Influence of age on Salvia divinorum use results of an Internet survey.
An Internet-based survey of Salvia divinorum (salvia) users was conducted to identify correlates surrounding its use. Salvia-knowledgeable persons were recruited via social networking Internet websites (n 23) where notices were posted on recreational salvia group message boards (n 69). Data collection included demographics, use circumstances, experiences, and age (current and at first salvia use). A total of 219 surveys were analyzed. Salvia users who were young adults (< or 21 yrs) at first use favored salvia for fun (OR 1.94, CI 1.08-3.49, p 0.03) or to relieve boredom (OR 2.06 CI 1.09-3.91, p 0.02), while salvia users who were adults (> or 22 yrs) at first use favored salvia for spiritual effects (OR 2.63, CI 1.02-6.75, p 0.04). Being an adult at first use was associated with higher odds of concurrent marijuana (OR 2.68, CI 1.50-4.78, p 0.0007) or tobacco use (OR 1.94, CI 1.05-3.60, p 0.03). Over half of all respondents reported use reduction or cessation in the past 12 months (114 of 219, 52%), citing dislike of the high (33.3%) or loss of interest in salvia (28.9%). Reports of cessation suggest salvia use may be more attributed to curiosity than continual abuse.