Influence of age on Salvia divinorum use: results of an Internet survey.
Pearl P Nyi, Emily P Lai, Diana Y Lee, Shannon A Biglete, Gilsky I Torrecer, Ilene B Anderson
Journal of psychoactive drugs September 1, 2010 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2010.10400701 via PubMed
Summary
A survey of 219 Salvia divinorum users recruited through social networking websites found that users who first tried salvia at age 21 or younger were more likely to use it for fun or to relieve boredom, while those who first tried it at age 22 or older were more likely to seek spiritual effects. Older first-time users also had higher odds of concurrent marijuana or tobacco use. Over half of respondents had reduced or stopped using salvia in the past year, often because they disliked the high or lost interest, suggesting that salvia use may be driven more by curiosity than by sustained abuse.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 219 |
| Population | Salvia divinorum users recruited via social networking websites and recreational salvia group message boards |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key finding | Age at first salvia use was associated with different motivations: younger users favored fun or boredom relief, while older users favored spiritual effects, and older first-time users had higher odds of concurrent marijuana or tobacco use. |
Abstract
An Internet-based survey of Salvia divinorum ("salvia") users was conducted to identify correlates surrounding its use. Salvia-knowledgeable persons were recruited via "social networking Internet websites" (n = 23) where notices were posted on recreational salvia group message boards (n = 69). Data collection included demographics, use circumstances, experiences, and age (current and at first salvia use). A total of 219 surveys were analyzed. Salvia users who were young adults (< or = 21 yrs) at first use favored salvia for fun (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.08-3.49, p = 0.03) or to relieve boredom (OR = 2.06 CI = 1.09-3.91, p = 0.02), while salvia users who were adults (> or = 22 yrs) at first use favored salvia for spiritual effects (OR = 2.63, CI = 1.02-6.75, p = 0.04). Being an adult at first use was associated with higher odds of concurrent marijuana (OR = 2.68, CI = 1.50-4.78, p = 0.0007) or tobacco use (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.05-3.60, p = 0.03). Over half of all respondents reported use reduction or cessation in the past 12 months (114 of 219, 52%), citing dislike of the high (33.3%) or loss of interest in salvia (28.9%). Reports of cessation suggest salvia use may be more attributed to curiosity than continual abuse.