Polysubstance use patterns and novel synthetics: A cluster analysis from three U.S. cities

Area of Science:

• Drug Use and Addiction
• Public Health
• Forensic Chemistry

Background:

• The proliferation of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) presents significant public health challenges due to their unregulated nature.
• Synthetic analogues of established drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, have rapidly emerged, outpacing scientific research and safety guidelines.
• Understanding polysubstance use patterns is critical for developing effective harm reduction strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze polysubstance use patterns among illicit substance users in the United States.
• To investigate the interrelationships between the use of synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and other illicit substances.
• To identify variations in substance use patterns across different U.S. metropolitan areas.

Main Methods:

• Cluster analysis and dendrogram visualizations were employed to map substance use interrelationships.
• Data were collected from 676 participants who use illicit substances across three major U.S. metropolitan areas.
• Analysis focused on identifying distinct clusters and associations between various drug types.

Main Results:

• Significant variation in substance and polysubstance use patterns was observed across different U.S. states.
• Traditional polysubstance use clusters, such as MDMA/cannabis and cocaine/heroin, were identified.
• Synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones did not exhibit strong clustering with other substances, indicating unique use profiles.
• High rates of binge drinking were prevalent among users of other substances.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones represent distinct categories within polysubstance use, requiring tailored interventions.
• The findings underscore the complexity of polysubstance use and the need for context-specific harm reduction strategies.
• Interventions must address the clinical challenges posed by diverse polysubstance use patterns, including high rates of binge drinking.