Allott Kelly, Redman Jennifer
Department of Psychology, Monash University, Vic. 3800, Australia.
Drug Alcohol Depend. 2006 Apr 28;82(2):168-76. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2005.09.009. Epub 2005 Oct 14.
Harm reduction refers to the use of strategies to prevent or reduce harmful consequences associated with illicit drug use. There is a paucity of research concerning the harm reduction practices employed by ecstasy users. This study aimed to explore the prevalence, nature and factors associated with harm reduction practices employed by ecstasy users in Australia, with a specific focus on the practice of preloading and postloading--the use of pharmaceuticals and natural products prior and subsequent to ecstasy use. One hundred and sixteen Australian residents aged 18 years and over who had used ecstasy at least once in their lifetime were recruited via convenience sampling, 'snowballing' and via web-based advertisements and completed an anonymous questionnaire. Participants reported using a wide range of strategies for minimising ecstasy-associated harm. The most common strategies used for reducing negative side effects, 'comedown' or neurotoxicity were drinking water, limiting or reducing ecstasy use, taking breaks and taking vitamins or other natural substances. Forty percent of the sample had tested their ecstasy pills for the presence of MDMA. Forty-one percent and 47% of participants had engaged in pre- and postloading, respectively, with the most common pre- and postloading substances being multivitamins, 5-HTP, magnesium and fruit or fruit juice. Younger mean age and 'high' total occasions of ecstasy use was significantly associated with preloading, and 'high' total use and frequency of use was associated with postloading. The results indicate that ecstasy users are aware of the potential for harm associated with ecstasy use and attempt to minimise harm by actively employing strategies. By exploring the pattern of harm reduction practices among ecstasy users, this study has highlighted the need for further research into the efficacy and potential clinical drug interactions associated with such practices, as well as the need for investigation of how such practices may affect patterns of ecstasy use.
减少伤害是指运用策略预防或减少与非法药物使用相关的有害后果。关于摇头丸使用者所采用的减少伤害措施的研究很少。本研究旨在探讨澳大利亚摇头丸使用者所采用的减少伤害措施的流行程度、性质及相关因素，特别关注预服和后服行为——即在使用摇头丸之前和之后使用药物和天然产品的行为。通过便利抽样、“滚雪球”抽样以及网络广告，招募了116名18岁及以上、一生中至少使用过一次摇头丸的澳大利亚居民，并让他们填写一份匿名问卷。参与者报告了为将与摇头丸相关的伤害降至最低而采用的多种策略。用于减少负面副作用、“宿醉反应”或神经毒性的最常见策略包括饮水、限制或减少摇头丸使用、休息以及服用维生素或其他天然物质。40%的样本曾检测过他们的摇头丸药丸中是否含有摇头丸成分。分别有41%和47%的参与者进行过预服和后服，最常见的预服和后服物质是多种维生素、5-羟色氨酸、镁以及水果或果汁。较低的平均年龄和较高的摇头丸总使用次数与预服显著相关，而较高的总使用量和使用频率与后服相关。结果表明，摇头丸使用者意识到与使用摇头丸相关的潜在危害，并试图通过积极采用策略来将危害降至最低。通过探究摇头丸使用者减少伤害措施的模式，本研究凸显了进一步研究此类措施的功效和潜在临床药物相互作用的必要性，以及调查此类措施可能如何影响摇头丸使用模式的必要性。
