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New psychoactives within polydrug use trajectories-evidence from a mixed-method longitudinal study.

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New psychoactive substances (NPS) are typically part of broader polydrug use, not isolated. This research examined NPS patterns, risks, and user decision-making in Northern Ireland. Understanding these connections is vital for public health strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Psychiatry
  • Criminology

Background:

  • New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a growing public health concern globally.
  • Understanding the patterns of NPS use and associated risks is crucial for effective intervention.
  • Limited research exists on the developmental pathways and decision-making factors influencing NPS use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the types and usage patterns of NPS.
  • To explore developmental pathways into NPS use and decision-making factors.
  • To identify the harms associated with NPS use.

Main Methods:

  • A three-phase mixed-methods design was employed.
  • Latent class analysis (LCA) of the Belfast Youth Development Study (BYDS) data (n=2039).
  • Narrative interviews with NPS users (n=84) and regression modeling.

Main Results:

  • Four distinct classes of substance use were identified: alcohol; alcohol and tobacco; alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis; and polydrug use (including NPS).
  • NPS were found to be integrated within a spectrum of polydrug use, from experimental to problematic.
  • Qualitative analysis revealed a taxonomy of NPS use within broader drug repertoires.

Conclusions:

  • NPS in Northern Ireland are predominantly associated with polydrug use rather than being used in isolation.
  • Findings highlight the need for public health strategies to address NPS within the context of wider substance use patterns.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the specific predictors and outcomes of NPS involvement in polydrug use.