5-Year Trends in Use of Hallucinogens and Other Adjunct Drugs among UK Dance Drug Users
Jim Mccambridge, Adam Winstock, Neil Hunt, Luke Mitcheson
European Addiction Research December 18, 2006 DOI: 10.1159/000095816 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Repeated-measures cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | People who use drugs in dance contexts |
| Duration | 5-year period |
| Topics | Ketamine Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Psychological intervention Population Dance Drug Adjunct |
| Citations | 113 |
| Key findings | Prevalence of psilocybin, ketamine, GHB, and nitrates use increased among dance drug users from 1999 to 2003, with a sharp rise in current psilocybin use in 2002–2003, while LSD use declined. |
Abstract
Aims: To describe and assess trends in the use of hallucinogens and other adjunct drugs over a 5-year period.
Design: Repeated-measures cross-sectional survey. Setting and
Participants: Annual magazine-based survey targeting people who use drugs in dance contexts.
Measurements: Lifetime use prevalence (ever used); age of first use; current use prevalence (any use within the last month), and extent of use within the last month (number of days used) for LSD, psilocybin, ketamine, GHB and nitrates.
Findings: Prevalence increases for psilocybin, ketamine, GHB and nitrates use have been detected, with a sharp recent rise in current psilocybin use in 2002–2003 contrasting with more gradual and comprehensive evidence of increased ketamine use throughout the period 1999–2003. The declining prevalence of LSD use in general population surveys is replicated in this sentinel population study.
Conclusions: The rise in prevalence of hallucinogen and other adjunct drugs identified among dance drug users may be mirrored by wider prevalence increases among young people with a consequent need to study these trends carefully and to develop effective interventions, where required.