Self-Reported Adverse Effects Associated With New Psychoactive Substance Use in a Sample of Adults From 20 US Cities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Toxicology
• Drug Use Epidemiology

Background:

• Emerging new psychoactive substances (NPS) necessitate research into their adverse effects beyond mortality.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for developing effective prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of adverse effects associated with new psychoactive substances (NPS) use.
• To identify risk factors, such as polysubstance use, for experiencing these adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Drug Early Warning System Rapid Street Reporting study (January 2022 - November 2023).
• Surveyed 6039 adults across 20 US cities using a venue-intercept design.
• Assessed past 12-month use of NPS and other drugs, and self-reported adverse effects.

Main Results:

• Over a quarter (27.03%) of individuals reporting NPS use experienced adverse effects in the past 12 months.
• NPS users who also reported opioid use had more than double the prevalence of adverse effects (aPR 2.66).
• Symptom profiles for NPS were similar to those of common drug classes.

Conclusions:

• Adverse effects are common among individuals self-reporting NPS use.
• Polysubstance use, particularly with opioids, is associated with a higher likelihood of adverse effects from NPS.
• Further research is needed to detail specific adverse outcomes linked to NPS and co-use of other drugs.