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Centro de Salud Puerta Bonita I, Area XI, Grupo de Intervencion en Drogas de la Sociedad Espanola de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria(SEMFYC), Madrid, SpainObjective To know the pattern of use of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) in a Spanish sample of research chemical (RC) users and todeepen the RC user profile and risk reduction strategies employed.Methods This study is a cross-sectional survey by means of a specific questionnaire. Recruitment was carried out at music festivals, atnon-governmental organizations (NGOs), and through announcements on an online forum. Two RC user profiles were defined, accordingto whether they search information through online forums.Results A total of 230 users participated. The most frequent RCs were hallucinogenic phenethylamines (2C-B 80.0%, 2C-I 39.6%) andcathinones (methylone 40.1%, mephedrone 35.2%). The most frequent combination of RC with other illegal drugs was with cannabis (68.6%)and2C-BwithMDMA(28.3%).Subjectswhoareconsultingdrugforums(group1)usemoreRC,obtainRCbyInternet,andusemorefrequentlyriskprevention strategies. Regardingthe risk-reduction strategies inthisgroup, users soughtinformation concerning RCbefore consuming them(100%), used precision scales to calculate dosage (72.3%), and analyzed the contents before consumption (68.8%).Conclusions There is a specific RC user profile with extensive knowledge and consumption of substances, using different strategies toreduce risks associated to its consumption. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.key words—research chemicals; 2C-B; consumption patterns; new psychoactive substances |
