Mind the G(ap)

  • 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, harmBackground 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.zeige mehrzeige weniger

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Metadaten
Verfasserangaben:Antonia BendauORCiD, Lukas RoedigerORCiD, Andrea Piest, Rüdiger Schmolke, Katharin Ahrend, Moritz Bruno PetzoldORCiD, Twyla MichnevichORCiD, Felix Betzler
URN:urn:nbn:de:kobv:525-35764
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01152-9
ISSN:1477-7517
Titel des übergeordneten Werkes (Englisch):Harm Reduction Journal
Untertitel (Englisch):Bridging prevention needs and approaches for GHB/GBL users and their social environment
Verlag:BioMed Central
Verlagsort:London
Dokumentart:Wissenschaftlicher Artikel
Sprache:Englisch
Jahr der Erstveröffentlichung:2025
Veröffentlichende Institution:Fachhochschule Potsdam
Datum der Freischaltung:16.01.2025
GND-Schlagwort:Drogenabhängigkeit; Hydroxybuttersäure <gamma->; Rauschgift; Schadensminimierung
Jahrgang:22
Aufsatznummer:5
Erste Seite:1
Letzte Seite:16
Fachbereiche und Zentrale Einrichtungen:FB1 Sozial- und Bildungswissenschaften
DDC-Klassifikation:300 Sozialwissenschaften / 360 Soziale Probleme, Sozialdienste
Lizenz (Deutsch):Creative Commons - CC BY - Namensnennung 4.0 International
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