TY - JOUR A1 - Bendau, Antonia A1 - Michnevich, Twyla A1 - Petzold, Moritz B. A1 - Piest, Andrea A1 - Schmolke, Rüdiger A1 - Jakobson, Daniel A1 - Ahrend, Katharin A1 - Reitz, Thale A1 - Roediger, Lukas A1 - Betzler, Felix T1 - Spiking Versus Speculation? Perceived Prevalence, Probability, and Fear of Drink and Needle Spiking JF - Journal of Drug Issues N2 - 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. KW - Nadelstechen KW - Tropfen KW - Nadel KW - Injektionsspritze KW - Rauschgift KW - Panik KW - K.O.-Tropfen Y1 - 2023 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426231197826 SN - 0022-0426 SN - 1945-1369 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - Sage Publications CY - London ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Bendau, Antonia A1 - Roediger, Lukas A1 - Piest, Andrea A1 - Schmolke, Rüdiger A1 - Ahrend, Katharin A1 - Petzold, Moritz Bruno A1 - Michnevich, Twyla A1 - Betzler, Felix T1 - Mind the G(ap) BT - Bridging prevention needs and approaches for GHB/GBL users and their social environment JF - Harm Reduction Journal N2 - 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. KW - Drogenabhängigkeit KW - Hydroxybuttersäure KW - Rauschgift KW - Schadensminimierung Y1 - 2025 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:525-35764 SN - 1477-7517 VL - 22 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - BioMed Central CY - London ER -