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Article
Publication date: 25 February 2014

Petros Triantos, Gerasimos Papanastasatos, Charalampos Poulopoulos and Yiannis Zaxaropoulos

This paper aims to research the prevalence of a new drug which appeared at the era of economic crisis in Greece, called “shisha.” Shisha, a rather cheap form of crystal meth, has…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to research the prevalence of a new drug which appeared at the era of economic crisis in Greece, called “shisha.” Shisha, a rather cheap form of crystal meth, has spread fast among drug users in Greece with the deepening of the economic crisis. The present paper is concerned with the socio-demographic characteristics of drug users who choose this type of drug and reveals the conditions under which this drug is used. In addition, perceptions of drug users about the specific drug are also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 148 drug users took part in this study. Of these 73 percent were men and 27 percent women. The average age of participants was approximately 37 years. All participants in the study were interviewed face-to-face on the basis of a structured brief questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions.

Findings

The data suggests that the majority of drug users who use “shisha” are mainly heroin users (63.2 percent) and they use this new drug as a second choice to heroin. Shisha can be found in the center of Athens and it is usually smoked through a glass pipe. The cost for buying the drug is relatively low (two to three euros) and the drug is produced in small illegal labs. Most participants argued that shisha is linked to violent and aggressive behavior, loss of weight, insomnia, sexual arousal and a psychotic state that may cause death. The drug is made out of a form of crystal meth produced by amphetamines and liquid acids found in batteries liquids.

Practical implications

This drug is mainly used by homeless drug users in the center of Athens. Its exact synthesis cannot be identified given the fact that drug users use various recipes to produce it. Taking the drug is extremely dangerous for the health of the users.

Originality/value

Research of the use of a new drug linked to the economic crisis in Greece. Researchers in this paper approached street drug users who are highly unlikely to seek help from health or other types of treatment providers.

Details

Drugs and Alcohol Today, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1745-9265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 June 2019

Jorge Flores-Aranda, Mathieu Goyette, Valérie Aubut, Maxime Blanchette and Frédérick Pronovost

The purpose of this paper is to document the experience of current and former methamphetamine users on their crystal meth use patterns and on their use of services related to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to document the experience of current and former methamphetamine users on their crystal meth use patterns and on their use of services related to their chemsex practice.

Design/methodology/approach

For qualitative component, two focus groups were formed with nine current users of methamphetamine and eight former users. Thematic analysis was performed to know their experiences.

Findings

All participants were already engaging in chemsex with various substances before they first started using methamphetamine. Methamphetamine use led some to slam (methamphetamine or mephedrone injection). Some participants report that their sexual experiences were intensified early in their chemsex practice. They reported feeling more confident with their partners, feeling like they are sexually attractive and overcoming their barriers to sexuality. The intensification of methamphetamine use and, in particular, injection change the positive perception of sexual life. Thus, for some participants, substance use takes more space and their sexual experiences become less satisfactory.

Practical implications

Participants report the services that address the phenomenon of chemsex are still scarce in Quebec province. In addition, the few services available aim to relearn a sober sexuality. However, the mourning of the positive aspects of chemsex on sexual experiences seems still very little discussed. Greater consideration of positive chemsex experiences is needed in services that address this issue.

Originality/value

This project documented the perception of pleasure related to sexual practices among regular methamphetamine users. Their perception of pleasure will help develop services adapted to their reality.

Details

Drugs and Alcohol Today, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1745-9265

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 May 2021

Katrina Clifford and Lisa Waller

The way crystal methamphetamine or ‘ice’ use in rural Australia has been represented for national television audiences provides rich evidence of the intersections between media…

Abstract

The way crystal methamphetamine or ‘ice’ use in rural Australia has been represented for national television audiences provides rich evidence of the intersections between media, crime and rurality. This chapter explores these connections through a framing analysis of three Australian television news and current affairs features about this topic. It investigates how concepts such as ‘fluidity’ and ‘boundedness’ operate in relation to the representation of ice use and drug-related crime in rural and regional communities. This raises questions about how certain images and associations come to circulate through media as well as their potential to evolve and change over time or to even be contested – sometimes by the very individuals and communities who serve as the subjects of stories about such problems in society.

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2010

Zhivan J. Alach

The aim of this paper is to identify a way by which the concepts of effects‐based operations (EBO), an approach to problem solving derived from military thought, might be applied…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to identify a way by which the concepts of effects‐based operations (EBO), an approach to problem solving derived from military thought, might be applied usefully to a law enforcement problem, namely methamphetamine in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved analysis of relevant literature in the fields of EBO and systems thinking to identify the core principles for the modelling stage, followed by a series of semi‐structured discussions with subject matter experts to populate the model with relevant and accurate data.

Findings

The methamphetamine ecosystem in New Zealand can be modelled using a system‐of‐systems approach, which is the first stage in a broader EBO approach. The model is complex, involves a broad range of processes, actors, and workflows, and can be constantly enhanced as new information comes to light. Follow‐up stages are required to identify potential targeting opportunities, and will be the subject of later articles.

Originality/value

This study is the first, or one of the first, to attempt to use the concept of EBO to attack police problems. It is thus highly original, and could be extremely useful to other analysts seeking new ways to conceptualise problems.

Details

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Executive summary
Publication date: 22 March 2019

ASEAN: Action to curb methamphetamine may intensify

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES242712

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 23 July 2019

Amrit Mann and Chris Wagstaff

Methamphetamine users commonly experience induced methamphetamine associated mental health symptoms. Currently, psychosocial treatment is implemented to reduce use; however, to…

Abstract

Purpose

Methamphetamine users commonly experience induced methamphetamine associated mental health symptoms. Currently, psychosocial treatment is implemented to reduce use; however, to date, the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment in methamphetamine use and the associated mental health symptoms has not been reviewed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was performed by searching databases (PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO and CINAHL) and following clear inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Findings

In total, 12 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, measuring a variety of psychosocial interventions and measuring a variety of different mental health outcomes. Decreased methamphetamine use was observed in the five studies which recorded this.

Research limitations/implications

Most studies in this review were preliminary trials and only three were RCTs. Additionally, methamphetamine use is a particular problem in Japan and is becoming more prevalent in Europe, yet neither primary nor secondary searching identified papers from these regions.

Practical implications

While the findings may not provide sufficient supporting evidence to instigate changes in clinical practice, this work should be developed further, as it is clear that psychosocial interventions can be successful in treating this population.

Social implications

This review demonstrates that psychosocial treatments can improve symptoms associated with methamphetamine use. Reduction in mental health symptoms has been shown to attract individuals to drug use treatment and thus indirectly reducing methamphetamine use.

Originality/value

Given the consequences of methamphetamine for individuals and communities treatment options must be explored. A review of psychosocial interventions in the treatment of methamphetamine use and associated mental health symptoms had not been done previously. This review provides a foundation for further research.

Details

Advances in Dual Diagnosis, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-0972

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2019

David Stuart

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the origins, use and meaning of the term “chemsex”.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the origins, use and meaning of the term “chemsex”.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used here is one born of personal experiences and reflection.

Findings

The term chemsex has a definition and a purpose that promotes culturally competent care for a marginalized group of vulnerable people.

Research limitations/implications

This is a qualitative, personal, point-of-view piece which may be of value in broadening understandings and responses amongst public health and academic activities.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to develop a sense of community and support amongst men who have sex with men in a chemsex setting, and to provide some background and context for professionals working in this field.

Originality/value

This paper is amongst the first, if not the first, of its nature to be published in an academic journal.

Details

Drugs and Alcohol Today, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1745-9265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Owen Bowden-Jones, Claire Whitelock, Dima Abdulrahim, Stacey Hemmings, Alexander Margetts and Michael Crawford

The purpose of this paper is to examine patterns of drug use among a cohort of drug treatment-seeking drug-using gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and whether…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine patterns of drug use among a cohort of drug treatment-seeking drug-using gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and whether these activities differ between, or predict, HIV status.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional study was conducted in a specialist club drug clinic in London covering 407 consecutive attendees who identified as MSM. Substance use, including injecting drug use (IDU), associated sexual activity and self-reported HIV status were measured by clinical interview and National Drug Treatment Monitoring System data tool.

Findings

Over a 45-month period, 407 MSM attended the clinic. In total, 62.1 per cent were HIV positive, 48.9 per cent had injected drugs, 14.9 per cent reported needle sharing and 73.3 per cent used drugs to facilitate sex. The most commonly reported problem drugs were GHB/GBL (54.3 per cent) methamphetamine (47.7 per cent) and mephedrone (37.8 per cent). HIV status was associated with methamphetamine, mephedrone, IDU, sharing equipment, using drugs to facilitate sex, older age and older age of drug initiation, as well as Hepatitis C virology (HCV) status. Use of methamphetamine, HCV infection, older age and IDU predicted HIV positive status in a logistic regression model.

Practical implications

The findings describe a constellation of risk factors including high levels of IDU, sharing of equipment and high-risk sexual activity in a population with high rates of HIV positive serology. They also provide further evidence for a link between HIV infection and use of methamphetamine.

Social implications

The authors suggest a need for greater awareness of HIV-related risk activities and promotion of HIV prevention strategies for MSM by both sexual health and drug treatment services.

Originality/value

This paper is amongst the very first studies of its nature.

Details

Drugs and Alcohol Today, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1745-9265

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Tristan Russell, Samantha Jeffries and Chontit Chuenurah

In feminist criminology, there is a growing body of research exploring gendered pathways into prison. However, to date, this scholarship has not considered how age and gender may…

Abstract

In feminist criminology, there is a growing body of research exploring gendered pathways into prison. However, to date, this scholarship has not considered how age and gender may intersect to impact women’s criminalization experiences. In this chapter, the authors have consequently chosen to explore older women’s (aged 50+ years) narratives of their journeys to prison in Thailand using a feminist pathways approach. Results show several common threads in the stories of these women. Most were criminalized for the first time in later adulthood, had lived with various childhood and adulthood adversities, including, but not limited, to victimization and financial precarity, and had familial caretaking responsibilities. Many also recounted problems with substance misuse. Additionally, two relatively distinct pathways to prison emerged from the narratives: (1) economically motivated, (2) adversity, emotional distress, and addiction. A third pathway – intersectional, diffuse and unique – was also identified. It included themes from the first two pathways and the story of one woman that could not be categorized elsewhere. While the imprisonment pathways found mirrored those from previous pathways scholarship points of difference are noted.

Details

Gender, Criminalization, Imprisonment and Human Rights in Southeast Asia
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-287-5

Keywords

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