Use of Club Drugs and Prescription Drugs in Eating Disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Use of Newer Psychoactive Substances and Prescription Drugs in Patients with Eating Disorders
IRAS ID
130354
Contact name
William Jones
Contact email
Research summary
disorders has been well documented. Prevalence rates of illicit drug use in eating disorders are high with many individuals citing the anorexic effects of these drugs as the main reason for their consumption. Previous studies examining illicit drug use in eating disorders have largely centred around the use of the more established substances such as cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines, however, patterns of drug use are changing rapidly in Europe. Whilst intravenous drug use and the use of established drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine have fallen the drugs market has become increasingly complex with the rise of prescription drug addiction and the emergence of newer psychoactive substances intended to mimic the effects of controlled drugs such as mephedrone and the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Several deaths related to these substances have been reported and the long-term physical and psychological consequences of these substances remain unclear. The changes in patterns of drug use have occurred alongside the revolutionary impact of the internet on culture and commerce which presents growing challenges, both as a mechanism for rapid diffusion of new trends and as a burgeoning anonymous marketplace with global reach creating a new interconnectedness in drug use and drug supply.
Many of the newer psychoactive substances and prescription drugs have anorexic effects and could potentially be abused by individuals with eating disorders. However, the implications of recent changes in the pattern of drug use for patients with eating disorders are not yet fully understood and the purpose of this study is to examine this further.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0251
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion