Use of Salvia divinorum in a nationally representative sample.
The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse – January 01, 2012
Source: PubMed
Summary
Salvia divinorum, a legal hallucinogen in much of the U.S., presents unique public health considerations. A comprehensive national survey of over 55,000 individuals aimed to identify characteristics of its users. Key findings reveal use is most common among young adults (18-25), frequently associated with risk-taking behaviors, other illicit drug use, and self-reported depression or anxiety. This valuable insight clarifies how Salvia's accessibility and psychoactive effects contribute to health risks, especially for those already facing substance use challenges.
Abstract
Salvia divinorum has known hallucinogenic effects and is legal in most parts of the United States. Given that this psychoactive substance has a potential of misuse and abuse, further data regarding the clinical and psychosocial factors associated with use are needed. To examine the clinical and psychosocial characteristics associated with use of salvia. The study uses data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2008 (N = 55,623). The results of this study suggest that salvia use is most common among young adults aged 18-25 years as well as individuals who had engaged in risk-taking behaviors (selling illicit drugs, stealing) or illicit drug use (especially other hallucinogens/ecstasy). Self-reported depression and anxiety were also associated with salvia use. CONCLUSIONS/SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The results provide evidence that salvia use is part of a broader constellation of psychosocial and behavioral problems among youth and young adults. The accessibility, legal status, and psychoactive effects of salvia can be a potentially complicating health risk to young people, especially among those with existing substance use problems.