Examination of Synthetic Cannabinoid and Cathinone Use among a Drug-Using Offender Sample, 2013-2015.
Use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) such as synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., Spice, Serenity) and cathinones (e.g., bath salts) has proliferated in recent years however, there is a gap in research examining prevalence among offender samples. This study examined demographics, drug use, mental health characteristics, and criminal histories of NPS users compared to non-NPS users within an offender sample entering drug treatment. Using logistic regression analysis, combined 2013-2015 assessment data were examined (N 8,791). NPS users offended more often (x̄ 10.3), were more likely to have experienced homelessness (12.2%), and to have lived in a metro area (59.0%). NPS users reported significantly more past-year drug use, including substances not readily detected by standard urine analysis (e.g., hallucinogens, alcohol, and inhalants). Individuals with higher anxiety symptom counts (OR 1.07 p < .001) and those who reported drinking to intoxication (OR 1.30 p < .001) had an increased likelihood of NPS use. Older individuals (OR 0.95 p < .001) and those who began using drugs at an older age (OR 0.95 p < .001) were less likely to report NPS use. NPS use may be a marker of more severe using patterns in an offender sample. Future investigation should focus on NPS use as a possible method for bypassing drug testing measures.