SMART: An Internet study of users experiences of synthetic tanning

Health Soc Care Community

2016

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Injecting use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPED) in the general population is a public health concern. A wide and varied range of IPED are now easily accessible to all through the online market. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken according to Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) guidelines for systematic review, to identify the relevant literature. No date restrictions were placed on the database search in the case of human growth hormone melanotan I and II, and oil and cosmetic injectables. In the case of anabolic androgenic steroids search dates were restricted to January 2014-2015. Publications not in English and with a lack of specificity to the topic were excluded. The review yielded 133 relevant quantitative and qualitative papers, clinical trials, clinical case presentations and editorials/reports. Findings were examined/reviewed under emergent themes which identified/measured extent of use, user profiling, sourcing, product endorsement, risk behaviours and health outcomes in users. Motivation for IPED use may be grounded in appearance, pursuit of health and youth, and body image disturbance. IPED users can practice moderated use, with pathological use linked to high-risk behaviours, which may be normalised within IPED communities. Many IPED trajectories and pathways of use are not scientifically documented. Much of this information may be available online in IPED specific discussion forums, an underutilised setting for research, where uncensored discourse takes place among users. This review underscores the need for future internet and clinical research to investigate prevalence and patterns of injecting use, and to map health outcomes in IPED users. This paper provides community-based clinical practice and health promotion services with a detailed examination and analysis of the injecting use of IPED, highlighting the patterns of this public health issue. It serves to disseminate updated publication information to health and social policy makers and those in health service practice who are involved in harm reduction intervention.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The injecting use of image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPED) in the general population: a systematic review

Brennan

Wells

Health Soc Care Community

2016

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“…Negative outcomes and adverse effects are attributed to those who are 'ill-informed'. Product knowledge exchange and purporting of indigenous harm reduction practices amongst online communities of illicit drug and PIED users are observed in netographic studies (Marie Claire Van Hout, 2014;M. C. Van Hout, 2014a.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While the rapid increase in interest in relatively new substances such as modafanil, melanotan I and II and a range of anabolic peptide hormones can be linked to the growth of the internet , in the case of DNP it could best be described as being re-launched via the internet. We are aware of the dynamic nature of the internet in fuelling communal folk pharmacology around novel psychoactive drugs (Corazza, Schifano, Demetrovics, & van den Brink, 2013;Corazza et al, 2012) and performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) (Smith & Stewart, 2012;M. C. Van Hout, 2014a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

2,4-Dinitrophenol, the inferno drug: a netnographic study of user experiences in the quest for leanness

McVeigh

Germain

Journal of Substance Use

2016

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BackgroundDespite not being licensed for human consumption, the internet has triggered renewed, widespread interest and availability of 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP). DNP, a cellular metabolic poison causes thermogenesis resulting in fat burning and weight loss. Whilst extensively available for purchase online, research on user experiences of DNP is limited. MethodsA netnographic approach was used to describe user experiences of DNP via online public websites. Public websites discussing DNP were identified and a purposeful sample selected.Discussion threads were downloaded and a textual qualitative analysis conducted. Four themes containing 71 categories were generated. ResultsThere exists a plethora of communal folk pharmacological advice and recommendations for DNP manufacture and use, together with associated harms and outcomes. The efficacy and untoward effects of DNP were described and discussed alongside the notion that DNP should only be used by experienced bodybuilders. Dosage and regimes for optimal use were also described. ConclusionThis unique study provides a rich examination of the knowledge, attitudes and motivations of DNP users, illustrating the significant role of online public websites in sharing information.Further understanding of DNP users and the online communities in which they reside is warranted to facilitate engagement and formulate appropriate and effective policy responses.

“…Netnographic studies increasingly identify the internet as hub of communal folk pharmacological knowledge exchange and cyber supported indigenous harm reduction between users and interested parties (Barratt, Allen, & Lenton, 2014;Van Hout, 2014b, 2014c, 2014dVan Hout & Bingham, 2013), despite prior research not recognizing the internet as significant source for diversion of opioids (Hamer, Spark, Wood, & Roberts, 2013;Inciardi, Surratt, Kurtz, & Cicero, 2007;Inciardi et al, 2009;Wilsey et al, 2010). Seeking of information on laudanum was underpinned by user reminiscing about Victorian availability and use of laudanum.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Very little is known about user attempts to culture poppy seeds, widely available on the internet for manufacture of long acting medium-high potency oral solutions, both as poppy seed tea or as opium tincture. Given the need for continued internet surveillance cognizant of the potency of cyber exchange of communal folk pharmacology relating to novel psycho-actives, prescribed and over the counter opioids and image enhancement drugs (Boyer, lapen, Macalino, & Hibberd, 2007;Kjellgren, Henningsson, & Soussan, 2013;Kjellgren & Jonsson, 2013;Kjellgren & Soussan, 2011;Van Hout, 2014b, 2014c, 2014d, the aim of the study was to gain unique insight into the phenomena of preparation and consumption of opium tinctures within the reflective life world of contemporary drug users (Mottern, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Vintage Meds”: A Netnographic Study of User Decision-Making, Home Preparation, and Consumptive Patterns of Laudanum

Hearne

2014

Substance Use & Misuse

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