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Publication Detailed Description
How and where to find NPS users: a comparison of methods in a cross national survey amongst three groups of current users of new psychoactive substances in Europe
Journal Title
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
Year (definitive publication)
2021
Language
English
Country
United States of America
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Abstract
Use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) across Europe remains a public health challenge. The study describes potentials and limitations of methods in a transnational survey of recent marginalised, nightlife and online community NPS users in Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland and Portugal (n = 3023). In terms of demographic profile, drug use history and type of NPS, different methods reached different segments of the NPS-using population. Last year use of different NPS varied across countries and groups. Respondents used NPS in a variety of settings, with public spaces most common in the marginalised group. The study suggests that prevalence rates can reveal a picture of the NPS market that significantly deviates from what law enforcement seizures indicate. Outreach in nightlife settings and peer education are recommended to inform users about health risks and to improve access to drug services and care.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
New psychoactive substance,Prevalence,Marginalised drug user,Nightlife drug user,Online community user,Prevention,Health education
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Basic Medicine - Medical and Health Sciences
- Clinical Medicine - Medical and Health Sciences
- Health Sciences - Medical and Health Sciences
Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
With the objective to increase the research activity directed towards the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the possibility of associating scientific publications with the Sustainable Development Goals is now available in Ciência-IUL. These are the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the author(s) for this publication. For more detailed information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
