@article{ref1,
title="Use of synthetic cathinones and cannabimimetics among injection drug users in San Diego, California",
journal="Drug and alcohol dependence",
year="2014",
author="Wagner, Karla D. and Armenta, Richard F. and Roth, Alexis M. and Maxwell, Jane C. and Cuevas-Mota, Jazmine and Garfein, Richard S.",
volume="141",
number="",
pages="99-106",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Use of synthetic cathinones (SC) and cannabimimetics (i.e., &quot;THC homologues&quot; [TH]) is associated with adverse health effects. We investigated the epidemiology of synthetic drug use among a cohort of injection drug users (IDUs) in San Diego, California. <br><br>METHODS: We used logistic regression analysis to identify correlates of SC and TH use among 485 IDUs enrolled from June 2012 to September 2013. <br><br>RESULTS: Seven percent of participants reported ever using SC and 30% reported ever using TH. In multivariate logistic regression, age and recent hospitalization were significantly associated with odds of SC use (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval [C.I.] 0.90, 0.97; and AOR 2.34 95% C.I. 1.00, 5.49, respectively) and TH use (AOR 0.96, 95% C.I. 0.94, 0.98; and AOR 2.62, 95% C.I. 1.47, 4.68, respectively). Use of methamphetamine (AOR 9.35, 95% C.I. 1.20, 72.79) and club drugs in the past six months (AOR 3.38, 95% C.I. 1.17, 9.76) were significantly associated with SC use. Being on probation/parole (AOR 2.42, 95% C.I. 1.44, 4.07), initiating injection drug use with stimulants (AOR 1.89 95% C.I. 1.13, 3.16), and past six-month marijuana (AOR 9.22, 95% C.I. 4.49, 18.96) and prescription drug use (AOR 1.98, 95% C.I. 1.20, 3.27) were significantly associated with TH use. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of IDU use synthetic drugs and may experience harms associated with their use. <br><br>FINDINGS have implications for criminal justice system management. Prevention efforts should emphasize the risks associated with rapidly changing synthetic formulations, and the potential harms associated with polydrug use.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0376-8716",
doi="10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.05.007",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.05.007"
}