Journal of psychoactive drugs
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Jan 2020
Daily Cigarette Consumption and Urine Cotinine Level between Dual Users of Electronic and Conventional Cigarettes, and Cigarette-Only Users.
The aim of this study was to identify whether or not the dual users of conventional cigarettes and e-cigs were naturally reducing the amount of their cigarette smoking while they were using e-cigs, and whether their urine cotinine level became similar or less compared to conventional cigarette-only smokers. We used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a nationally representative sample collected in 2014-2016. We selected 2,442 participants who were over 19 years old and were current users of conventional cigarettes and e-cigs. ⋯ Means of urine cotinine level in conventional cigarette-only users and dual users were 1250.35 ng/mL (±832.75) and 1364.95 ng/mL (±827.96), respectively (p < .001). The result of a multiple linear regression analysis identified that dual users' cotinine level was 136.80 ng/mL higher, compared to conventional cigarette smokers' one (p = .011). Unlike the argument that e-cigs can be used as a smoking cessation aid, we found that using e-cigs might be less likely to support quitting smoking or reducing cigarette consumption.
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Sep 2019
Non-Prescribed Buprenorphine Use Mediates the Relationship between Heroin Use and Kratom Use among a Sample of Polysubstance Users.
In Asia, Mitragyna speciosa (e.g., "kratom") has been used to mitigate alcohol and drug dependence. Some preliminary findings suggest kratom's potential use as an informal harm-reduction method in the United States, such as an opioid substitute or as a means of lessening opioid withdrawal symptoms. To determine correlates of past-year kratom use among a sample of polysubstance users enrolled in residential recovery programs in Kentucky, an anonymous survey was completed by clients in April 2017. ⋯ Though amphetamines were highly preferred, past-year use was negatively correlated with past-year kratom use. Rates of past-year kratom use were lower than rates of alcohol and illicit drug use. Kratom was not preferred over heroin or prescription opioids.
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Sep 2019
Characteristics Associated with Attitudes toward Marijuana Legalization in Michigan.
Support for legalization of marijuana has increased over the past several years. While studies have examined correlates of favoring marijuana legalization, less attention has been placed on those who are unsure about legalization, despite the potentially important role of this group as states vote on legalization in upcoming elections. ⋯ Older respondents, women, and those who perceived marijuana use to be risky had lower odds of supporting legalization; those who were politically left of center or centrist, and those who reported recent or lifetime marijuana use had higher odds of supporting legalization. Better understanding correlates of being unsure about marijuana legalization may help inform political and prevention efforts as states continue to vote on these issues.
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Contemporary research with classic psychedelic drugs (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin) is indebted to the twentieth-century researchers and clinicians who generated valuable clinical knowledge of these substances through experimentation. Several recent reviews that highlight the contributions of this early literature have focused on psychedelic-assisted individual psychotherapy modalities. None have attempted to systematically identify and compile experimental studies of psychedelic-assisted group therapy. ⋯ We report on the results of a systematic review of the published literature in English and Spanish on psychedelic-assisted group therapies. Publications are characterized by their clinical approach, experimental method, and clinical outcomes. Given the renewed interest in the clinical use of psychedelic medicines, this review aims to stimulate hypotheses to be tested in future research on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, group process, and interpersonal functioning.
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J Psychoactive Drugs · Apr 2019
Multicenter StudyMight Microdosing Psychedelics Be Safe and Beneficial? An Initial Exploration.
Albert Hoffman suggested that low doses of LSD might be an appropriate alternative to Ritalin. Following this possibility, a systematic exploration of the effects of "microdoses," comprising hundreds of lengthy descriptive reports, was undertaken. Based on these reports, using a psychedelic in the microdose range (10 micrograms) every three days was determined to be safe across a wide variety of individuals and conditions. ⋯ Participant reports suggested that spaced but repeated microdoses were followed by improvements in negative moods, especially depression, and increases in positive moods. Increased energy, improved work effectiveness, and improved health habits were observed in clinical and non-clinical populations. Smaller samples described alleviation of symptoms in migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndromes, traumatic brain injury, shingles, and other conditions not previously associated with psychedelic use.