Examination of Synthetic Cannabinoid and Cathinone Use among a Drug-Using Offender Sample, 2013–2015. Issue 5 (20th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Kirsten Elin; Bunting, Amanda M.; Staton, Michele; Walker, Robert; Shalash, Sara; Winston, Erin; Pangburn, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychoactive drugs. Volume 49:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 436
• Page End: 445
• Publication Date: 2017-10-20
• Subjects: Criminal justice -- emerging drugs -- novel psychoactive substances -- synthetic cannabinoids -- synthetic cathinones; Hallucinogenic drugs -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Hallucinogens -- Periodicals; Psychotropic Drugs -- Periodicals; Drogues -- Périodiques; Hallucinogènes -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1361560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0279-1072

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "Spice, " "Serenity") and cathinones (e.g., "bath salts") has proliferated in recent years; however, there is a gap in research examining prevalence among offender samples. This study examined demographics, drug use, mental health characteristics, and criminal histories of NPS users compared to non-NPS users within an offender sample entering drug treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, combined 2013–2015 assessment data were examined ( N = 8, 791). NPS users offended more often (x̄ = 10.3), were more likely to have experienced homelessness (12.2%), and to have lived in a metro area (59.0%). NPS users reported significantly more past-year drug use, including substances not readily detected by standard urine analysis (e.g., hallucinogens, alcohol, and inhalants). Individuals with higher anxiety symptom counts (OR = 1.07; p < .001) and those who reported drinking to intoxication (OR = 1.30; p < .001) had an increased likelihood of NPS use. Older individuals (OR = 0.95; p < .001) and those who began using drugs at an older age (OR = 0.95; p < .001) were less likely to report NPS use. NPS use may be a marker of more severe using patterns in an offender sample. Future investigation should focus on NPS use as a possible method for bypassing drug testing measures.