Nowe substancje psychoaktywne – wiedza i doświadczenia polskiej młodzieży

Introduction. This study was conducted within the frame of the ReDNet project (the Recrea- tional Drugs European Network), and was aimed at an assessment of access to information and level of respondents’ knowledge of new psychoactive substances (NPS) so called “legal highs”, as well as their information needs on NPS. Moreover, current NPS use among respondents, motives behind their use and factors associated with NPS use were examined. Method. The self-administered anonymous questionnaire was completed during university lectures and via the Internet. The sample included two populations: regular university students (N = 109) from Warsaw and young people visiting a drug-use discussion forum (N = 625). Results. The survey showed that most of the respondents reported having access to information about NPS. The Internet was perceived as the most important source of information. Forum respondents evaluated their current knowledge of NPS higher and showed much better knowledge on particular NPS. Information rated as most important to improve knowledge of NPS was: desired psychoactive effects and adverse side effects. Approximately half of the respondents used NPS in the last year and 27% during the last month with significantly higher prevalence rates among respondents from the forum. The most frequent motives behind NPS use were willingness to experiment with new substances, easy access via the Internet and legality. More than half of the respondents who use NPS experienced adverse effects. The results of logistic regression showed that the younger the age, the more positive the NPS knowledge evaluation, better experience with NPS and other illegal drug use and more increased risk of current NPS use. Conclusion. NPS prevention measures should be based on the provision of reliable and well-documented knowledge and focused on demand and harm reduction as well as health promotion.