An internet-based survey of 96 German-speaking users of “bath salts”: frequent complications, risky sexual behavior, violence, and delinquency

Abstract

74% of respondents were male. 41% were under the age of 30 and a further 38% between 30 and 39 years old. Cathinones were used on more than 10 days in the preceding year by 62% of study subjects. The nasal and intravenous routes of administration were most often used. About 80% of respondents reported binge use. There were frequent co-administrations of opioids and opiates. The most common complication was prolonged confusion (47%). 16% had been involuntarily confined. One third had thoughts of violence and 16% acted on these thoughts either against themselves or others. About 44% reported high-risk sexual activity under the influence of cathinones. About 31% had driven or ridden a bike while intoxicated. About 6% had problems with law-enforcement for selling cathinones and 16% for crimes committed under the influence of cathinones. In conclusion, cathinone users are typically young males in their twenties and thirties. Most are experienced drug users, particularly of alcohol and opiates/opioids. The impact on society is tremendous as evidenced by high rates of self-reported violence, high-risk sexual activity, crimes, and traffic violations.

Effects of MDPV on dopamine transporter regulation in male rats. Comparison with cocaine

“…The changes in DAT function could be responsible, at least in part, of the psychiatric effects observed in some MDPV abusers (Schmoll et al 2017).…”

The clinical challenges of synthetic cathinones

“…Considering the cocaine/MDMA-mixed effect molecules such as mephedrone and related compounds, mephedrone has been the most investigated. 67,68 Furthermore, Roberts et al 45 found that mexedrone, a mephedrone derivative, was found in 11 of 305 patients who presented to an emergency department (ED). All of them presented with agitation and 6 patients required sedation and/or physical restraint.…”

Sex and Gender Differences in the Effects of Novel Psychoactive Substances

“…Exposure to these NPS can be very dangerous, and intoxications were found to occur typically through inhalation or ingestion in young (20 years or older) adult males [ 78 ]. Compelling evidence has shown that the typical synthetic cathinone users are young males in their twenties and thirties, often experienced drug users, particularly of alcohol and opiates/opioids [ 118 , 119 ]. Males who attend nightclubs are also more likely to use synthetic cathinones than females [ 120 ].…”