Novel psychoactive substance use by US adolescents: Characteristics associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. (29th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patrick, Megan E.; O'Malley, Patrick M.; Kloska, Deborah D.; Schulenberg, John E.; Johnston, Lloyd D.; Miech, Richard A.; Bachman, Jerald G.
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol review. Volume 35:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 586
• Page End: 590
• Publication Date: 2015-12-29
• Subjects: synthetic cannabinoids -- synthetic cathinones -- synthetic marijuana -- bath salts -- novel psychoactive substances; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drinking of alcoholic beverages -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1111/dar.12372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-5236

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction and Aims: The current study documents the characteristics associated with the use of two novel psychoactive substances: synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Design and Methods: Nationally representative samples of students in 8th ( n = 9665), 10th (n = 10 655) and 12th (n = 10 057) grades across the US were included in the Monitoring the Future study from 2012 to 2014. Results: There were relatively few differences in prevalence based on sociodemographic characteristics, although boys were at greater risk for use of synthetic cannabinoids in 12th grade (used by 10.3% of boys and 6.4% of girls) and for use of synthetic cathinones in 10th grade (used by 1.0% of boys and 0.4% of girls). Synthetic drug use was also associated with truancy and use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. Discussion and Conclusions: Prevention and intervention efforts for novel psychoactive substance use should focus primarily on polysubstance users and youth who are disengaged from school.[Patrick M, O'Malley P, Kloska D, Schulenberg J, Johnston L, Miech R, Bachman J. Novel psychoactive substance use by US adolescents: Characteristics associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:586–590 ]