Types Of Psychoactive Substances Research Articles

Does the Use of Psychoactive Substances Reveal Underlying Trauma or Common Mental Health Problems?

The paper evaluates the prevalence of psychoactive substance use in a non-clinical sample of university students and examines its relation to childhood traumatic experiences and common mental health problems. An anonymous online survey was conducted between September 2022 and May 2023 in two major universities in Bulgaria using opportunity sampling. The study has a cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective design, using self-rating scales for depression, anxiety, alexithymia, empathy, quality of life, and lifetime history of substance use. One hundred and forty-six university students completed the survey, with a mean age of 23 years (SD=2), 66% females. Ninety-eight percent of the participants have used caffeine, 90% alcohol, 62% tobacco, 50% cannabis, 26% sedatives, 19% amphetamines, 12% inhalants, 8% hallucinogens, 4% opiates, and 9% other/unknown substances. The mean number of psychoactive substances used within a lifetime is 4 (SD=2). Forty-two (29%) participants have a history of use of multiple (≥ 5) types of psychoactive substances. Statistically significant differences from the rest of the sample include lower empathy (p=.016), higher scores on the childhood trauma scale (p=.001), and a higher percentage of dissociative symptoms (47.6%, p=.012). The binary logistic regression model revealed that higher scores on the childhood trauma scale (p=.003) and lower empathy (p=.004) are statistically significant predictors of multiple substance use. In conclusion, the lifetime use of multiple psychoactive substances in non-clinical settings is related to underlying childhood traumatic experiences and lower empathy.

Types of psychoactive substance and manifested risky sexual behaviors among men - a review.

Determining the relationship between the use of types of psychoactive substance and risky sexual behavior among men. The sources cited in the manuscript were selected through a search of scientific article databases in July 2023. Priority was given to publications with release dates from 2018-2023. Publications in Polish and English were included. The phenomenon of chemsex, more and more often noted in the group of men who have sex with men (MSM), involving sexual activity under the influence of intoxicants, promotes risky sexual behavior. The drugs used for these practices are mainly stimulants, disinhibitors and anesthetics. Factors that increase the risk of an individual deciding to engage in chemical sex include not accepting his sexual preferences, feelings of guilt, personality traits characterizing a person prone to taking risks and with a tendency to seek sensations, as well as high scores on the scale of depressiveness. The main factor determining the emergence of the problem is the occurrence of minority stress. There is a relationship between the use of a certain type of psychoactive substance and engaging in risky sexual behavior. Psychoactive substances help to overcome fear and reduce the impact of minority stress on MSM. Risky behaviors undertaken during chemsex include increasing the risk of contracting diseases through the lack of appropriate safeguards, the risk of addiction, prostitution, as well as threats social relationships and mental health.

Children Intoxicated with Psychoactive Substances: The Health Status on Admission to Hospital Based on Medical Records.

Introduction: Alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance among young people. The use of psychoactive substances gives rise to a number of health, social, moral and economic problems. The aim of the study was to characterise the symptoms reported by children and adolescents presenting with psychoactive substance intoxication on admission to hospital. Methods: The study included a group of 303 patients aged 0 to 18 years, diagnosed with psychoactive substance intoxication. This retrospective study assessed medical records of patients hospitalised at the Provincial Specialist Children's Hospital in Olsztyn between 2016 and 2018. Results: Body temperature on admission varied depending on the type of psychoactive substance taken (χ2 = 14.12, p < 0.006). Girls were more likely to have an increased heart rate than boys. An analysis of the symptoms of intoxication over the years 2016-2018 showed significant differences in the incidence of the following symptoms: disturbed consciousness (χ2 = 8.75, p < 0.01), visual disorders (χ2 = 8.02, p < 0.02), loss of consciousness (χ2 = 37.71, p < 0.000001), drowsiness (χ2 = 7.33, p < 0.03), hypothermia (χ2 = 18.95, p < 0.00008) and gait disturbances (χ2 = 13.08, p < 0.002). Conclusions: Girls are more likely to use stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes, while boys are more likely to opt for designer drugs. The number of patients hospitalised more than once increases every year. Gastrointestinal intoxication with psychoactive substances was most common. The most severe intoxication was associated with alcohol intake, while the most intense pain was reported by patients poisoned with other psychoactive substances.

Социально-педагогическая профилактика аддиктивного поведения в студенческой среде

Introduction. In modern pedagogical science, there is a contradiction, which lies in the fact that, on the one hand, researchers pay a lot of attention to the problem of the growth of addictive behavior of young people, and, on the other hand, practice shows a steady increase in all types of addictions. Theoretical analysis. The study of scientific and pedagogical literature allows us to outline the strategy and tactics of experimental work and to form the necessary starting points on which the main directions for improving the socio-pedagogical prevention of addictive behavior of students will be based. Еmpirical analysis. An analysis of the implementation of socio-pedagogical prevention of addictive behavior among students revealed that the vast majority of teachers who are curators of student groups are not ready to implement the prevention of addictive behavior of students. The survey revealed the main reasons that make it difficult to prevent the addictive behavior of students. Among all types of psychoactive substances, it is most difficult for young people to give up smoking; there is a loyal attitude towards alcohol consumption. Conclusion. The levels of addictive behavior of students indicate unwillingness to refuse the offer of chemical addictions from the society. The responses received from teachers demonstrate that they need information education and organizational support to improve the effectiveness of preventive activities.

The socio-demographic profile of addicts treated by the Agadir addictology center

The increase in the number of addicts in our country is a distressing phenomenon and largely contributes to the degradation of the quality of life of people who use psychoactive substances. This descriptive, quantitative retrospective study aims to describe the socio-demographic profile of addicts treated by the Agadir addictology center. The study is carried out on a sample of 288 users of psychoactive substances selected according to a stratified probability sampling, based on the files of addicts who passed through the center during the first two years of its operation 2018 and 2019. In terms of results, this work has shown that this phenomenon primarily concerns the male sex with a percentage of 88.19%, generally, single people are the most representative with 67.01%. Regarding age, a proportion of 55.21% is in the 18 to 30 age group. A majority of 95.49% come from urban areas and 84.37% reside in nuclear families. 46.53% of addicts are inactive and for those active, in most cases they work in underqualified professions. And concerning addictive behaviors, they are concentrated on the consumption of two types of psychoactive substances (tobacco, and cannabis) which represent 50.69%. In the hope of an improvement, it will be necessary to give more importance to the subject and to make it more debatable. As well as to have these addicts recognized without discrimination.&#x0D; Keywords: Addicts, socio-demographic profile, psychoactive substances, drugs, addiction.

Impaired delay discounting and time sensitivity in methcathinone use disorder.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized by continued drug use despite adverse consequences. Methcathinone is a new type of psychoactive substance that is associated with high excitement and impulsive behaviors. However, it is unclear if individuals with methcathinone use disorders (MCUD) are with impaired decision-making ability. We analyzed the task performance in 45 male MCUD subjects and 35 male matched healthy controls (HC) with intertemporal decision-making task. Constant sensitivity discounting model was used to estimate potential changes in both discounting rate and time sensitivity. The results showed that MCUD individuals exhibited a higher delay discounting rate (p = 0.003, Cohen's d = 0.683) and reduced sensitivity to time (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.662). The delay discounting rate was correlated to the first age for drug use (r = - 0.41, p = 0.004), and the time sensitivity was negatively correlated with the duration of abstinence (r = - 0.31, p = 0.036). We conclude that MCUD individuals are with impaired decision-making ability and time perception disturbances.

Use of Psychoactive Substance and its Associated Factors among School Adolescents in Rupandehi District of Nepal.

Psychoactive substance use among adolescents has been identified as an important health issue in Nepal. Therefore, this study examined the psychoactive substance use and factors associated with its use among adolescent students in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to July 2018 with 460 school students aged between 15 to 19 years across sampled public and private schools in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Structured interview schedule was used to collect information on psychoactive substance use. The generalized estimating equation was used to identify the factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances. Over a quarter (27.4%) of school-going adolescents used at least one type of psychoactive substance. Commonly used psychoactive substance included tobacco products (59.3%) followed by cannabis (55.6%), marijuana (35.8%), hashish (23.5%), alcohol (22.2%), heroin (18.5%), nitrogen tablets (14.8%), sulfa (13.6%) and opium (13.6%), respectively. Being male (AOR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.19-3.36), having peers (AOR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.13-3.03) or family members (AOR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.40-3.54) that used psychoactive substances and father's education level (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.05-5.78) were significantly associated with the psychoactive substance use. This study identified that over a quarter of school-going adolescents reported the use of at least one illegal psychoactive substance. This study provided details on the extent of behaviours, and can be used to develop a comprehensive prevention and control program. Such programs should address the socio-cultural factors that enable substance use and address gaps in knowledge to prevent and control of psychoactive substance use.

Analysis of the Relationship between Tobacco Smoking and Physical Activity in Adolescence: A Gender Specific Study.

Background and Objective: Although smoking and the physical activity level (PAL) are important determinants of health status in adolescence, there is a lack of information on the relationship between smoking and PAL in early adolescence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender-specific relationship between smoking and PAL in 14-to-16-year-old adolescents. Materials and Methods: The sample included 650 adolescents (337 girls, 14.7 ± 0.5 years at first testing wave) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the first testing wave, participants were tested using structured questionnaires. Second testing was commenced after approximately 20 months (16.4 ± 0.6 years). The variables were age, gender, socioeconomic status, living environment, cigarette smoking (predictors), and PAL (criterion). Predictors were measured at the first wave, and criterion at the first-wave and second-wave. Results: For girls, smoking was negatively correlated to PAL at the first-wave (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.55–0.95) and at the second-wave (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.71–0.96). No significant association between smoking and PAL was found for boys. Results suggest that adolescent boys and girls do not follow the equal trajectories when it comes to relationships between smoking and PAL. Conclusions: In developing promotional public health actions related to a decrease of smoking and increase of PAL, a gender-specific approach is highly recommended. Further studies analyzing the cause–effect relationship between consumption of other types of psychoactive substances and PAL in this age group are warranted.

Nível de atividade física entre usuários de substâncias psicoativas

Objetivo: Este estudo verificou o nível de atividade física entre usuários de substâncias psicoativas.&#x0D; Método: Estudo transversal, realizado nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Outras Drogas do município de Recife (Brasil). Participaram 160 indivíduos com idade 44.09±12.46 anos. Os participantes foram entrevistados por meio do questionário Global physical active questionnaire. Foi aplicado o teste Qui-quadrado de independência para verificar associação entre nível de atividade física e tipo de substância psicoativa utilizada, nível de instrução, raça/cor, sexo e tipo de moradia sendo aceito um p&lt;0.05 como significativo.&#x0D; Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que 51.9% dos usuários de substâncias psicoativas são fisicamente inativos. Houve associação nos domínios raça/cor da pele (p=0.039) e nível de instrução (p=0.002) com relação ao nível de atividade física.&#x0D; Conclusão: A partir destes dados será possível estabelecer os grupos que necessitam de maior apoio para promover estímulo à prática de exercício físico.

Prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir Prison, Karachi.

The use psychoactive substances are on the rise in general population and even seen more among those who are involved in criminal activities. There are many reasons for such irrational use of psychoactive substances. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir prison, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Malir prison, Karachi. Period: 22nd April 2019 to 26th May 2019. Material &amp; Methods: This study was conducted at district Malir prison, Karachi. All the cases who were imprisoned due to any reason and had history of psychoactive substance use were enrolled. Thorough history and examination was carried out. Ethical considerations were taken as per international guidelines. Results: Among all 490 male prisoners who used to take different type of psychoactive substance, majority were of age ranges of 21 to 35 years and 55% were married while 44% were single and 1% were divorced or separated. Out of 490 cases 453 (92%) were using different substances thorough routes other than injections while 37 (8%) were injection users. Majority of prisoners 252 (52%) were using Heroin while 86 (17%) were using Crystals, 74 (15%) Cannabis, 37 (8%) Synthetic substances, 24 (5%) Ice, 6 (1%) Opioid and 11 (2%) were using some other type of substance. The most common reason of substance use was peer pressure followed by fun and frustration. Conclusion: Substance use prevalence is high in prison. Existing services for the management of drug dependence are not meeting the global standard of evidence based comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.

Употребление подростками психоактивных веществ при разных видах аутоагрессивного поведения

The article presents research data on the characteristics of the psychoactive substances use in suicidal, self-harming and normative behaviour among adolescents. 131 adolescents with a high risk of suicidal behaviour, 142 adolescents with a high risk of self-harming behaviour and 553 adolescents with normative behaviour were examined. Methods used: the SL-19 questionnaire (Yunantskevich P.I., 2009) was used to identify adolescents with suicidal risk; “method of body modification and self-harm” (Polskaya N.A., 2017) - for identification adolescents with self-damaging behaviour, including the substance use (alcohol, drugs, tobacco). Based on data, it is concluded that half of adolescents prone to auto-aggressive behaviour are characterized by the formation of polymodal auto-aggressive complexes, including different types of auto-aggressive behaviour. Both suicidal and self-harming behaviours are accompanied by the use of different types of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco and drugs). The most discernible use of substance is noted in the group of adolescents with a high risk of suicidal behaviour. An assumption is made about the need to develop comprehensive preventive programs that take into account different types of adolescents’ auto-aggression.

Личностные особенности потребителей разных видов психоактивных веществ

Личностные особенности потребителей разных видов психоактивных веществ

Спирографические показатели у подростков-северян, употребляющих различные виды ингаляционных психоактивных веществ

Спирографические показатели у подростков-северян, употребляющих различные виды ингаляционных психоактивных веществ

The Effects of Trait Emotional Intelligence on Adolescent Substance Use: Findings From a Hungarian Representative Survey

Previous research has emphasized the importance of emotions in the development of adult and adolescent substance use. There is substantial evidence for deficits in emotional processing among teenagers with substance use, but few studies have investigated the association between emotional intelligence and adolescent substance use. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs and level of emotional intelligence among adolescents. A representative sample of high school students participated in the study (N = 2,380). Substance use patterns were assessed using data from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) Survey, and emotional intelligence was assessed with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory Youth Version. Self-esteem and depressive symptomatology were also assessed to compare their effects on the frequency of substance use with the effect of emotional intelligence. Results demonstrated that greater difficulty in stress management and empathy predicted a higher frequency of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use. However, the level of emotional intelligence showed only a weak relationship to substance use habits. Latent profile analyses supported the hypothesis that different emotional patterns and problems underlie different types of psychoactive substances. Using a multiple linear regression model, the present study found that although emotional intelligence is not a key factor underlying substance use habits, it has an individual effect on substance use beyond depressive tendencies and self-esteem. These results can be applied to both drug prevention programs and interventions in substance abuse treatment.

Causes and Consequences of Streetism among Street Children in Harar City, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the life of Harar City street children. In view of that, the following research questions were forwarded; what are the major causes that make children leave their homes for the streets? Do street children use psychoactive substances? What type of psychoactive substance do street children use? Based on these basic questions, descriptive survey design including quantitative and qualitative data gathering approaches were employed. Questionnaires and interviews were thus used to solicit information from 57 street children. The data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and frequency whereas the data gathered through interview were analyzed through narration. As the Study revealed, the major causes which forced children to runaway are ranging from escaping abusive parental punishment followed by poverty, hate of step parents to parental alcoholic behavior. Benzene sniffing, smoking, chewing chat, use of plastic are some of the substance abuse street children have commonly used. Even some of them also reported as if they have already begun using marijuana and hashish pretending to stand with hunger and cold. The research also distinguished as there are two types of street children. These categories include the street children who have completely lost touch with their families and relatives and entirely live on the streets and street children who have contact with their families. The study recommends how to properly address street children’s socio-economic and psychological problems. For further studies, it is also recommended that research should be undertaken to explore the role of streetism in psychological wellbeing of street children.

Usage of Psychoactive Substances are Spreading like a Wild Forest Fire across the Globe

The paper aims in studying the different types of psychoactive substances used, and their impact on the youth, all across the globe. Here, we discuss which section of the society is vulnerable to the health-derogatory drugs and how they have been impacted over the past few years of the decade; also we bring to light the huge market of drug trafficking which largely impacts the economic channel of the world. The study is mainly based discussion of collected information from different prominent surveys carried out in renowned universities and health centres of America and India. The research methodology is a short scientific survey, conducted on 15 students of University of Calcutta, India, which records their response to the use of 6 different kinds of drugs, and concludes that there is an improvement in the social situation, and young people are getting some awareness of the harmful effects of the psychoactive substances, despite their easy availability.

Drug Abuse and Health of the Nigerian Youth: A Call to “Listen First”

This is a paper presented at the occasion of the 2016 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse / Illicit Trafficking, with the theme “Listen First” with the vulnerable youths as the target population of the presentation. The paper an awareness campaign for youths on the dangers of drug and substance abuse provides information from empirical studies of drug abuse being a global and public health problem with current statistics. The trend, types of psychoactive substances used and , abused by youths most especially in Nigeria and Benue State in particular, factors that makes the youths vulnerable and the health implications of drug abuse is discussed. The call for all stakeholders’ parents, guardians, teachers, policy makers, to establish a warm and supportive relationship with the youths which will in turn gain their confidence and help them discover their potentials and fully actualize them instead of getting involved in drugs is made; which is the basic assumption of “Listen First”.

Risk of harmful use of a particular type of psychoactive substance in adolescents with conduct disorders

The purpose of the study was a statistical evaluation of the role of clinical and anamnestic data for the risk of a particular type of substances use with the harmful effects in adolescents with conduct disorders. Were studied 293 adolescents with a diagnosis of “Conduct disorder” and comorbid diagnoses “Harmful substance use” (mean age - 15,3 ± 0,1 years). Patients were divided into 4 groups. 1 subgroup comprised 89 patients with comorbid diagnosis of “Harmful opioid use”. 2 subgroup comprised 95 patients with comorbid diagnosis of “Harmful inhalant use”. 3 subgroup comprised 57 patients with comorbid diagnosis of “Harmful alcohol drinking”. 4 subgroup consisted of 52 patients with comorbid diagnosis of “Harmful stimulant use”. The result was obtained by logistic regression equation to calculate the risk of supplies to the patients particular clinical subgroup on the basis of statistically significant variables (anamnestic data). For the harmful opioid use subgroup is: “Family history of substance abuse on the one line”, “Schooling program for masses”, status “Is not working/not learning”, “Living with a partner”. For the harmful inhalant use subgroup is: status “Is not working/not learning”, “Living in a boarding school”, “Escape from the house (or boarding)/temporary accommodation in a shelter”. For the harmful alcohol drinking subgroup is: “Half family”, “Correctional school program”, “Supporting school program”, status “Student school”, status “Is not working/not learning“ (negative contribution to the result variable prediction), “Living in a boarding school”. For the harmful stimulant use subgroup is: “Useful family history”, ”Orphan or the parent(s) deprived of their rights” (negative contribution to the result variable prediction), status “Is not working/not learning” (negative contribution to the result variable prediction), “Escape from the house (or boarding)/temporary accommodation in a shelter”, “Living with a partner”.

Characteristic of addictive disorders adolescent behavior who use psychoactive substances. Algorithm providing health and social care

Background. The problem of substance use among the population of different countries, and also in Ukraine, is one of the most significant among the leading medical and social issues of our time. It is characterized by a number of socio-economic features and related changes in the psychological climate among the population. Particularly seriously, these phenomena destroy still unformed personality of adolescents and young people.&#x0D; Objective – to develop new approaches to the prevention of addictive conditions of adolescents who use psychoactive substances through early diagnosis and timely medical and social care.&#x0D; Methods. The research methods were a unified map, a system of AUDIT-like tests to identify the characteristics of the use of psychoactive substances by adolescents, methods for determining personality and character accentuations, anxiety, depression and others.&#x0D; Results. Among the total number of respondents who use psychoactive substances (1374 people (91,6%)) the largest one was the group of people who used alcohol-containing substances – 92,3%. Mostly these were drinks with low alcohol content (beer, various low-alcohol, tonic drinks, fashionable in the modern youth environment), but were consumed systematically in large doses. Most adolescents when taking various psychoactive substances are mainly in the area of “safe use” (1-7 points) or “dangerous use” (8-15 points), but without harmful effects or states of dependence. However, with the most common types of psychoactive substances (alcoholic beverages, tobacco), some respondents switched to more severe forms of substance use, namely: “with harmful effects” or “dependent conditions”. According to the study, with smoking, the above transition is more intense. Among other psychoactive substances, the level of “harmful effects” is more often observed with the use of psychostimulants – 15,4% and 5,5%; respectively opiates (opioids) – 9,3%; cannabinoids – 5,6%.&#x0D; Conclusions. The research revealed certain characteristics of psychoactive substances of adolescence, which can be detected using AUDIT tests, which allow to obtain a description of the degree of use of psychoactive substances, assessment of pathopsychological and clinical-psychopathological features of certain prognosis for the future. The predisposing factor for the use of psychoactive substances is neuropsychological instability, accentuation of character (emotional, excitable, steroid, conformity and other types); peculiarity of behavioral reactions of adolescence (protest, grouping, emancipation, etc.) and other features of teenagers.

Patients on Opioid Substitution Treatment in the Republic of Macedonia: What Do Treatment Demand Data Tell Us?

AIM: The aim of the survey is to analyze national data from opioid substitution treatment (OST) medical records and to compare it with the data from EU countries.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey is quantitative analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the period September - December 2013. Medical records from all patients on OST at national level during the year 2012 were analyzed. EMCDDA questionnaire from treatment protocol 3.0 was used. Data for OST patients on MMT was take from all 12 public treatment facilities, three private centers and 3 prisons. Data for OST patients on buprenorphine was taken from public clinic as the only one responsible for this type of treatment.RESULTS: A comprehensive network, diverse models of treatment intervention exists in the MKD. Total number of OST patients in 2012 in all treatment facilities was 1857 (1356 are in public, 141 in private, 360 in prison settings) 10% are on Buprenorphine and 90% are on Methadone, 52% in age group 20-34. Ratio of male to female heroin clients is 9:1; 162 are female (9 %); 107(66%) are in treatment in the age group 20-34. Average number of OST patients is 0.1% of the total population in each of the 10 cities analyzed. The mean age at first heroin use is 18 years. 40% of patients haven’t high school. With their family lives 65% of OST patients; 487 patients (36%) have children; 80% of patients use of benzodiazepines.CONCLUSION: Although treatment network of drug addiction is quite developed, perceived need for further capacity building and increase the quality of medical care implies increasing the availability, diversification in terms of sensitivity to cultural differences, gender, age, ethnicity, as well as the treatment of dependence of different types of psychoactive substances.