Novel psychoactive substance use by US adolescents: Characteristics associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones

Megan E. Patrick, Patrick M. O'Malley, Deborah D. Kloska, John E. Schulenberg, Lloyd D. Johnston, Richard A. Miech, Jerald G. Bachman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The current study documents the characteristics associated with the use of two novel psychoactive substances: synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones.

DESIGN AND METHODS: Nationally representative samples of students in 8th (n = 9665), 10th (n = 10 655) and 12th (n = 10 057) grades across the US were included in the Monitoring the Future study from 2012 to 2014.

RESULTS: There were relatively few differences in prevalence based on sociodemographic characteristics, although boys were at greater risk for use of synthetic cannabinoids in 12th grade (used by 10.3% of boys and 6.4% of girls) and for use of synthetic cathinones in 10th grade (used by 1.0% of boys and 0.4% of girls). Synthetic drug use was also associated with truancy and use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Prevention and intervention efforts for novel psychoactive substance use should focus primarily on polysubstance users and youth who are disengaged from school.[Patrick M, O'Malley P, Kloska D, Schulenberg J, Johnston L, Miech R, Bachman J. Novel psychoactive substance use by US adolescents: Characteristics associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:586-590].

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)586-590
Number of pages5
JournalDrug and Alcohol Review
Volume35
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Keywords

  • bath salts
  • novel psychoactive substances
  • synthetic cannabinoids
  • synthetic cathinones
  • synthetic marijuana

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