Use of Salvia divinorum in a nationally representative sample.
Brian E Perron, Brian K Ahmedani, Michael G. Vaughn, Joseph E Glass, Arnelyn Abdon, Li-Tzy Wu
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 2012 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2011.600397 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | National survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 55,623 |
| Population | Non-institutionalized US civilians aged 12 and older |
| Topics | Anxiety Depression Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Psychoactive substance Legal drug Public health risks Health considerations Substance abuse Mental health Drug policy User demographics Young adults Risk-taking behavior Polysubstance use Co-occurring disorders Drug research National survey Epidemiological study Drug studies |
| Citations | 36 |
| Key findings | Salvia use is most common among young adults aged 18-25 and is associated with risk-taking behaviors, other illicit drug use, and self-reported depression and anxiety. |
Abstract
Salvia divinorum has known hallucinogenic effects and is legal in most parts of the United States. Given that this psychoactive substance has a potential of misuse and abuse, further data regarding the clinical and psychosocial factors associated with use are needed. To examine the clinical and psychosocial characteristics associated with use of salvia. The study uses data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008 (N = 55,623). The results of this study suggest that salvia use is most common among young adults aged 18-25 years as well as individuals who had engaged in risk-taking behaviors (selling illicit drugs, stealing) or illicit drug use (especially other hallucinogens/ecstasy). Self-reported depression and anxiety were also associated with salvia use. CONCLUSIONS/SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The results provide evidence that salvia use is part of a broader constellation of psychosocial and behavioral problems among youth and young adults. The accessibility, legal status, and psychoactive effects of salvia can be a potentially complicating health risk to young people, especially among those with existing substance use problems.