Substance use initiation: The role of simultaneous polysubstance use
Janine V. Olthuis, Christine Darredeau, Sean P. Barrett
Drug and Alcohol Review May 21, 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2012.00470.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 226 |
| Population | Cannabis users |
| Topics | Cannabis MDMA Mescaline Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Polysubstance dependence Heroin Substance use Amphetamine Substance abuse Hallucinogen Drug |
| Citations | 79 |
| Key findings | A clear majority of cannabis users (≥75%) reported simultaneous polysubstance use during their first-ever use of most illicit substances, with alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis commonly co-administered. |
Abstract
Abstract Introduction and Aims. Simultaneous polysubstance use (SPU) is a common phenomenon, yet little is known about its role in substance use initiation. Design and Methods. In the present study, 226 cannabis users completed structured interviews about their substance use history. For each substance ever used, participants provided details of their age of first use, their use in the preceding 30 days and whether they co‐administered any other licit or illicit substances the first time they used the substance. Results. For most illicit substances [powder cocaine, crack, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy), heroin, opium, gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), ketamine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, phencyclidine (PCP), peyote and inhalants], results showed that a clear majority of participants ( ≥ 75%) reported SPU during their first‐ever use of the substance. While SPU was less common on occasions of first use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis, a high proportion of SPU on occasions of first use of ‘harder’ drugs could be accounted for by the co‐use of alcohol, tobacco and/or cannabis. Discussion and Conclusions. Such findings raise the possibility that specific alcohol, tobacco and/or cannabis use episodes might directly contribute to the initiation of new substance use. Understanding the role of SPU on occasions of first use might help better identify risk factors for substance use progression and improve intervention efforts. [Olthuis JV, Darredeau C, Barrett SP. Substance use initiation: The role of simultaneous polysubstance use. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:67–71]
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Voice of the Psychonauts: Coping, Life Purpose, and Spirituality in Psychedelic Drug Users Psychedelic drug users, other drug users, and drug nonusers | 2011 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 667 |
| Naturalistic Use of Mescaline Is Associated with Self-Reported Psychiatric Improvements and Enduring Positive Life Changes. Adults reporting use of mescaline in naturalistic settings | 2021 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 452 |
| Acute Adverse Reactions to Lsd in Clinical and Experimental use in the United Kingdom Subjects in LSD or mescaline sessions | 1971 | Survey | n = 5,000 |