Sociodemographic and clinical correlates of drug testing use among psychedelic users

Among 422 recreational psychedelic users in Israel, 92% acknowledged the importance of testing substances for harm reduction, yet only 20% reported testing at least occasionally and only 4.3% always did so. 95% expressed readiness to use testing kits if provided free at the point of use. People who measured their substance dosages and those who obtained information from scientific research or online resources were more likely to test; those relying on friends for information tested less often. Employment status and sexual orientation were also associated with testing kit use. Legalizing and providing free testing kits at places of use may increase adoption of this harm reduction practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims This study explores the factors influencing the use of drug-testing kits as a harm reduction strategy among recreational psychedelic users in Israel. Methods Using an online survey of 422 participants, we collected data on attitudes toward testing psychedelic substances, harm reduction attitudes in the context of testing kits, accessibility to testing kits, and demographic characteristics. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed to analyze the data. Results The findings showed that though 92% of respondents acknowledged the importance of testing for harm reduction, only 20% reported they tested substances before use at least occasionally, and only 4.3% reported they did so always. Importantly, 95% of participants expressed readiness to use testing kits if they were provided for free at the point of use. Several characteristics were found to be associated with chance of using drug-testing kits. Individuals measuring substance dosages tend to use testing kits more frequently ( p < .001). Respondents obtaining information about substances from scientific research/academic articles ( p = .002) or online resources ( p = .028) were more inclined to use testing kits, whereas those obtaining information about substances from friends used testing kits less frequently ( p < 0.001). Additional social and demographic characteristics, such as employment status and sexual orientation, were also found to be associated with self-reported use of testing kits. Conclusion Pre-use substance testing among the respondents is low. Legalizing the use of testing kits and increasing their availability at the points of use of psychedelic substances may support increased adoption of this harm reduction strategy.