@article{BendauMichnevichPetzoldetal., author = {Bendau, Antonia and Michnevich, Twyla and Petzold, Moritz B. and Piest, Andrea and Schmolke, R{\"u}diger and Jakobson, Daniel and Ahrend, Katharin and Reitz, Thale and Roediger, Lukas and Betzler, Felix}, title = {Spiking Versus Speculation? Perceived Prevalence, Probability, and Fear of Drink and Needle Spiking}, series = {Journal of Drug Issues}, journal = {Journal of Drug Issues}, publisher = {Sage Publications}, address = {London}, issn = {0022-0426}, doi = {10.1177/00220426231197826}, pages = {1 -- 15}, abstract = {Contrasting widespread speculation in the media and public debate about spiking (administration of a substance to a person without their knowledge/consent), empirical evidence on the subject is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the assumed prevalence, perceived likelihood, and fear of drink-versus needle-spiking, and associated mental strain. Data from a cross-sectional online-survey (November 2022 - January 2023) of 1916 adults connected to Berlin's nightlife-scene were analyzed. Almost a quarter reported having experienced drink-spiking, but only a small fraction sought medical or police attention; about 1\% suspected needle-spiking. Presumptive victims of drink-spiking rated the likelihood and fear of spiking significantly higher and exhibited more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Considering toxicological and police findings, the reported prevalence and perceived likelihood of spiking seem to be highly overestimated. This, in conjunction with associated mental strain, highlights the importance of adequately addressing the issue of spiking through psychoeducation, prevention, and interprofessional investigation.}, subject = {Tropfen}, language = {en} } @article{BendauRoedigerPiestetal., author = {Bendau, Antonia and Roediger, Lukas and Piest, Andrea and Schmolke, R{\"u}diger and Ahrend, Katharin and Petzold, Moritz Bruno and Michnevich, Twyla and Betzler, Felix}, title = {Mind the G(ap)}, series = {Harm Reduction Journal}, volume = {22}, journal = {Harm Reduction Journal}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1477-7517}, doi = {10.1186/s12954-025-01152-9}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:525-35764}, pages = {1 -- 16}, abstract = {Background Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (BD) have become a significant concern due to the increase in their recreational use and the high risks associated with it (e.g., overdose, addiction, life-threatening withdrawal syndromes). However, targeted prevention and treatment strategies are lacking, and little is known about the specific needs of users regarding supportive approaches. Methods To address this gap, a mixed-methods longitudinal study was conducted with two waves of online data collection (11/2022-01/2023; 11/2023-01/2024) in Germany. The adult convenience sample (N = 2,196, with n = 240 participating in the follow-up) was mostly connected to Berlin's nightlife scene and included GHB/GBL/BD users and their (non-user) social environment. Perceptions and needs regarding prevention and harm-reduction, reasons and measures of decreasing use, and the impact of GHB/GBL/BD use were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results Education, harm reduction strategies, and specialized support options were welcomed by users and non-users, while restrictive approaches were viewed negatively, particularly by heavy users. Many participants expressed a desire to reduce GHB/GBL/BD use, driven primarily by health concerns, immediate use risks, and addiction, but only few participants had previously accessed preventive/therapeutic services. The follow-up showed little change in perceptions and experiences over time. Conclusions The findings underscore the need for comprehensive and integrative prevention and treatment strategies for GHB/GBL/BD use, with harm reduction approaches prioritized over restrictions. They provide a crucial foundation for future research and interventions and emphasize the necessity of adequately addressing the growing issues related to GHB/GBL/BD use.}, subject = {Drogenabh{\"a}ngigkeit}, language = {en} } @article{BendauRoedigerSchmolkeetal., author = {Bendau, Antonia and Roediger, Lukas and Schmolke, R{\"u}diger and Petzold, Moritz Bruno and Michnevich, Twyla and Betzler, Felix}, title = {Dancing on the edge?}, series = {Addiction research and theory}, journal = {Addiction research and theory}, publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis}, address = {London}, issn = {1606-6359}, doi = {10.1080/16066359.2025.2605963}, pages = {16}, abstract = {Objective Although recreational use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (BD) is increasing and poses high risks (e.g. overdose, addiction, withdrawal), research on motives driving their use is lacking. The present study therefore aims to systematically examine the underlying motives and associations with psychological distress. Method This mixed-methods longitudinal study includes two waves of anonymous online data collection (11/2022-01/2023; 11/2023-01/2024) in Germany. The adult sample (Nbaseline = 2196; with nfollow-up = 240) was recruited via convenience-sampling, primarily from Berlin's nightlife-scene, and comprises GHB/GBL/BD users and their non-using peers. Structured motive ratings and open-ended self-reported motives were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Cross-lagged panel-models were used to test bidirectional longitudinal associations between GHB/GBL/BD use and anxiety and depressive symptoms, while moderation analyses were used to assess whether coping motives influenced these relationships. Results GHB/GBL/BD use was primarily driven by hedonistic motives such as euphoria and sexual stimulation, while coping-related motives (e.g. anxiety reduction, mood improvement) were also endorsed, particularly among heavy users. Motives remained largely stable over time. Anxiety and depressive symptoms did not predict later use, nor vice versa. However, coping motives moderated the relationship, strengthening the association between symptoms and use frequency. Conclusions While GHB/GBL/BD are mainly used for recreational hedonistic purposes, distress-related motives also seem to play a role, especially in heavier use. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention, harm-reduction, and therapeutic strategies that consider both hedonistic and coping-driven use, while accounting for the unique characteristics and risks associated with GHB/GBL/BD.}, subject = {Drogenabh{\"a}ngigkeit}, language = {en} }