Abstract

The last few years have seen the emergence of new psychoactive substances among the homeless population, specifically synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. The purpose of this study is to investigate the knowledge and experiences of new psychoactive substances amongst users from the homeless population.

An explanatory research design was applied using a semi-structured questionnaire with the focus on gaining insights on the prevalence, motivations and effects.

A total of 105 participants met the inclusion criteria and were in the age range of 18 to 64 years old. Almost 70%...

INTRODUCTION: The study protocol is focused on qualitative and quantitative analysis and reflection of the media image and presentation of direct and hidden alcohol advertising in the Czech mass media, with an emphasis on social network platforms with a high degree of influence on young people. It responds to the need for verified resource points for discussion of the effectiveness and extent of the existing statutory regulation of alcoholic beverage advertising and methods for its possible tightening.

METHODS: For the analysis of traditional (printed) media, the method of content analysis...

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) and the ensuing global public health emergency situation have led to restrictions, changes, and measures in the daily life of society as a whole. The situation culminated in a global pandemic. A number of strict restrictions were adopted to curb the spread of COVID-19. These also affected athletes. After their return to regular strength and endurance training, there may be changes in preferences and behaviour regarding anabolic androgens and steroids (AAS) in this population segment.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a...

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are widespread practices that are legal and socially accepted in many societies. One of the common tools to reduce the consumption of these legal drugs is increasing prices. The prices for customers include taxes (value added tax and excise tax). Hundreds of studies from around the world are interested in the impact of taxes and prices on the demand for tobacco products. This topic is also relevant for governments of all countries trying to regulate consumption.

AIM: The aim of the paper is to describe the amount of excise tax on legal drugs...

Objective: To explore the problem of methamphetamine in Europe.

In this webinar, EMCDDA will explore the problem of methamphetamine in Europe, how it is deeply rooted in the history of our continent and how it evolved.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is one of the most important stages in a human life. This period is full of different stimuli and types of influence – from parents, peers, and society. It is related to greater susceptibility to problematic behaviour and to impulsivity. Because of that it is important to explore the topic of impulsivity and impulsive behaviour.

METHODS: This study addresses impulsivity in adolescents using a Czech questionnaire survey method, the Scale of Impulsivity Dolejš & Skopal (SIDS). It also empirically verifies the functionality of the scale and points out its psychometric...

INTRODUCTION: The trajectory and nature of depression in patients with alcohol use disorder as they enter treatment needs to be understood better. This study assessed the nature and course of depressive features among male patients with alcohol use disorder.

METHODS: Adult male patients with alcohol use disorders seeking treatment at an addiction treatment facility were recruited. They were assessed for depressive features using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), a clinicianrated instrument, and the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms – Self Report (IDS-SR), a self-rated instrument...

BACKGROUND: As a theoretical base we used Jessor’s concept of the Syndrome of Risk Behaviour in Adolescence, the self-concept, and the concept of body image.

AIM: The main aim of the contribution was research on the relations between the self-schema, specifically the physical proportions represented by BMI, and risk behaviour. The secondary aims were research on the relations between the self-schema, specifically the physical proportions represented by BMI, and sex and age.

METHOD: In the research we used the 46-item modified version of the Risk Behaviour Questionnaire (Čerešník, 2016).

SAM...

INTRODUCTION: Individuals who visit nightclubs and electronic dance music (EDM) festivals tend to use psychoactive substances, often multiple substances, in this setting and are at risk of serious negative health effects. This paper aims to explore respondents’ experiences and perceptions in order to have a better understanding of patterns and motives related to psychoactive substance use and high-risk behaviours in EDM event attendees.

METHODS: In-depth and focus group interviews with 30 EDM event attendees who reported psychoactive substance use at nightlife events. The data was analysed...

Background

Novel public health interventions are needed to address the toxic drug supply and meet the needs of people who use drugs amidst the overdose crisis. Safer supply – low-barrier distribution of pharmaceutical grade substances – has been implemented in some jurisdictions to provide safer alternatives to the unregulated drug supply, yet no studies to date have explored professional stakeholder perspectives on this approach.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit professional stakeholders (n = 17) from four locations in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia, including...