@article{ref1,
title="Examination of synthetic cannabinoid and cathinone use among a drug-using offender sample, 2013-2015",
journal="Journal of psychoactive drugs",
year="2017",
author="Smith, Kirsten Elin and Bunting, Amanda M. and Staton, Michele and Walker, Robert and Shalash, Sara and Winston, Erin and Pangburn, Kevin",
volume="49",
number="5",
pages="436-445",
abstract="Use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., &quot;Spice,&quot; &quot;Serenity&quot;) and cathinones (e.g., &quot;bath salts&quot;) has proliferated in recent years; however, there is a gap in research examining prevalence among offender samples. This study examined demographics, drug use, mental health characteristics, and criminal histories of NPS users compared to non-NPS users within an offender sample entering drug treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, combined 2013-2015 assessment data were examined (N = 8,791). NPS users offended more often (x̄ = 10.3), were more likely to have experienced homelessness (12.2%), and to have lived in a metro area (59.0%). NPS users reported significantly more past-year drug use, including substances not readily detected by standard urine analysis (e.g., hallucinogens, alcohol, and inhalants). Individuals with higher anxiety symptom counts (OR = 1.07; p < .001) and those who reported drinking to intoxication (OR = 1.30; p < .001) had an increased likelihood of NPS use. Older individuals (OR = 0.95; p < .001) and those who began using drugs at an older age (OR = 0.95; p < .001) were less likely to report NPS use. NPS use may be a marker of more severe using patterns in an offender sample. Future investigation should focus on NPS use as a possible method for bypassing drug testing measures.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0279-1072",
doi="10.1080/02791072.2017.1361560",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2017.1361560"
}