substance use by social workers and implications for professional regulation","authors":"N. Kiepek, Jonathan Harris, B. Beagan, Marisa Buchanan","doi":"10.1108/DAT-08-2018-0040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-08-2018-0040","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence and patterns of substance use among Canadian social workers. With legalisation of can professional regulatory bodies are pressed to consider implications of substance use for their members. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Design/methodology/approach \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000An online survey collected data about demographics and substance use prevalence and patterns. Statistical analysis involved pairwise comparisons, binary logistic regression models and logistic regression models to explore correlations between substance use and demographic and work-related variables. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Findings \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Among the respondents (n=489), findings indicate that past-year use of cannabis (24.1 per cent), cocaine (4.5 per cent), ecstasy (1.4 per cent), amphetamines (4.3 per cent), hallucinogens (2.4 per cent), opioid pain relievers (21.0 per cent) and alcohol (83.1 per cent) are higher than the general Canadian population. Years of work experience and working night shift were significant predictors of total number of substances used in the past year. Use of a substance by a person when they were a student was highly correlated with use when they were a professional. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Research limitations/implications \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Prevalence of substance use among social workers was found to be higher than the Canadian population; potential due to the anonymous nature of data collection. \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000Originality/value \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000 \u0000This study has implications for social conceptualisations of professionalism and for decisions regarding professional regulation. Previous literature about substance use by professionals has focussed predominantly on implications for increased surveillance, monitoring, and disciplinary action. We contend that since substance use among professionals tends to be concealed, there may be exacerbated social misconceptions about degree of risk and when it is appropriate to intervene.","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-08-2018-0040","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42490930","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 : 2019-03-04DOI: 10.1108/DAT-09-2018-0043
Maitena Milhet, Jalpa Shah, Tim Madesclaire, L. Gaissad
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of pleasure related to chemsex from the perspective of French gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Recognising that participants in chemsex are social actors, the authors diverge from the prominent “pathology paradigm” used in public health. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with gay men and other MSM engaging in chemsex via snowball sampling (n=33). The authors explored the definitions of pleasure and the role of stimulants, sexual activity, smartphones and partners in chemsex pleasures. Findings Chemsex pleasures encompass multiple dimensions that go far beyond bodily pleasures, such as love or romantic relationships, socializing with significant others and sexual discovery through disinhibition. Narratives of pleasure were also, simultaneously, stories of suffering and distress. This dissonance can pose challenges to the participants in chemsex, their entourages and care providers. Practical implications Given that the focus of care for gay men and other MSM is on risk behaviors, the findings of this paper help nurture discussions where pleasure is integrated into a new, value-neutral framework of care that incorporates chemsex pleasures. Originality/value This study examined the perspectives of those actually participating in chemsex, allowing gay men and other MSM to relate the entirety of their experiences, in which pleasure is often at the forefront, without restriction.
{"title":"Chemsex experiences: narratives of pleasure","authors":"Maitena Milhet, Jalpa Shah, Tim Madesclaire, L. Gaissad","doi":"10.1108/DAT-09-2018-0043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-09-2018-0043","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of pleasure related to chemsex from the perspective of French gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Recognising that participants in chemsex are social actors, the authors diverge from the prominent “pathology paradigm” used in public health.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000In-depth interviews were conducted with gay men and other MSM engaging in chemsex via snowball sampling (n=33). The authors explored the definitions of pleasure and the role of stimulants, sexual activity, smartphones and partners in chemsex pleasures.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Chemsex pleasures encompass multiple dimensions that go far beyond bodily pleasures, such as love or romantic relationships, socializing with significant others and sexual discovery through disinhibition. Narratives of pleasure were also, simultaneously, stories of suffering and distress. This dissonance can pose challenges to the participants in chemsex, their entourages and care providers.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Given that the focus of care for gay men and other MSM is on risk behaviors, the findings of this paper help nurture discussions where pleasure is integrated into a new, value-neutral framework of care that incorporates chemsex pleasures.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study examined the perspectives of those actually participating in chemsex, allowing gay men and other MSM to relate the entirety of their experiences, in which pleasure is often at the forefront, without restriction.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-09-2018-0043","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41713065","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 : 2019-03-04DOI: 10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0062
K. Evans
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the larger picture of chemsex in a hope to understand how to best work with clients therapeutically. The paper’s aim is to acknowledge not just the risk and “negative” aspects but also what might be gained by men engaging in chems use. How can the chemsex space act as a container for emotions and experiences? Design/methodology/approach This is a paper based upon cases from within the author’s private practice plus anonymous interviews with men. It comes from a sex positive therapy approach and explores ideas formed within the author's work as a practitioner. Findings The findings within this paper showed just how complex an issue chemsex is with many layers to it. The author also found that the most important aspect to bear in mind is that this is a very human issue, with aspects many can relate to such as intimacy, self-esteem, desire for connection and dealing with difficult emotions. By seeing what part it plays in the life of men involved then it is possible to can understand how seductive it could be. Originality/value This paper takes a more in-depth look at the psychological roots of chemsex and how these play a part. As this field is explored more, this paper aims to look at chemsex from the idea of pleasure, community and connection so that it is possible to provide the support that is best suited.
{"title":"The psychological roots of chemsex and how understanding the full picture can help us create meaningful support","authors":"K. Evans","doi":"10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0062","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The purpose of this paper is to explore the larger picture of chemsex in a hope to understand how to best work with clients therapeutically. The paper’s aim is to acknowledge not just the risk and “negative” aspects but also what might be gained by men engaging in chems use. How can the chemsex space act as a container for emotions and experiences?\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000This is a paper based upon cases from within the author’s private practice plus anonymous interviews with men. It comes from a sex positive therapy approach and explores ideas formed within the author's work as a practitioner.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The findings within this paper showed just how complex an issue chemsex is with many layers to it. The author also found that the most important aspect to bear in mind is that this is a very human issue, with aspects many can relate to such as intimacy, self-esteem, desire for connection and dealing with difficult emotions. By seeing what part it plays in the life of men involved then it is possible to can understand how seductive it could be.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper takes a more in-depth look at the psychological roots of chemsex and how these play a part. As this field is explored more, this paper aims to look at chemsex from the idea of pleasure, community and connection so that it is possible to provide the support that is best suited.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44780,"journal":{"name":"Drugs and Alcohol Today","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2019-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0062","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47846734","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 : 2019-03-04DOI: 10.1108/DAT-10-2018-0054
S. Morris
Purpose The title of this paper is a statement made by a man at the end of his treatment following conviction for several sexual offences. It is powerful in conveying a simple and accurate meaning of consent. Legally, consent is not complicated and can be simply defined as: permission for something to happen or agreement to do something. The context of consent, however, is complicated and complex none more so than when it becomes an issue within chemsex. If we are to gain a full appreciation of consent-related complexity, we must also gain an understanding of the wider picture concerning chemsex and crime. The purpose of this paper is to provide that wider picture. With the exception of breaching of drug-related law, not all men who engage in chemsex are committing offences but, as we are discovering, a not insignificant percentage are and this needs to be cause for concern. Design/methodology/approach This study is a review and a personal perspective of the development of a criminal justice response to crime within the chemsex context. Findings This was a personal viewpoint, not a research project; therefore, there were no definitive findings. Originality/value This paper addresses lack of awareness within the criminal justice system in relation to chemsex, and the associated vulnerabilities. This work is original because there is a shortage of published work on the rise in chemsex-related crimes.
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