La prévention d’overdoses parmi les usagers de GHB difficiles à atteindre

Mainline a exploré les caractéristiques environnementales et personnelles associées avec l’overdose et les possibilités de réduire les risques. Pour en savoir plus, en anglais, veuillez lire les informations ci-dessous.

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Under investigation was what sort of harm-reduction interventions can be developed with a view to reducing the risk of a GHB-related (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate) overdose and the associated health damage. The study’s conclusion is that the harm reduction measures to be developed are strongly dependent on the subgroup based on the GHB experience, their information needs and their level of knowledge on the topic of overdosing.

Within this study, three distinct groups were identified:

1. People with modest GHB experience
(lifetime use: 1 – 50 times)

are the ones most eager to avoid passing out. This group is interested in hearing stories of other people who use, harm-reduction tips and the long-term effects of GHB.

A possible intervention befitting this often higher educated audience are informative online / offline articles about sex, drugs and health where experiential stories are supplemented with expert knowledge. This group often cites sexual arousal as a motivation for using GHB. Other possibilities include: strengthening bonds within peer groups, such as appointing someone to keep track of time and dosages, and developing a GHB helpline where people can seek advice anonymously.

2. People with considerable GHB experience
(lifetime use: 50 to 200 times)

say they pass out occasionally due to their frequency of use. They are interested in tools that facilitate safer use. Under the influence you lose your inhibitions, your vision and sense of time.

A possible intervention is to distribute syringes with which the dosage can be measured more precisely in millilitres. The use of a timer can also be encouraged. These tools can be integrated with a 'G-app': an application on smartphones with information about GHB and passing out. An added value of an app can be a monitoring function that makes your substance use within the time period visible. With the help of self-control tips, periods of non-use can subsequently be strengthened.

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Thumbnail: Flickr CC Miranda