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Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
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Sulaf Assi1, Aidan Keenan2, Abdullah Al Hamid3

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Online forums reveal cocaine users

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Area of Science:

  • * Drug use and addiction research.
  • * Online community analysis.
  • * Public health and toxicology.

Background:

  • * Cocaine is the second most used illicit drug globally, after cannabis.
  • * Online forums offer anonymous insights into authentic drug user experiences.
  • * Understanding user perspectives is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the uses, effects, and toxicity of cocaine.
  • * To analyze cocaine use from the perspective of online drug users (e-psychonauts).
  • * To identify patterns in cocaine sourcing, consumption, and associated harms.

Main Methods:

  • * Qualitative study employing thematic analysis of 1229 posts from 50 threads across six online discussion forums.
  • * Data extraction focused on patterns, codes, subthemes, and themes related to cocaine use.
  • * Analysis of user-reported information on cocaine characteristics, effects, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • * Cocaine purity varies by source (street dealers, dark web, surface web), with higher purity noted in the US.
  • * Levamisole was a common adulterant, increasing risks of immunosuppression and cardiovascular toxicity.
  • * Users sought euphoria and energy but experienced adverse events like tachycardia and potentially lethal myocardial infarction, especially when combined with alcohol.
  • * Social harms included homelessness and relationship breakdown.

Conclusions:

  • * Online forums provide valuable insights into cocaine use patterns, adverse events, and social harms.
  • * Findings highlight the importance of understanding user-reported information for healthcare professionals.
  • * This research informs harm reduction strategies and interventions for cocaine users.