§ NPS research Katy MacLeod National Training and Development Officer A national resource of expertise on drug issues

Mixed methods study Partnership between SDF and Glasgow university Research Question: What is the prevalence, motivations for and harms of New Psychoactive Substance use in Scotland?

What is the prevalence of use of different categories of NPS amongst target populations in Scotland? What are the stated motivations for experimenting with and continued use of NPS among target populations in Scotland? How are the harms associated with the use of NPS understood by those who use them and those who provide specialist services to target populations in Scotland?

Adult homeless People who inject drug users People who experience mental health issues Men who have sex with men (MSM) Vulnerable young people – Looked after and accommodated young people – Care leavers – Young homeless – Young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs).

32 semi-structured one to one interviews 4 Focus groups with front line staff Work conducted by SDF and Glasgow University

Generating estimates from existing data sets Developing survey tools Survey with target populations Survey with front line staff working with NPS users

Model used successfully by SDF in previous projects Peers recruited from target populations Enables greater involvement from hard to engage populations Peers receive training in relevant areas User survey will be offered both peer research administered and self administered

Qualitative analysis at end of Stage 1 Statistical analysis of survey data, and thematic qualitative analysis Initial findings report released to research groups for review Findings reported to wider population

Synthetic cannabinoid use most prevalent in certain target populations Reporting of dependency issues and withdrawal in heavy users Motivations include curiosity, availability/access, peer exposure, cost Purchase moving to street dealers from shops in some areas

All had used illicit substances prior to using NPS Majority stating that NPS have ore pronounced side effects than illicit drugs Lack of knowledge about substance, dosage and effects prior to using first time Mixed reports of treatment experience, recurring themes of lack of specialist knowledge/support and information

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