Emerging psychoactive substance use among regular ecstasy users in Australia.

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Drug Use Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Emerging psychoactive substances (EPS) present a growing global challenge.
• Limited data exists on EPS use patterns outside of Europe.
• Understanding EPS prevalence is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of stimulant and psychedelic EPS use among Australian regular ecstasy users (REU).
• To identify if EPS consumers constitute a distinct subgroup within the REU population.
• To assess potential public health implications of EPS use.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional survey of 693 regular ecstasy users in Australia.
• Data collected in 2010.
• Analysis focused on demographics, substance use patterns, and associated problems.

Main Results:

• Over a quarter (28%) of REU reported using EPS in the past six months.
• Stimulant EPS (e.g., mephedrone) were more common (20%) than psychedelic EPS (13%).
• Psychedelic EPS users exhibited earlier initiation, higher polydrug use, and more adverse outcomes compared to stimulant EPS users and non-users.

Conclusions:

• Psychedelic EPS use is confined to a specific subgroup of polydrug users, with limited overall prevalence.
• Stimulant EPS consumers are demographically similar to other REU, indicating potential for increased market penetration.
• Stimulant EPS may pose a greater public health risk than ecstasy, necessitating ongoing monitoring.