Topic
Recreational Drug
About: Recreational Drug is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 493 publications have been published within this topic receiving 10883 citations.
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TL;DR: The relationship between drug use and criminal behavior by conducting a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the strength of the relationship was investigated in this article, which showed that the odds of offending were three to four times greater for drug users than non-drug users.
436 citations
TL;DR: The research revealed that Ecstasy is primarily used by infrequent recreational drug users for 'fun' at dance parties and social gatherings and tolerance was reported to develop to the positive effects of Ecstasy, while negative effects increased with use.
Abstract: 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA) is a recreational drug that is gaining popularity world wide. There is a paucity of research regarding the ways in which Ecstasy is used and the nature of its effects. A 'snowball' peer network technique was used to recruit 100 users who completed anonymous questionnaires. The research revealed that Ecstasy is primarily used by infrequent recreational drug users for 'fun' at dance parties and social gatherings. The primary reported effects of Ecstasy were a 'positive mood state' and feelings of intimacy and closeness to others. The secondary effects of Ecstasy were the stimulant effects of energy and activation, and the psychedelic effects of insight and perceptual and sensual enhancement. Ecstasy was reported to share the properties of both amphetamines and hallucinogens in the nature of its side effects and residual effects which were no more severe than those of the latter two classes of drug. It appeared Ecstasy was not conductive to regular and frequent use, because tolerance was reported to develop to the positive effects of Ecstasy, while negative effects increased with use. Although few problems associated with the recreational use of Ecstasy have surfaced to date, animal research has shown it to be neurotoxic to serotonergic nerve terminals. Caution must be observed until further research can determine the level of hazard in humans.
421 citations
TL;DR: The available information on newer synthetic stimulant, entactogenic and hallucinogenic drugs are reviewed, a framework for classification of these drugs based on chemical structure is provided and their pharmacology and clinical toxicology are described.
Abstract: Introduction. Novel synthetic ‘designer’ drugs with stimulant, ecstasy-like (entactogenic) and/or hallucinogenic properties have become increasingly popular among recreational drug users in recent years. The substances used change frequently in response to market trends and legislative controls and it is an important challenge for poisons centres and clinical toxicologists to remain updated on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of these emerging agents. Aims. To review the available information on newer synthetic stimulant, entactogenic and hallucinogenic drugs, provide a framework for classification of these drugs based on chemical structure and describe their pharmacology and clinical toxicology. Methods. A comprehensive review of the published literature was performed using PUBMED and Medline databases, together with additional non-peer reviewed information sources, including books, media reports, government publications and internet resources, including drug user web forums. Epidemiology. N...
250 citations
University College London1, City University London2, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust3, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust4, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust5, Community Foundation6, Barts Health NHS Trust7, East Sussex County Council8, University of London9, University of Liverpool10
TL;DR: Polydrug use is prevalent in HIV-diagnosed MSM and is strongly associated with condomless sex, and specialist support services for MSM with HIV who use recreational drugs might be beneficial in the reduction of harm and prevention of ongoing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
240 citations
TL;DR: In an urban population such as the authors', recreational drug abuse appears to be a prominent and growing risk factor for strokes in young adults.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the clinical and epidemiologic relations between recreational drug abuse and stroke in young persons. Design: A case-control study based on medical records. Setting: San F...
223 citations