Using Internet Snapshot Surveys to Enhance Our Understanding of the Availability of the Novel Psychoactive Substance Alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT)
Substance Use & Misuse – July 02, 2013
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A notable decline in the availability of alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT), a novel psychoactive substance, was observed between March and October 2012, with online sales dropping from 44 to 31 sites. Interestingly, AMT powder was significantly cheaper when purchased in bulk (100 grams) compared to smaller recreational quantities (100 milligrams). Additionally, prices for AMT decreased during this period. This snapshot methodology enhances understanding of the market dynamics surrounding novel psychoactive substances and their implications for substance use and psychology.
Abstract
Alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT) is a novel psychoactive substance available over the Internet. This study used European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Internet snapshot methodology to investigate the availability and cost of AMT in March/October 2012. From March to October 2012, there was a decrease in the number of Internet sites selling AMT (44 to 31). AMT powder was cheaper in "bulk" (100 g) than in "recreational-user" (100 mg) quantities, and there was a decrease in price. Data from Internet snapshot surveys complement and allow triangulation of data from other sources to build a more detailed picture on availability and use of novel psychoactive substances.