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Evolving Harm Reduction Through On-line Peer Education. John Campbell. Overview. Changes in recreational drug use The internet and forums as a source of information Opportunities for engagement How it could work in practice. Recreational drug use - It use to be so simple.
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Evolving Harm Reduction Through On-line Peer Education John Campbell
Overview • Changes in recreational drug use • The internet and forums as a source of information • Opportunities for engagement • How it could work in practice
Recreational drug use - It use to be so simple • Early 90’s = E, acid, speed and jellies (poppers) • Mid 90’s =E, acid, speed, alcohol (heroin?) • Late 90’s = cocaine, alcohol, E and blues • Mid 00’s = cocaine, alcohol, E, blues and legals • 2010 = Cocaine, alcohol, E, blues, advanced legals and research chemicals
The Internet - a source for…. • Buying drugs • Selling drugs • Researching drugs • Discussing effects and sharing experiences different people want different things
The vendor wants to know • What will sell • What is profitable • How available it is • What form to bring to market
The user wants to know • What’s available • What it costs • How and how much to take • What to expect • Interactions How will they get this information?
Forums “an information hub of high standards and a platform where people can freely discuss recreational drugs in a mature manner” Drugs Forum www.drugsforum.com www.partyvibe.com www.bluelight.ru Additional sites for PIEDs
Forum terminology • RC = research chemical • LH = legal high • IL = illegal legal • Bomb = swallow in a cigarette paper • Bump = small pile for snorting • Plug = rectal administration • Rail = intravenous injection • SWIM = someone who isn't me • AFOAF = a friend of a friend • TR = trip report
Lothian Cluster – DF Provided link to story “Well, severe nausea, vomiting, anxiety and hallucinations, this does really fit with mdpv” “The third version of ivorywave (red packaging) seems to be even more of a problem than the previous ones” “It will be interesting to know if this is caused by MDPV” “MDPV must still be the most likely culprit”
Forum issues and considerations • Normalises risky drug taking • Not all advice given is good • Encourages experimentation • Gives a false sense of security • No guarantee forum members are of age
Are we missing an opportunity? • A massive group of current users • Prepared to share experiences and knowledge • Opportunity to skill the workforce • A chance to share harm reduction information
Ivory wave scenario Health Police, government
What would have happened if we had used this model when we had the outbreak of anthrax? • Why do you think this is happening? • Any change in cutting agents? • Realistic alternatives to injecting? • Review of information materials • Online dissemination of materials
Final thought Facebook was launched in February 2004 it now has more than 500 million active users