Rachael Butler

Highs and lows: patterns of use, positive and negative effects of benzylpiperazine-containing party pills (BZP-party pills) amongst young people in New Zealand

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate patterns and context of use of BZP-party pills, function of use, and positive and negative effects experienced by a sample of New Zealand young people who had used the products.MethodsA qualitative study comprised of semi-structured interviews and group discussions.ResultsThe sample included 58 young people aged 17–23 years who had used BZP-party pills in the previous 12 months. Young people were using these substances in a range of settings – primarily during weekend social occasions – particularly as part of the dance party culture. They were mostly used for their stimulant properties and to enhance socialisation, and were often taken in combination with other legal and illicit drugs. Young people had suffered a range of physical and emotional negative effects, although none of these was reported as being life-threatening or long-term. Many participants had reduced the frequency with which they used BZP-party pills due to adverse effects. Potentially risky behaviours identified included taking large doses, mixing BZP-party pills with alcohol and other substances, and driving whilst under the influence of BZP-party pills.ConclusionFindings suggest that young people in this study were not suffering excessive or dangerous adverse effects. However, potentially risky use of these products raises the issue of the need for developing harm reduction interventions.

Initiation into Methamphetamine Use: Qualitative Findings from an Exploration of First Time Use Among a Group of New Zealand Users

Abstract Methamphetamine use has risen in many countries around the world in recent years, and New Zealand is no exception, with the substance having become well-established in the illicit drug market. While there is much published on the individual and social harms of this drug, limited data are available on methamphetamine use initiation. Understanding early patterns of behavior is important. given the potential risks involved at this stage of use. This article presents findings from a qualitative study which was undertaken with methamphetamine users, most of whom were in treatment at the time of the research. While the research primarily sought to investigate patterns of methamphetamine use and associated harms, a key issue explored was the way in which respondents came to use the drug. Findings revealed that most were experienced users of other substances when trying the drug for the first time, but lacked specific knowledge of methamphetamine. The majority were introduced to methamphetamine in a social situation by a friend or partner, who also played a key role in preparing the drug for administration. Several reported risk-taking behaviors on the first occasion of use. The findings have important implications for potential interventions and harm reduction strategies at first use.

Clinician experiences of employing the AmpliChip® CYP450 test in routine psychiatric practice

These findings are from a qualitative study examining clinician experiences of employing the AmpliChip® CYP450 test in psychiatric practice. One hundred tests were made available to secondary care mental health service clinicians commencing patient treatment with risperidone across three District Health Boards within New Zealand. Feedback was sought on clinicians’ (n = 33) experiences of ordering the test and receiving results, utilization of results, and perceived advantages and disadvantages. Difficulties were reported regarding ordering the test and receiving the results; however, real or perceived advantages of employing the test results in practice were widely reported. Analysis of the ways in which the test results were reportedly utilized revealed that they generally played a supporting role with regard to dosing decisions, rather than being the main influence on clinician behaviour. The test itself, and subsequent results, was viewed as potentially useful in facilitating the development of the doctor–patient relationship. Reported disadvantages of the test included potential over-reliance at the expense of clinical wisdom, cost, and challenges inherent in introducing a new clinical procedure into routine practice. These findings indicate that psychiatric clinicians are receptive to employing this test as a clinical support tool if its implementation is carefully considered and economically justifiable.

Atypical Alliances: The Potential for Social Work and Pharmacy Collaborations in Primary Health Care Delivery

The growing prevalence of chronic conditions is a cause for concern globally, both in terms of its impact on the health of populations and also the strain it is predicted to place on health resources. There is a push to adopt more holistic and collaborative approaches to health care, and for the education of health care professionals to be reformed if these efforts are to be successful. A research project was undertaken in New Zealand in 2010–2011 aimed at exploring the perceptions of health care professionals on competencies in the field of chronic care. This article aims to highlight learning from the project regarding the “atypical alliance” between social work and pharmacy. Based on this, the authors argue that, with the growing expectations for interprofessional collaboration, effective primary and community health care delivery is increasingly dependent on relationships between educators in different health disciplines, between health professionals-in-training, and between education providers and health organizations.

Physical and Psychological Harms and Health Consequences of Methamphetamine Use Amongst a Group of New Zealand Users

Methamphetamine has become a drug of concern in many countries. This qualitative study reports on the historical and current psychological and physical health of a group of methamphetamine users in Auckland, New Zealand in 2004, most of whom were in drug treatment. Participants reported they had experienced a range of physical health problems including those relating to lack of eating, skin problems, and cardiovascular and respiratory issues. Psychological problems included hallucinatory experiences, lack of sleep, feelings and acts of aggression and poor self-esteem. SF-36 results indicated that current health status was perceived as generally ‘good’, possibly due to many having stopped using the drug. Many participants were poly drug users so attribution to methamphetamine use remains problematic. Despite this, and the limitations of a small, urban, New Zealand population, this study adds to the body of quantitative research in this area.

Community pharmacists’ views on the regulation of complementary medicines and complementary-medicines practitioners: a qualitative study in New Zealand

To examine community pharmacists’ perspectives on CMs regulation in New Zealand, where proposals for CMs regulations had recently been suspended and where, currently, CMs are only weakly regulated.