An observed rise in γ-hydroxybutyrate-associated deaths in London: Evidence to suggest a possible link with concomitant rise in chemsex

Hockenhull, Joanna; Murphy, Kevin G.; Paterson, Sue

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.11.039

Cited by 78 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Other jurisdictions report similar findings, with stable prevalence of recent use in respondents during the past 6 years in NSW (11–12%), SA (5–9%), NT (2–4%), WA (1–4%) or Tasmania (0–1%) . In terms of harms, our data are consistent with international literature, pointing to rising GHB‐related harms in the United Kingdom and Europe .…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…This increase in acute presentations is largely attributable to a growth in the proportions of people using GHB alone or GHB with methamphetamine, whereas the rates of GHB use with alcohol has declined over the study period. This finding in a representative Australian sample is consistent with emerging evidence from case reports and coroner's data internationally [2], raising important implications for frontline clinicians, drug treatment and harm reduction services. The trend of GHB and methamphetamine coconsumption may be driven by a number of factors.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

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Trends in gamma‐hydroxybutyrate‐related harms based on ambulance attendances from 2012 to 2018 in Victoria, Australia

et al. 2019

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Background and aims Although the prevalence of gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use is relatively low globally, harms related to the drug appear to be increasing. Few existing studies present reliable, representative, population‐level data on GHB‐related harms. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in acute GHB‐related harms within an ambulance database in Australia. Design, setting and participants Cross‐sectional, retrospective analysis of data on all GHB‐related ambulance attendances in the state of Victoria, Australia during a 7‐year period (January 2012–December 2018) Measurements Presentations were characterized based on patient demographics, transport to hospital, co‐occurring substance use (i.e. GHB only, alcohol, methamphetamine, heroin, benzodiazepine and cannabis) and clinical presentation (e.g. symptoms of anxiety, psychosis, depression). Findings There were 5866 GHB‐related ambulance attendances between 2012 and 2018, with the prevalence rate increasing from 8.8 per 100 000 population in 2012 to a maximum of 21.7 per 100 000 population in 2017. Methamphetamine [odds ratio (OR) = 6.23, P < 0.001] and benzodiazepine‐related (OR = 1.43, P < 0.001) co‐occurrences; ages between 18–29 (OR = 6.58, P < 0.001) and 30–39 years (OR = 2.02, P < 0.001); and male gender (OR = 1.23, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of GHB‐related attendances. Conclusions There has been a 147% increase in the prevalence of GHB‐related ambulance attendances in Victoria, Australia between 2012 and 2019, largely attributable to a growth in the proportions of people using gamma‐hydroxybutyrate alone or concurrently with methamphetamine.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 83%

Trends in gamma‐hydroxybutyrate‐related harms based on ambulance attendances from 2012 to 2018 in Victoria, Australia

et al. 2019

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“…where HIV-positive MSM were exclusively or disproportionately recruited. This is especially worrying due to the recent observed rise in the number of GHB-associated deaths in London (Hockenhull, Murphy, & Paterson, 2016). Ketamine appeared to be as popular if not more popular than mephedrone in some studies, however this may reflect the use of both of these drugs being common in non-sexual contexts, when compared to the GHB/GBL and methamphetamine.…”

Section: Injection Of Chemsex Drugsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexualised drug use in the United Kingdom (UK): A review of the literature

Edmundson

Heinsbroek

Glass

et al. 2018

International Journal of Drug Policy

177

135

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“…Linked especially to chemsex, given its association with GHB/GBL, overdose remains a significant cause for concern for some MSM who use drugs. While such adverse consequences were uncommon in relation to other club drugs (such as ecstasy or cocaine), there are increasing reports of fatal overdoses among gay men in several European cities 21 58 63…”

Section: Impacts Of Substance Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Substance use among men who have sex with men: patterns, motivations, impacts and intervention development need

2017

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An observed rise in γ-hydroxybutyrate-associated deaths in London: Evidence to suggest a possible link with concomitant rise in chemsex

Cited by 78 publications

References 20 publications

Trends in gamma‐hydroxybutyrate‐related harms based on ambulance attendances from 2012 to 2018 in Victoria, Australia

Trends in gamma‐hydroxybutyrate‐related harms based on ambulance attendances from 2012 to 2018 in Victoria, Australia

Sexualised drug use in the United Kingdom (UK): A review of the literature

Substance use among men who have sex with men: patterns, motivations, impacts and intervention development need

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