Showing papers in "Drugs-education Prevention and Policy in 2019"
TL;DR: The aim of this paper is to explore recent theoretical developments by feminist researchers to examine gender and intoxication to fully understand the role and meaning of intoxication for all young people and not merely for white, middle-class cisgender young people.
Abstract: Alcohol use, misuse, and intoxication have long been associated with men and masculinity. In different cultures and at different times, researchers have consistently found significant gender differ...
45 citations
TL;DR: In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize marijuana for recreational use, after Uruguay as mentioned in this paper, and Canada is on course to become, in October 2018, the country with the second largest population.
Abstract: Canada is on course to become, in October 2018, the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to federally legalize cannabis for recreational use. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal governme...
31 citations
TL;DR: The burgeoning popularity of Dry January is found to result from how this process of temporary abstinence is underpinned by positive regulatory techniques and the salience of embodiment, and should be understood as an embodied experience of ethical self-formation.
Abstract: In the last 5 years, giving up alcohol for January has become a common social practice in UK. Inspired by Alcohol Concern’s Dry January initiative and other related campaigns, an estimated 5 millio...
23 citations
TL;DR: Results offer some support for additive and moderation coping hypotheses, suggesting that greater engaged and tolerance-inactive coping add to stressful impact in the prediction of symptoms, and that lower engaged and tolerant-in active coping in the face of relatively high stressful impact may be particularly useful in reducing symptom levels.
Abstract: Purpose: There is a virtual absence of previous research about the experiences of people affected by the presence of a substance misuser in the family in Brazil.Materials and methods: A diverse sam...
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a socio-ecological framework is presented based upon the international literature examining men's use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), which is the result of the interaction of a range of factors at the individual, social network, institutional, community and societal levels.
Abstract: Research into men’s use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) over the past three decades has identified many factors that contribute to decision making in this area However there are limited theoretical frameworks to synthesize this research and guide practice, such as interventions to prevent use or reduce health risks To address this gap a socioecological framework is presented based upon the international literature examining AAS use Socioecological models recognize that individuals and behaviors exist within complex physical and social systems and are useful tools for guiding interventions to ensure consideration is given to multiple influential factors This framework proposes that use of AAS is the result of the interaction of a range of factors at the individual, social network, institutional, community and societal levels that are likely to change over time and with experience Viewed through this framework it becomes clear that AAS use can be a complex behavior with many influential environments and relationships impacting on a diverse population in different ways and at different times The implications of findings for engaging with people who use AAS and delivering interventions are discussed, such as the identification of important transition times and influencing norms within social groups and communities
21 citations
TL;DR: Although price is important, there is a wider social and cultural significance of pre-loading as a gendered phenomenon that incorporated the consumption of off-sale alcohol prior to parties within private settings.
Abstract: Aims: Pre-loading, the consumption of off-sale alcohol within private settings before socialising in licenced premises, is common among young people. The research explored young people’s accounts of pre-loading within their experience of wider peer group drinking occasions in the UK. Methods: Fourteen semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with peer groups of young people (N = 70, 16–21 years) and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Pre-loading with friends prior to a ‘night out’ drinking in public spaces was a common sequential practice within their collective drinking experiences. Although traditionally conceptualised within policy, academic and media discourse as drinking in the domestic sphere before entering licenced premises, young people also considered drinking within the home prior to attending private parties (e.g. house parties) as pre-loading. Price was represented as a key, yet not sole, motivating factor and pre-drinking alcohol held importance in reaching a desired state of intoxication that enhanced shared fun and pleasure among both young men and women. However, the social (e.g. chatting with friends, taking photographs) and preparatory activities (e.g. ‘getting ready’) at play during pre-loading appeared to hold more importance to young women, in promoting group bonding and in the creation and management of heterosexual feminine identities both on- and off-line. Conclusions: Although price is important, there is a wider social and cultural significance of pre-loading as a gendered phenomenon. Young people apply a wider definition of pre-loading that incorporated the consumption of off-sale alcohol prior to parties within private settings.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a qualitative understanding of the imaginaries around pharmaceutical cognitive enhancement (PCE) is presented, focusing on how the so-called pharmaceutical cognitive enhancing drugs (PCEDs) might be used and the social acceptability of these uses across multiple social contexts and groups.
Abstract: The growing use of psychoactive substances in everyday life, the increasing experimentation among users and the potential of poly drug use for non-medical, lifestyle or enhancement purposes presents an evolving policy challenge. The paper aims to build on previous research to gain a more in-depth qualitative understanding of the imaginaries around pharmaceutical cognitive enhancement (PCE). It focuses in particular on how the so-called pharmaceutical cognitive enhancing drugs (PCEDs) might be used and the social acceptability of these uses across multiple social contexts and groups. Data come from 23 focus groups (99 participants), representing a wide range of social groups, recruited in the UK. We discuss four distinct ‘enhancement practices’ where PCE use was conceptualised as a way to (1) become the best version of oneself; (2) gain a competitive edge over others; (3) for personal achievement or well-being; and (4) promote personal/public safety. The findings problematise the term ‘enhancement’ by showing the different ways in which the use of pharmaceutical ‘enhancement’ drugs can be imagined and understood. We argue for the value of policy responses that acknowledge and respond to a wider range of enhancement practices including those of prospective user groups.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare characteristics of recreational vs. medical growers in a sample of small-scale cannabis cultivators from 12 countries and find that medical growers perform better than recreational growers.
Abstract: Aim: To compare characteristics of recreational vs. medical growers in a sample of small-scale cannabis cultivators from 12 countries.Methods: Six thousand eight hundred ninety six respondents who ...
15 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that people who use illicit substances that use their lived experience to inform their work, or peers, are increasingly hired in community-based work internationally, and this group is disproport...
Abstract: People who use illicit substances that use their lived experience to inform their work, or ‘peers,’ are increasingly hired in community-based work internationally. However, this group is disproport...
13 citations
TL;DR: The contextual nature of students’ use and risk appraisals is noted, with fluctuating social contexts and pressures over time being capable of altering prior assessments and current practices (including the legitimisation of study drug consumption).
Abstract: Introduction and aim: Increasing numbers of students are reportedly using prescription medications to enhance cognition. This study aimed to generate qualitative data on UK students' understandings and perspectives of the risks and benefits surrounding so-called 'study drugs' (particularly, modafinil). Design and methods: Fifteen undergraduate students studying biomedical science subjects were interviewed about their perspectives on study drugs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. Users and non-users were included in the sample. Results: The prescription status and comparisons to other legal and illicit stimulants informed accounts of the (lack of) risks associated with study drugs, legitimising use. The customisation of sleep(iness) and wakefulness was described as a key benefit of study drug use. Drivers of use related to university pressures and desires to increase productivity. In periods of heightened stress, such as examinations, students reported altered practices and perspectives on risk. Discussion and conclusions: We noted the contextual nature of students' use and risk appraisals, with fluctuating social contexts and pressures over time being capable of altering prior assessments and current practices (including the legitimisation of study drug consumption). Further, we highlighted the degree to which students leveraged their biomedical and experiential expertise to account for drug consumption.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, problem alcohol or other drug (AOD) use can have severe impacts on partners interpersonally, including both their intimate relationship, as well as their interactions with friends and acquaintances.
Abstract: Background: Problem alcohol or other drug (AOD) use can have severe impacts on partners interpersonally, including both their intimate relationship, as well as their interactions with friends and f...
TL;DR: The authors examined students' narratives of lived experiences with non-medical uses of prescription pharmaceuticals and analyzed how their experiences of time in everyday life influence how they used NMUP in their everyday life.
Abstract: This article examines students’ narratives of lived experiences with non-medical uses of prescription pharmaceuticals (NMUP) and analyzes how their experiences of time in everyday life influence th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted interviews with 19 elite or professional level coaches representing the sports of basketball, cricket, hockey, soccer, rowing, ski cross, taekwondo, swimming and triathlon.
Abstract: Coaches may have a significant role in an athlete’s decision to use, or not to use, performance enhancing substances. Research suggests that many coaches do not have the confidence or the knowledge to discuss anti-doping issues with their athletes. This study aimed to assess coaches’ awareness of doping practices, coaches’ knowledge of anti-doping control systems (random testing, out of competition testing, the biological passport and the athlete whereabouts system) and coaches’ involvement with anti-doping education for their athletes. Individual interviews were conducted with 19 elite or professional level coaches representing the sports of basketball, cricket, hockey, soccer, rowing, ski cross, taekwondo, swimming and triathlon. The findings suggest that although many coaches personally know doping athletes, few believe that athletes will ever be tested. Knowledge of anti-doping control systems, specifically the biological passport and the whereabouts system was very poor. Coaches rarely discus...
TL;DR: Little is known about the effects of substance use on the performance or experience of professionals or students in professional programs, and research is required that incorporates qualitative methodologies, elicits anticipated and actual effects of substances use, including controlled and beneficial patterns of use.
Abstract: Background and aims: This literature review investigates the scope of information regarding self-reported substance use by professionals and students in professional programs, with a focus ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed how Finnish and Norwegian teenagers and parents of teenagers perceive the appropriateness, desirability or harmfulness of different drinking situations, focusing on whether they perceive the situations similarly or differently.
Abstract: Aims: This study analyses how Finnish and Norwegian teenagers and parents of teenagers perceive the appropriateness, desirability or harmfulness of different drinking situations. The focus is on whether teenagers and parents perceive the situations similarly or differently.Methods: Our data consist of focus group interviews from Finland and Norway with teenagers aged 14–17 years (n = 8 groups, n = 44 participants) and parents (n = 8 groups, n = 38). Three pictures portraying different drinking situations were presented to the participants, who were asked to describe (1) what kind of situation the picture depicts, (2) whether the way of drinking in the picture was acceptable or not and (3) whether they identified with the situation or not.Findings: Our analysis showed that teenagers and parents defined the situations similarly and applied rather similar criteria when assessing the appropriateness of drinking. The most important criteria related to the amount and the way of drinking, and whether or ...
TL;DR: In this special issue of Drugs: education, prevention and policy, the authors bring together qualitative research drawing on theoretical frameworks from diverse bodies of literature in anthropology, sociolo, and sociology.
Abstract: In this special issue of Drugs: education, prevention and policy, we bring together qualitative research drawing on theoretical frameworks from diverse bodies of literature in anthropology, sociolo...
TL;DR: In this paper, an increase in the experience of educational pressure among students in contemporary Western societies and also in their use of pharmaceuticals, for enhancement purposes, was shown to increase the use of drugs.
Abstract: Research has shown an increase in the experience of educational pressure among students in contemporary Western societies and also, in their use of pharmaceuticals, for enhancement purposes. Based ...
TL;DR: This is a very vulnerable group due to their multiple health and support needs and may be at increased risk of overdose due to poor mental health and isolation, potentially reducing the effectiveness of naloxone programmes.
Abstract: Aim: This study described the healthcare and support needs of ageing and older people with a drug problem in Scotland.Methods: A sample of 123 injecting heroin users, >35 years across Scotland were...
TL;DR: In Victoria, Australia, considerations of live music have become central to debates on how to best regulate the late-night economy as discussed by the authors, and the origins of this consideration and the rea...
Abstract: In Victoria, Australia, considerations of live music have become central to debates on how to best regulate the late-night economy. This paper examines the origins of this consideration and the rea...
TL;DR: Though not conclusive, the results suggest that these messages may be more effective than previously shown, however, many of the studied messages differed in tone and content from similar, historical messages.
Abstract: Introduction: Historically, substance use prevention relied heavily on scare tactics and fear-based messages. However, these messages were discouraged from use due to research finding them ineffect...
TL;DR: In this paper, a key question in drugs research is why people use psychoactive substances, and diverse motives such as boredom, habit, and pain relief have served as explanations, but little is known about how adult...
Abstract: A key question in drugs research is why people use psychoactive substances. Diverse motives such as boredom, habit, and pain relief have served as explanations, but little is known about how adult ...
TL;DR: For example, this article found that prescription stimulant use for cognitive performance enhancement is normalized, contributing to increases in non-medical prescription stimulants use (NPSU) through peer recommendati...
Abstract: Studies indicate prescription stimulant use for cognitive performance enhancement is normalized, contributing to increases in non-medical prescription stimulant use (NPSU) through peer recommendati...
TL;DR: The use of prescription drugs (e.g. modafinil) to enhance academic performance is a legal, health, and ethical issue as discussed by the authors, which is guided by Bandura's social cognitive...
Abstract: Illicit use of prescription drugs (e.g. modafinil) to enhance academic performance – termed cognitive enhancement (CE) – is a legal, health, and ethical issue. Guided by Bandura’s social cognitive ...
TL;DR: The Lives of Substance (LoS) website as discussed by the authors presents personal experiences of drug use and addiction in people's own words as part of a larger project of complicating public discourses of addiction, countering stigmatising misconceptions and acting as an intervention in the social production of addiction.
Abstract: Aims: The Lives of Substance (LoS) website presents personal experiences of drug use and ‘addiction’ in people’s own words as part of a larger project of complicating public discourses of addiction, countering stigmatising misconceptions and acting as an intervention in the social production of addiction. This article presents the findings of a mixed-method evaluation of the website, and comments on some of the methodological and practical challenges of evaluating health-related online information resources.Method: Three data sources were used to examine such as the reach of the website (website analytics); experiences of the website audience (responses to an evaluation survey on the website); and other indicators of use and impact (including social media referrals and organisational links).Results: In the 10-week evaluation period, 3970 unique users visited the website. Comments provided via the online survey endorsed the website as a means of challenging stereotypes and as presenting drug use as...
TL;DR: Interviews with midwives working in Liverpool, England and Örebro County, Sweden show that all midwives believed pregnant women should be advised not to consume any alcohol during pregnancy and there is a need to tailor their approach to the individual.
Abstract: Many countries have adopted abstinence guidelines for pregnant women, due to uncertainty around the risk of harm caused by small amounts of alcohol. There is a lack of research exploring frontline ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated health and social conditions among pregnant substance abusers and the children that were born from these pregnancies, and analyzed outcomes in relation to type of substance abuse.
Abstract: Introduction: The study investigates health and social conditions among pregnant substance abusers and the children that were born from these pregnancies, and analyses outcomes in relation to type ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the significance of social supply for a group of "hidden" drug users in the context of growing awareness regarding the non-commercial supply of illegal drugs between friends.
Abstract: Aims: At a time of growing awareness regarding the non-commercial supply of illegal drugs between friends, this article explores the significance of so-called ‘social supply’ for a group of ‘hidden...
TL;DR: Both similar trends and inter-gender differences were observed among female and male students, most of whom had liberal attitudes towards alcohol consumption.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the drinking behaviours and alcohol preferences of female and male university students. A total of 5514 female and 4264 male students (Poland) part...
TL;DR: The daily practice of Villa Voortman, a community-based meeting place in Ghent, is unraveled, providing visitors a possibility to feel safe and accepted, and belong to a peer group, and helping participants to (re-)build their identity and become visible citizens.
Abstract: Objectives: This study aims at gaining insight into an alternative approach to treatment for persons with dual diagnosis by unraveling the daily practice of Villa Voortman, a community-based meetin
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the types of techniques alcohol marketers use to facilitate user engagement with content on leading Indian and Australian Twitter alcohol brand pages and evaluate the extent to which these techniques influence user engagement.
Abstract: Aims: To evaluate (i) the types of techniques alcohol marketers utilise to facilitate user engagement with content on leading Indian and Australian Twitter alcohol brand pages and (ii) the extent t...