Erowid References Database
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Norman J, Grace S, Lloyd C.
“Legal high groups on the internet - The creation of new organized deviant groups?”.
Drugs: education, prevention and policy. 2014 Feb;21(1):14-23.
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Abstract
AIMS: To contribute to knowledge about the use of legal highs; the role of the internet in the purchase of legal highs; and to examine whether legal high groups on Facebook are acting as new organized deviant groups (ODGs) by facilitating and supporting
the purchase and use of these substances and illegal alternatives.
METHODS: Facebook was used to recruit respondents
through a ‘legal high survey’ forum. Members of the group were directed to an online survey about their use and purchase of legal highs. The group’s chat was monitored over a three-month period to observe their conversations about their use of legal (and
illegal) drugs.
FINDINGS: Respondents used legal highs for pleasure, out of curiosity or as an alternative to illegal drugs. Respondents were using illegal drugs and alcohol alongside legal highs. 48% of respondents agreed that they felt fully informed of the recommended dosage when purchasing legal highs online. There was evidence that online groups are acting as ODGs by protecting and neutralizing drug use and by
informing and supporting novice users.
CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers should be concerned about the degree to which such groups encourage and reinforce the use of new substances, the safety of which is virtually unknown.
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