No prescription? No problem: A qualitative study investigating self-medication with novel psychoactive substances (NPS)

Original research
by
Holborn, Tayler, Fabrizio Schifano & Paolo Deluca

Release Date

2023

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study aims to investigate the occurrence of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) self-medication, identify the specific NPS involved, and understand the motivations behind their use.

Findings/Key points

Our study revealed frequent discussions about the self-medication with several NPS, notably etizolam, clonazolam, diclazepam, flualprazolam, 2-FMA, 4F-MPH, 3-FPM and 3-MeO-PCP. Individuals were mainly self-treating ADHD, anxiety and depression. Motivations for choosing NPS included access, cost, legality and a dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare. Substances were often chosen based on a profile of "Functionality" and outcomes varied. The use of clonazolam was highlighted as particularly problematic.

Design/methods

Content analysis from Reddit (93 threads, 182,490 words, 5023 comments)

Keywords

About PWUD
Mental health