Is there any difference in patterns of use and psychiatric symptom status between injectors and non-injectors of mephedrone?

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, increasing intravenous mephedrone use was reported in several countries. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of such a form of mephedrone use, while identifying the differences between injectors and non-injectors in patterns of mephedrone use and psychiatric symptom status.

Methods: One hundred and forty-five mephedrone users were surveyed on patterns of mephedrone use using a structured questionnaire as well as the Brief Symptom Inventory.

Results: Majority of users received mephedrone from acquaintances and used it in discos/parties settings regarding both first and current mephedrone use. Intranasal use was the most typical route of administration (84.4%). Injectors (11%) used the drug more frequently and in higher dosages. This group included a greater proportion of opiate users (37.5%) and showed more diffuse psychiatric symptoms. Regarding the predictors of being an injector, heroin use showed the highest odds ratio.

Conclusions: Intravenous mephedrone use is associated with a higher risk of harmful drug use, elevated psychiatric symptom profile and increased possibility of mephedrone being considered as an addictive substance. These findings might be important in efficient treatment planning.

Keywords: 4-methylmethcathinone; injecting; mephedrone; patterns of use; psychiatric symptoms.