New drug trends and the nature of mephedrone use version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding new drug trends: A qualitative study to explore the nature of mephedrone use.
IRAS ID
157037
Contact name
Zoe Davey
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Over the past 5 years, the emergence of new drug trends, involving so-called ‘legal highs’ or new psychoactive substances (NPS) such as mephedrone, has become an increasing concern within the UK.
This has coincided with the rise of the Internet as a means of selling, marketing, purchasing, distributing, and accessing information on new drugs.
Mephedrone is a stimulant drug that has a reported subjective effect profile similar to both cocaine and ecstasy (MDMA). An increase in the number of people over-18 starting treatment for mephedrone use has been observed, and there is early evidence that mephedrone is associated with a number of health risks, including impaired control and compulsion to use, anxiety and paranoia, and heart problems. A better understanding of why people are attracted to try new substances, subjective experiences, and outcomes of use, particularly amongst people who are seeking treatment, is required.
It is the aim of this qualitative study to: (1) Identify reasons for use; (2) Categorise mephedrone effects; (3) Categorise user typologies, patterns and contexts of use; and (4) Examine the natural history and outcomes of use. This will be done by carrying out semi-structured interviews with primary mephedrone users who are seeking help for their use.
The area of NPS is still relatively new, and this study will contribute to the evidence base for mephedrone in particular, and NPS in general, and will be of benefit to future research, prevention, treatment and policy.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/2154
Date of REC Opinion
16 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion