Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
J Psychoactive Drugs. 2024 Sep-Oct;56(4):568-577. doi: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2250353. Epub 2023 Aug 26.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), originally intended to be used as cigarette substitutes, have evolved into discreet devices for consuming drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs). Presented are the results of an exploratory survey in which information regarding demographics, e-cig device type, DOTN use, frequency and context of use was collected. The average reported age of respondents was 27.4 years of age (SD = 12.0), and respondents predominantly identified as male (73%). Vape pens (disposable or refillable) were the most reported device across all DOTN classes. Cannabinoids were the most reported class of DOTN used, for both lifetime and past 30-day use. Other DOTNs reported included herbal supplements, amphetamines, caffeine, kratom, vitamins, opiates, DMT, fentanyl, and ketamine. Combinations of DOTNs used in e-cigs and trends in poly-substance use were reported. The most commonly reported context was vaping alone, followed by with friends, at home, and at social events; less commonly reported contexts included when driving, at work, and at school. Results from this study are useful for developing future national surveys to consider a comprehensive substance use-focused strategy that includes vaping, building awareness of DOTN e-cig use, and highlighting public safety issues in driving impairment, crime scene investigations, and death investigations.
电子烟(e-cigs)最初是作为香烟替代品而设计的,但现在已经演变成了吸食尼古丁以外的毒品的隐蔽设备(DOTNs)。本文呈现了一项探索性调查的结果,该调查收集了有关人口统计学、电子烟设备类型、DOTN 使用情况、使用频率和使用背景的信息。受访者的平均年龄为 27.4 岁(标准差=12.0),主要为男性(73%)。在所有 DOTN 类别中, vape pens(一次性或可再填充)是最常报告的设备。大麻素是最常报告的 DOTN 类别,无论是终身使用还是过去 30 天使用。其他报告的 DOTNs 包括草药补充剂、安非他命、咖啡因、卡痛、维生素、鸦片类药物、DMT、芬太尼和氯胺酮。报告了电子烟中使用的 DOTN 组合和多物质使用的趋势。最常报告的情况是单独吸食电子烟,其次是与朋友一起、在家中和参加社交活动;较少报告的情况包括开车时、工作时和在学校时。本研究的结果有助于制定未来的全国性调查,考虑采用一种全面的以物质使用为重点的策略,包括吸食电子烟、提高对 DOTN 电子烟使用的认识,以及强调驾驶障碍、犯罪现场调查和死亡调查中的公共安全问题。