DOCSLIB.ORG

Harm Reduction for People Who Use Stimulants Harm Reduction for People Who Use Stimulants Use Who People for Reduction Harm

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Harm Reduction for People Who Use Stimulants Harm Reduction for People Who Use Stimulants Use Who People for Reduction Harm SPEED LIMITS SPEED LIMITS HARM REDUCTION FOR PEOPLE WHO USE STIMULANTS HARM REDUCTION FOR PEOPLE WHO USE STIMULANTS Rafaela Rigoni Joost Breeksema Sara Woods A-SpeedLimits_Cover_Hoofdrapport170x240.indd 1 07-08-18 13:56 www.mainline.nl A-SpeedLimits_Cover_Hoofdrapport170x240.indd 2 07-08-18 13:56 Rafaela Rigoni Joost Breeksema Sara Woods Foreword Harm reduction as a concept, being defined as “pol- These worrisome developments require urgent icies, programmes and practices that aim primarily responses by governments, civil society and interna- to reduce the adverse health, social and economic tional organizations - including in the field of harm consequences of the use of legal and illegal psy- reduction. One of the objectives of the Global choactive drugs without necessarily reducing drug Partnership on Drug Policies and Development consumption” (Harm Reduction International, 2018), (GPDPD), implemented by the Deutsche has gained significantly in importance worldwide Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit since the United Nations General Assembly Special (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem in Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is April 2016. This is reflected in an increased common seeking to enhance the evidence basis for develop- understanding and commitment at the global, ment- and health-oriented drug policies. regional and national levels for health-oriented drug policies. In the light of the recent developments in global patterns of drug use, GPDPD has commissioned However, the concept of harm reduction is still Mainline with a comparative study on existing widely understood as a strategy addressing injec- evidence and case studies on harm reduction for tion drug use and the harms and risks associated stimulants, a still under-researched area of global with this route of administration. Harm reduction drug policy for which there is a major international services for people who use stimulants (PWUS) demand. The present two-fold study “Speed Limits are less common despite the constant rise in the – Harm reduction for people who use stimulants” prevalence of stimulant use at a global scale: The significantly contributes to closing the gap of seizures of amphetamine-type-stimulants increased knowledge about which existing harm reduction globally by 20 per cent in 2016, the latest available interventions are effective for people who use stim- data. In the same period, the share of seized ulant drugs. It is the first study to comprehensively amphetamines rose by 35 per cent and the seizures and systematically compile a literature review on of methamphetamine reached the record high of 158 various types of stimulants, routes of administration tons, displaying an increase of 12 per cent. Cocaine and harm reduction strategies, together with the has reached unprecedented levels of purity and presentation of different case studies at a global availability on global markets with a 60 per cent rise level, including regions of the Global South. in seizures since 2012, while also the cultivation of coca in South America has reached historical levels (UNODC 2018). In its first part, the study broadly examines the existing research and literature on the issue in order to build the findings and recommendations on the state-of-the-art evidence on stimulant use and harm reduction strategies. The second part presents seven case studies from five continents, focusing on learning experiences and best practices from highly diverse interventions with varying legal, societal and cultural framework conditions. The study clearly shows that the available research and evidence basis on stimulant use and appropri- ate harm reduction strategies is still weak. There is a clear need for more comparative research on this issue in order to address the current steep rise in stimulant use, to making sure it is properly addressed by evidence-based drug policies and available best practices of successful harm reduction strategies. We hope this groundbreaking study serves as a much-needed element in this process. Daniel Brombacher Head of Project, Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development (GPDPD), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Acknowledgements It is with immense gratitude that we acknowledge We also owe our deepest gratitude to Machteld the contribution of all harm reduction organisations, Busz, Mainline’s director, for reviewing chapters PWUS and harm reduction professionals to this of the report and for providing valuable input and report. Thank you for sharing your time, dilemmas guidance throughout the research process. and experiences with us. This research would have remained a dream had it Besides the authors, two other researchers contrib- not been for the generous support of the Global uted to chapters in this report. Dania Putri delivered Partnership on Drug Policies and Development valuable input for chapter 4.7.1 on plant-based (GPDPD, at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale substitution. Chapter 5.4, on the COUNTERfit case, Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH). We greatly appreci- was written by Hayley Murray, who also conducted ated the opportunity to provide evidence-based a good part of the interviews for the case. We would information on harm reduction for stimulants. like to express our appreciation for their excellent contribution. Supported by the Global Partnership on Drug Policies and Development (GPDPD) implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). http://www.gpdpd.org Disclaimer: This study reflects the combined results of a thorough literature review and the analyses and descriptions of seven cases of good practice harm reduction interventions for people who use stimulants in different world regions. The results do not necessarily reflect the positions of the German Federal Government. Cover design: Odilo Girod Printing: Ipskamp Printers Contents Foreword 1 5 Case studies 47 5.1 Atitude 48 Acknowledgements 3 5.2 Chem-Safe 59 5.3 Contemplation groups 70 Glossary 7 5.4 COUNTERfit 80 5.5 El Achique de Casavalle 91 1 Introduction 9 5.6 Karisma’s shabu outreach 101 1.1 Harm reduction in today’s world 9 5.7 Princehof, Ripperdastraat and 113 1.2 Traditional focus of evidence: 10 Schurmannstraat 1.3 Objectives of this study 10 6 Conclusion 123 2 Methodology 11 6.1 Lessons from the literature and the 124 2.1 Literature review 11 good practice cases 2.2 Seven good practice cases 12 6.2 Do we need specific harm reduction 126 2.2.1 Meaningful involvement 13 for stimulants? 6.3 Recommendations for follow up research 126 3 Context 15 and interventions 3.1 Amphetamine Type Stimulants 15 3.1.1 Methamphetamine 16 References 129 3.2 Cocaine 17 3.3 NPS and Cathinones 18 3.4 Potential risks and harms 18 3.4.1 Physical harm 18 3.4.2 Mental health harms 20 3.4.3 Social Harms 20 3.4.4 Risk Environment 20 Literature review 23 4 Literature review 25 4.1 Safer smoking kits 26 4.2 Prevention of sexual risks 28 4.2.1 Chemsex 28 4.3 Female focused interventions 30 4.4 Drug consumption rooms 31 4.5 Self-regulation 33 4.6 Housing first 34 4.7 Substitution 35 4.7.1 Plant based substitutes 35 4.7.2 Pharmaceutical agonist and 37 antagonists 4.8 Outreach & peer-based interventions 38 4.9 Drop-In Centres 39 4.10 Drug checking 40 4.11 Online interventions 41 4.12 Therapeutic interventions 43 6 Glossary 3-MMC 3-Methylmethcathinone DCR Drug Consumption Room 4-MMC 4-Methylmethcathinone DIC Drop-In Centre 4-MEC 4-Methylethcathinone DRA Dopamine Releasers ABD Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo DRI Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (Spain) EDS Excited Delirium Syndrome ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity EMCDDA European Monitoring Centre of Disorder Drugs and Drug Addiction AIDS Acquired Immuno Deficiency ENA National strategy on addictions Syndrome (Spain) ATS Amphetamine Type Stimulants FACT Flexible Assertive Community BI Brief Interventions Treatment BNN National Narcotics Agency FGD Focus Group Discussion (Indonesia) GBL Gamma-Butyrolactone CAPSAD Centres for Psychosocial Assistance GHB Gamma Hydroxybutyrate on Alcohol and other Drugs (Brazil) HBV Hepatitis B Virus CBD Cannabidiol HCV Hepatitis C virus CBT Cognitive Behavioural Therapy HIV Human immunodeficiency virus CCID Central City Improvement District ICW International Community of (South Africa) Women Living with HIV CDA Central Drug Authority IDPC International Drug Policy (South Africa) Consortium CM Contingency Management INPUD International Network of People CRA Community Reinforcement who Use Drugs Approach LBHM Community Legal Aid Institute CRAS Reference Centre for Social Work (Indonesia) (Brazil) LGBT Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual and CRAUDE Reference Centres for Drug users Transgender (Brazil) MBI Mindfulness Based Intervention CREAS Specialised Reference Centre for MDMA Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Social Work (Brazil) MI Motivational Interviewing CRISM Canadian Research Initiative in MIDES Ministry of Social Development Substance Misuse (Uruguay) CTADS Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and MSM Men who have Sex with Men Drugs Survey 7 NDMP National Drug Master Plan SACENDU South African Community (South Africa) Epidemiology Network of Drug Use NGO Non-governmental organisation SACUDE Municipal Complex of Health NPS New Psychoactive Substances Culture and Sports (Uruguay) NSP Needle and Syringe Programmes SCUC Safer Crack Use Coalition (Canada) OECD Organisation for Economic SRCHC South Riverdale
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Policy Perspective on the Global Use of Smokeless Tobacco
    Curr Addict Rep DOI 10.1007/s40429-017-0166-7 TOBACCO (AH WEINBERGER, SECTION EDITOR) A Policy Perspective on the Global Use of Smokeless Tobacco Kamran Siddiqi1 & Aishwarya Lakshmi Vidyasagaran1 & Anne Readshaw1 & Ray Croucher2 # The Author(s) 2017. This article is an open access publication Abstract Keywords Smokeless tobacco . Snus . Tobacco control . Background Globally, over 300 million people consume di- Global health verse smokeless tobacco (ST) products. They are addictive, cause cancer, increased cardiovascular mortality risks and poor pregnancy outcomes. Introduction Purpose of Review To identify gaps in implementing key ST demand-reduction measures, focused literature reviews were “Smokeless tobacco” (ST) comprises tobacco products that do conducted and findings synthesized according to relevant not involve a combustion process, such as chewing, nasal and WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) oral tobacco [1•]. Globally, over 300 million people consume Articles. ST [1•], yet ST has been largely neglected in research and Recent Findings The literature supports implementation of policy arenas because it is generally regarded as less harmful ST demand-reduction measures. For taxation, labelling and than cigarettes. It is also seen as a regional rather than a global packaging, most administrations have weaker policies for ST problem, and too diverse and complex to control. than cigarettes. Capacity to regulate ST contents and offer ST use is reported in at least 116 countries worldwide, cessation support is lacking. There is poor compliance with including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the bans on ST advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Americas [2•]. Smokeless tobacco consumption is therefore Summary The literature on implementation of WHO a global public health issue.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural and Collective Interpretations of Regular Marijuana Use Impact on Work and School Performance: an Ethnographic Inquiry
    DRAFT: Please do not quote or cite without permission of author s Cultural and Collective Interpretations of Regular Marijuana Use Impact on Work and School Performance: An Ethnographic Inquiry Jan Moravek, Bruce D. Johnson, Eloise Dunlap National Development and Research Institutes, New York Abstract Objective: To compare users’ reports on how their cannabis consumption affects their work and school performance with relevant cultural narratives. Methods: Ninety-two regular marijuana smokers were interviewed in New York City. A qualitative content analysis of the in-depth interviews was juxtaposed with prevalent cultural and collective stories about the effects of marijuana use. Results : Cannabis users reported positive effects in reducing work-related stress, energizing the mind, or enhancing creativity. Negative effects included difficult concentration, memory damage, and lack of motivation or “laziness”. Some discussed preventing adverse effects and resultant job performance losses by avoiding smoking before work or “controlling the high” while at work, yet others depicted negative consequences as unavoidable. Conclusions: Marijuana users spoke in both terms of mainstream narratives (the amotivational syndrome, irresponsible use), and in contrasting collective narratives (glamorizing marijuana as having positive effects on work performance or no relevant consequences, and constructing use as controllable). Introduction In this paper we focus upon the perceived impact of marijuana consumption on work and school performance. Analysis will examine experiences over time from the perspective of marijuana consumers. 1 DRAFT: Please do not quote or cite without permission of author s We explore the variety of experiences informants have had when they have smoked marijuana and gone to their jobs or their classrooms.
    [Show full text]
  • Bridging the Gap: a Practitioner's Guide to Harm Reduction in Drug
    Bridging the Gap A Practitioner’s Guide to Harm Reduction in Drug Courts by Alejandra Garcia and Dave Lucas a Author Alejandra Garcia, MSW Center for Court Innovation Dave Lucas, MSW Center for Court Innovation Acknowledgements Bridging the Gap: A Practitioners Guide to Harm Reduction in Drug Courts represents an ambitious reimagining of drug court practices through a harm reduction lens. It was born of two intersecting health emergencies—COVID-19 and the overdose crisis—and a belief that this moment calls for challenging conversations and bold change. Against this backdrop, Bridging the Gap’s first aim is plain: to elevate the safety, dignity, and autonomy of current and future drug court participants. It is also an invitation to practitioners to revisit and reflect upon drug court principles from a new vantage point. There are some who see the core tenets of drug courts and harm reduction as antithetical. As such, disagreement is to be expected. Bridging the Gap aspires to be the beginning of an evolving discussion, not the final word. This publication would not have been possible without the support of Aaron Arnold, Annie Schachar, Karen Otis, Najah Magloire, Matt Watkins, and Julian Adler. We are deeply grateful for your thoughtful advice, careful edits, and encouraging words. A special thanks also to our designers, Samiha Amin Meah and Isaac Gertman. Bridging the Gap is dedicated to anyone working to make the world a safer place for people who use drugs. Thanks to all who approach this document with an open mind. For more information, email [email protected].
    [Show full text]
  • Harm Reduction Interventions in Substance Abuse Treatment
    Prepared by: Karissa Hughes April 2018 Harm Reduction Interventions in Substance Abuse Treatment 1 Philosophy/Overview ● Harm reduction is a client-centered philosophy that engages clients in the process of behavior change even if they are not motivated to pursue abstinence from substance 2 use or refrain from engaging in other risk-taking behaviors as a treatment goal. ​ ● Harm reduction challenges the traditional notion of abstinence as a universal treatment goal for problem substance use. It focuses on reducing the harm of drug use to the user and society (health, social, and economic consequences) for people unable or unwilling to stop using drugs rather than requiring abstinence as a condition of treatment. o Harm reduction strategies are community-based, user-driven, non-judgmental and address systems that isolate and marginalize individuals. o Harm reduction acknowledges that clients often seek out substance abuse treatment services to address risky injection practices and sexual risk-taking behavior, even when they are not interested in changing substance use patterns. ● Many people who use drugs prefer to use informal and non-clinical methods to reduce their drug consumption or reduce the risks associated with their drug use. Thus, harm reduction is a public health philosophy and service delivery model to reduce the risks of drug use while respecting the dignity and autonomy of individuals. o Harm reduction policies and practices emphasize the human right for the highest attainable standard for health of people who use drugs. o The approach is based on the belief that it is in both the user's and society's best interest to minimize the adverse consequences of drug use when the person is unable or unwilling to discontinue using.
    [Show full text]
  • African Journal of Drug & Alcohol Studies, 14(1), 2015 Copyright
    African Journal of Drug & Alcohol Studies, 14(1), 2015 Copyright © 2015, CRISA Publications iDentifYing the coMPoSition of Street Drug NYAOPE usINg TwO Different MASS SPectroMeter MethoDS aye a. khine1, kebogile E. Mokwena2, Mempedi Huma2, lucy Fernandes2 1Department of Chemical Pathology, Medunsa/University of Limpopo, South Africa 2Department of Public Health, Medunsa/University of Limpopo, South Africa ABStrAct Criminalizaton of trading and using of street drug Nyaope has had challenges in South Africa due to controversies about its compositon. The high cost and complexity of its analysis using conventonal chromatography methods also limit the testng availability in most routne laboratories. A state of the Art method with simple specimen processing and faster turnaround tme at an afordable cost is urgently needed. To compare the ability of a new Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with direct sample analysis (TOF-DSA MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) methods in detectng the consttuents of Nyaope against turnaround tme and cost, in order to recommend a beter system for routne use. Cross-sectonal, qualitatve and descriptve pilot study on samples purchased from various sources of 12 townships in Northern Gauteng Province. The consttuents consistently detected in all samples were cafeine, drugs of abuse such as opiates, codeine, morphine, methyl-dioxy amphetamine (MDA) and heroin. Some samples contained antbiotcs (citrofex) and antretroviral drugs (zidovudine). Central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as phenobarbitone and benzodiazepines, benzitramide, moramide intermediates and thiofentanyl and stmulants such as Pipradol, and fenethyline were detected by the TOF-MS system. The usefulness of TOF-DSA MS was beter as a screening method while GC-MS provides specifcity and confrmatory detecton.
    [Show full text]
  • An Exploration of the Association Between the Whoonga/Nyaope Drug And
    An Exploration of the Association between the Whoonga/Nyaope Drug and Criminality through the Eyes of Convicted Drug Offenders in Three Metropolitan Cities of the Republic of South Africa by Siyanda Brightman Ngcobo Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CRIMINOLOGY AND FORENSIC STUDIES in the Discipline of Criminology and Forensic Studies School of Applied Human Sciences College of Humanities UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL (UKZN) Supervisor: Professor Jéan Steyn January 2019 DECLARATION I, Siyanda Brightman Ngcobo, declare that 1. The research reported in this thesis, except where otherwise indicated, and is my original research. 2. This thesis has not been submitted for any degree or examination at any other university. 3. This thesis does not contain any other persons’ data, pictures, graphs or other information, unless specifically acknowledged as being sourced from other persons. 4. This thesis does not contain any other persons’ writing, unless specifically acknowledged as being sourced from other researchers. Where other written sources have been quoted, then: a. Their words have been re-written but the general information attributed to them was referenced. b. Where their exact words have been used, then their writing has been placed in italics and inside quotation marks, and referenced. 5. This thesis does not contain text, graphics or tables copied and pasted from the Internet, unless specifically acknowledged and the source being detailed in the thesis and in the References sections. ----------------------------------------------- Siyanda Brightman Ngcobo On the 18th day of March 2019 i DEDICATION I dedicate this research project to all the Police Officers in the world; the men and women who put their lives on the line so that others may live.
    [Show full text]
  • Critical Actions from 2012-2016 to Begin to End the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
    An Action Agenda to End AIDS EMBARGOED Critical Actions UNTIL THURSDAY, JULY 19 AT NOON ET from 2012-2016 to Begin to End the HIV/AIDS Pandemic JULY 2012 ver the last year, the conversation about the AIDS transmission. We emphasize, too, that comprehensive • Focused, Evidence-Based Prevention Programs epidemic has dramatically changed. We’re now harm reduction, decriminalization and human rights for Key Populations—to ensure that drivers of O beginning to talk about how to end it. The hope protections must be combined to effectively address the the epidemic are addressed. stems from research breakthroughs as well as an epidemics among injection drug users, men who have accumulation of evidence on the potential impact of sex with men (MSM) and sex workers around the world. To end the epidemic, we cannot do everything in “combination prevention,” which the US government Failure to implement these strategies at scale remains every setting. Nor can we look to limited AIDS has defined as including voluntary medical male a major missed opportunity of HIV prevention to date. funding to address all the many ills that undermine circumcision, the use of ART treatment in HIV-positive health and development. Core interventions people to reduce risk of transmission prevention of As the concept of combination prevention takes should be complemented, where indicated by pediatric infections and HIV testing. hold, there will inevitably be debates about which local circumstances, by other strategies, such as “America’s combination prevention strategy focuses on a interventions to prioritize. We believe the test should condom promotion, harm reduction, behavior set of interventions that have been proven most effective To begin to end the epidemic, we need to be strategic be to identify the cost-effective approaches that will best change strategies, demonstration projects for pre- — ending mother-to-child transmission, expanding and ambitious in using what is available today.
    [Show full text]
  • Talking Tobacco Harm Reduction
    TALKING TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION // WHAT’S HARM REDUCTION? Harm reduction is a range of Do they make sunbathing or pragmatic policies, regulations driving 100% risk-free? and actions. Reducing health risks by providing less harmful forms No – but they do make them of products or substances, less harmful by reducing the or by encouraging less risky risk of illness or injury. behaviours. Sun cream and seat belts are We believe non-combustible nicotine Next Generation Products everyday examples of harm (NGPs) are also an effective form of reduction in action. harm reduction for adult smokers who wish to continue using nicotine – relative to conventional cigarettes. // INTRODUCING TOBACCO HARM REDUCTION Science demonstrates smoking a For adult smokers, the greatest risk of cigarette is the most harmful way to disease stems from burning tobacco and consume nicotine. inhaling the smoke. // WHAT IS THR? Tobacco smoke contains over 7000 The undisputed best action adult chemicals – nicotine is one of them. smokers can take to improve their Around 100 are classified by public health is to stop all tobacco and health experts as causes or potential nicotine use entirely, but many are not causes of smoking-related disease. interested or willing to take this step. Numerous public health bodies1 While the science suggests nicotine is believe transitioning to nicotine addictive and not risk-free, it’s neither products that are substantially less carcinogenic nor the primary cause of harmful than inhaled tobacco smoke smoking-related diseases. is their next best option – we agree. Contains 7000+ Contains chemicals, 100 significantly of them harmful fewer and lower or potentially levels of harmful harmful.
    [Show full text]
  • Brand Guidelines for Partners 2019
    BRAND GUIDELINES 2019 P. 2 (RED) BRAND GUIDELINES 2019 HELLO. Good to have you! (RED) is a nonprofit organization that fights AIDS. 100% of all proceeds generated from Partners go directly to The Global Fund, which distributes the money to work on the ground in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia. We believe a strong brand keeps us inspiring and relevant, and can help you tell your story better, too. These guidelines should educate you on (RED) and equip you to message about us in the best ways possible. P. 3 (RED) BRAND GUIDELINES 2019 (RED) CONTENT OVERVIEW ABOUT FOR PARTNERS 4. Our Story 23. Partner Logos 6. Our Progress 24. Partnership Language 8. Our Partners 27. Packaging Guidelines 29. Partner Cheat Sheet THE BRAND 11. Brand Lens ASSETS + CONTACT 12. Our Logos 30. Assets 14. Registration 31. Say Hello 15. Copyright 16. Typefaces 17. Color 18. The Parentheses 19 (RED) Words 20. Language & Tone P. 4 OUR STORY (RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to transform the collective power of consumers into a global force of critical, lifesaving aid. (RED) BRAND GUIDELINES 2019 We work with the world’s most iconic brands— including Apple, Starbucks, Belvedere Vodka, Bank of America, and more—to develop (PRODUCT)RED branded products and experiences that, when purchased, trigger corporate giving to the Global Fund. With these contributions, the Global Fund finances programs in sub-Saharan Africa, which provide HIV+ pregnant women access to the lifesaving medication they need to ensure their babies are born HIV-free.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report
    United States Department of State Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs International Narcotics Control Strategy Report Volume I Drug and Chemical Control March 2020 INCSR 2020 Volume 1 Table of Contents Table of Contents Common Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................................... iii International Agreements.................................................................................................................................... v INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Legislative Basis for the INCSR ......................................................................................................................... 2 Presidential Determination ................................................................................................................................. 7 Policy and Program Developments .................................................................................................... 12 Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Methodology for U.S. Government Estimates of Illegal Drug Production .......................................................... 18 Parties to UN Conventions ..............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Finland Country Drug Report 2017
    Finland Country Drug Report 2017 Contents: At a glance | National drug strategy and coordination (p. 2) | Public expenditure (p. 3) | Drug laws and drug law offences (p. 4) | Drug use (p. 5) | Drug harms (p. 8) | Prevention (p. 10) | Harm reduction (p. 11) | Treatment (p. 12) | Drug use and responses in prison (p. 14) | Quality assurance (p. 15) | Drug-related research (p. 15) | Drug markets (p. 16) | Key drug statistics for Finland (p. 18) | EU Dashboard (p. 20) THE DRUG PROBLEM IN FINLAND AT A GLANCE Drug use Treatment entrants Overdose deaths Drug law offences in young adults (15-34 years) by primary drug in the last year 250 Cannabis 200 23 478 166 150 13.5 % Top 5 drugs seized 100 ranked according to quantities Cannabis, 21% 50 measured in kilograms Amphetamines, 15 % Cocaine, 0 % 0 1. Amphetamine 2011 2012 2013 2015 2014 Opioids, 52 % 2010 2007 2008 2006 9 % 17.9 % 2009 Other, 12 % 2. Herbal cannabis Other drugs Opioid substitution HIV diagnoses 3. Cannabis resin MDMA 2.5 % treatment clients attributed to injecting 4. Cocaine Amphetamines 2.4 % 14 5. Heroin Cocaine 1 % 12 3 000 10 Population 8 (15-64 years) 6 7 High-risk opioid users Syringes distributeddistributed 4 through specialised 2 3 483 757 programmes 0 13 836 2011 2012 2013 2015 2014 2010 2007 2008 2006 2009 Source: EUROSTAT (12 700 - 15 090) 5 301 000 Source: ECDC Extracted on: 26/03/2017 NB: Data presented here are either national estimates (prevalence of use, opioid drug users) or reported numbers through the EMCDDA indicators (treatment clients, syringes, deaths and HIV diagnosis, drug law offences and seizures).
    [Show full text]
  • Psilocybin Mushrooms Fact Sheet
    Psilocybin Mushrooms Fact Sheet January 2017 What are psilocybin, or “magic,” mushrooms? For the next two decades thousands of doses of psilocybin were administered in clinical experiments. Psilocybin is the main ingredient found in several types Psychiatrists, scientists and mental health of psychoactive mushrooms, making it perhaps the professionals considered psychedelics like psilocybin i best-known naturally-occurring psychedelic drug. to be promising treatments as an aid to therapy for a Although psilocybin is considered active at doses broad range of psychiatric diagnoses, including around 3-4 mg, a common dose used in clinical alcoholism, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, ii,iii,iv research settings ranges from 14-30 mg. Its obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.xiii effects on the brain are attributed to its active Many more people were also introduced to psilocybin metabolite, psilocin. Psilocybin is most commonly mushrooms and other psychedelics as part of various found in wild or homegrown mushrooms and sold religious or spiritual practices, for mental and either fresh or dried. The most popular species of emotional exploration, or to enhance wellness and psilocybin mushrooms is Psilocybe cubensis, which is creativity.xiv usually taken orally either by eating dried caps and stems or steeped in hot water and drunk as a tea, with Despite this long history and ongoing research into its v a common dose around 1-2.5 grams. therapeutic and medical benefits,xv since 1970 psilocybin and psilocin have been listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the most heavily Scientists and mental health professionals criminalized category for drugs considered to have a consider psychedelics like psilocybin to be “high potential for abuse” and no currently accepted promising treatments as an aid to therapy for a medical use – though when it comes to psilocybin broad range of psychiatric diagnoses.
    [Show full text]