Drug checking services for people who use drugs: a systematic review

Addiction, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 117(3), P. 532 - 544

Published: Nov. 3, 2021

Drug checking services provide people who use drugs with chemical analysis results of their drug samples while simultaneously monitoring the unregulated market. We sought to identify and synthesize literature on following domains: (a) influence behaviour drugs; (b) markets by services; (c) outcomes related models services.Systematic review. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials, Database Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web Science Dissertations Theses Global. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles conference abstracts or grey literature, published any language since 1990 including original data domains. assessed risk bias for quantitative reporting using National Institutes Health tools.We screened 2463 titles 156 full texts, 90 meeting inclusion criteria. Most (n = 65, 72.2%) from Europe used cross-sectional designs 79, 87.7%). Monitoring 63, 70%) most reported domain, followed 31, 34.4%), intent use, actual disposal drug, 17, 18.9%). The common outcome measures detection unexpected substances 50, 55.6%), expected 44, 48.9%), new psychoactive 40, 44.4%) concern 32, 36.5%) services.Drug appear behavioural intentions drugs, particularly when are concern. is well established Europe, increasingly North America. Concerns about contents negative health consequences facilitate lack concern; trust sellers; accessibility legal privacy concerns barriers use.

Language: Английский

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Fake anabolic androgenic steroids on the black market – a systematic review and meta-analysis on qualitative and quantitative analytical results found within the literature

BMC Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: July 17, 2022

Supraphysiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used to improve body image and sport performance goals. These substances can easily be acquired over the internet, leading a substantial black market. We reviewed literature that assessed quality quantity AAS found on

Language: Английский

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Rapid Analysis of Drugs: A Pilot Surveillance System To Detect Changes in the Illicit Drug Supply To Guide Timely Harm Reduction Responses — Eight Syringe Services Programs, Maryland, November 2021–August 2022

MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 72(17), P. 458 - 462

Published: April 27, 2023

A record number of 2,912 drug overdose deaths occurred in Maryland during the 12-month period July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, or both* were involved 84% these deaths.† Timely identification illicit market changes (e.g., rapidly replacing heroin) could improve public health response, specifically communications about risks for novel psychoactive substances. During November 19, 2021-August 31, 2022, National Institute Standards and Technology (NIST)§ tested 496 deidentified paraphernalia samples that staff members collected at eight syringe services programs (SSPs), also known as needle exchange programs,¶ partnership with Department Health Center Harm Reduction Services (CHRS).** All test results available within 48 hours. Among collected, 367 (74.0%) positive an opioid, 364 (99.2%) contained analogs. Approximately four fifths fentanyl-positive veterinary medicine xylazine, a sedative when combined opioids might increase potential fatal respiratory depression soft tissue infections injected (1). For 248 samples, SSP participants completed questionnaire drugs they had intended to purchase. 212 who buy 87.7% exposed both, 85.8% unknowingly xylazine. Results improved awareness xylazine among galvanized efforts enhance SSPs' wound care experiencing injuries possibly associated injecting Rapid analysis can provide timely data on changing markets be used mitigate harms use more effectively.

Language: Английский

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“They sent it away for testing and it was all bunk”: Exploring perspectives on drug checking among steroid consumers in Queensland, Australia

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 119, P. 104139 - 104139

Published: July 21, 2023

Introduction: Research supports the feasibility and acceptance of drug checking among nightlife festival attendees. Interest in expanding to other groups people who use drugs, including those inject has grown. However, understanding acceptability specific cohorts, like anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) consumers, remains a research gap. This study explores AAS consumers' perspectives on service preferences, aiding preparation for delivery Queensland, Australia. Methods: A purposive sampling technique was used recruit 15 consumers (9 males, 6 females; Mage = 36.80 years, SD 6.12) from One-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with questions exploring participants' views checking/testing their preferences analysis. Thematic analysis final themes established through iterative consensus. Results: Consumers expressed frustration prevailing stereotypes, social stigma, perception criminality associated AAS. There strong dependence personal connections trusted suppliers, coaches exerting significant influence. Participants concerns about widespread availability counterfeit products underground operations. The act using unknown likened game Russian roulette, underscoring importance obtaining accurate information access reliable services. preference web-based platform that enables individuals own test results while contributing comprehensive database brand-specific testing outcomes. Discussion: recognise significance monitoring seek can not only assist them making informed decisions regarding usage but also potentially contribute knowledge wider AAS-consuming community. These findings underscore tailored education, services, harm reduction measures address diverse needs consumers.

Language: Английский

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What is drug checking, anyway?

Drugs Habits and Social Policy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 23(3), P. 176 - 187

Published: Aug. 30, 2022

Purpose The recent influx of interest in and the changing status drug checking has led us to reconsider some fundamental questions about checking. This commentary aims define It proceeds three parts: terminology, definitions programmes that are excluded from definition still have value for harm reduction. Design/methodology/approach To inform commentary, an informal review pertinent publications on topic was conducted extract relevant terminology. Findings Drug services (DCS) five necessary features: (1) aim reducing harm; (2) analyse samples directly public; (3) return results service user; (4) involve information exchange between user DCS; (5) conduct a tailored intervention with user. Variable features include populations served, setting, analysis methods, immediacy results, nature intervention, levels engagement other stakeholder groups, funding models, legal staff skillsets. Programmes not DCS but similarities non-publicly accessible testing drugs as well bodily fluids where may alerts. Originality/value remains legally, politically commercially sensitive health service. Reflecting history evolution checking, both term reduction service, helps provide clarity terms what is it not. facilitates more effective framing evaluations, do achieve.

Language: Английский

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A Systematized Review of Drug-checking and Related Considerations for Implementation as A Harm Reduction Intervention

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 55(1), P. 85 - 93

Published: Jan. 21, 2022

Drug-checking services (DCS) provide people who use drugs (PWUD) the opportunity to have their substances tested before consumption. Though some suggest they may adverse consequences, DCS been introduced as a harm reduction (HR) strategy. A systematized review of literature regarding drug checking (DC) methods and testing locations, advantages disadvantages, legal frameworks with an emphasis on HR was conducted referencing PRISMA guidelines. The primary search PsychInfo, PubMed, Medline, CINHAL, CORE, Web Science between 4th 10th September 2020, 51 pieces were included in final article. Most focuses benefits currently available DCS. identified varied significantly terms methods, location operation, goal, surrounding framework. results using multiple DC be most beneficial. Further, personalized interventions can positively influence behavior change, minimize harm, reduce mortality. are viable public health intervention that requires cross-sector support beyond methods. Services will need tailored meet needs chosen setting, local market, target audience.

Language: Английский

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Big business: The private sector market for image and performance enhancing drug harm reduction in the UK

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 122, P. 104254 - 104254

Published: Nov. 9, 2023

This article draws on three mutually independent ethnographic studies to explore the private sector market for image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) harm reduction in UK, specifically examining (1) steroid accessory supplements; (2) blood testing services; (3) bloodletting services. After contextualising work with a discussion of IPED use substantial growth global health fitness industry, each provision is critically interrogated following questions mind: what role utility these services compared public provision? Why has begun deliver products UK? And how does this relate industry more broadly? The paper concludes some reflections about future direction reduction, importance community-led services, need think innovatively if we are best protect users' wellbeing.

Language: Английский

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Cannabis adulterated with the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist MDMB-4en-PINACA and the role of European drug checking services

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 100, P. 103493 - 103493

Published: Oct. 22, 2021

Language: Английский

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A Realist Review of How Community-Based Drug Checking Services Could Be Designed and Implemented to Promote Engagement of People Who Use Drugs

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 19(19), P. 11960 - 11960

Published: Sept. 22, 2022

With rising numbers of drug-related deaths in the UK and globally, exploration interventions that seek to reduce harm is essential. Drug checking services (DCS) allow people submit drug samples for chemical analysis receive feedback about sample, as well reduction advice. The use DCS often linked festival and/or nightlife settings so-called ‘recreational’ use, but research has also shown potential community-based an intervention serving more varied demographics who drugs, including marginalised individuals those experiencing dependence. Whilst there a growing evidence base on effectiveness intervention, still limited underlying mechanisms processes within which may aid implementation subsequent engagement drugs. This presents challenge understanding why differs across types DCS, how best develop deliver different contexts populations. To explore impact realist review was undertaken synthesise international delivery DCS. There were 133 sources included review. From these contexts, mechanisms, outcomes relating developed refined into seven programme theories. findings this are theoretically novel hold practical relevance design with implications optimisation, tailoring, implementing reach settings.

Language: Английский

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Analysis of the UK Government’s 10-Year Drugs Strategy—a resource for practitioners and policymakers

Journal of Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 45(2), P. e215 - e224

Published: Oct. 29, 2022

In 2021, during a drug-related death crisis in the UK, Government published its ten-year drugs strategy. This article, written collaboration with Faculty of Public Health and Association Directors Health, assesses whether this Strategy is evidence-based consistent international calls to promote public health approaches drugs, which put 'people, human rights at centre'. Elements are welcome, including promise significant funding for drug treatment services, effects will depend on how it utilized by services local commissioners sustained. However, unevidenced harmful measures deter use means punishment continue be promoted, have deleterious impacts people who drugs. An effective approach should tackle population-level risk factors, may predispose patterns use, adverse childhood experiences socioeconomic deprivation, institute mitigate harm. would likely more effective, just, than continuation policies rooted enforcement. A dramatic re-orientation UK policy that offered overdue.

Language: Английский

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