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Individual, social and cultural factors shaping the use of amphetamine-type stimulants in Europe
Martens, Marcus-Sebastian ; Mravčík, Viktor (advisor) ; Radimecký, Josef (referee) ; Kachlík, Petr (referee)
Background: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) encompass a varied assortment of substances that possess comparable pharmacological effects and stimulant characteristics. ATS display diversity in patterns of use among different substances and users' sociodemographic characteristics. The utilization of ATS is associated with both favorable and unfavourable outcomes. The biopsychosocial model of substance use provides a comprehensive framework for understanding ATS use. Aims: The primary objective of this study is to cultivate a thorough comprehension of the motivating factors driving individuals to initiate, cease, escalate, and/or curtail their ATS use. Material and methods: In a mixed methods approach, qualitative interviews were conducted to explore distinct groups of ATS users and one group of non-ATS users. These qualitative interviews then informed standardized quantitative computer-assisted personal interviews that utilized a range of (standard) instruments. The interviews were carried out in five European Union member states, and a minimum of five years had to elapse between the first usage of or exposure to ATS and the conducted interview. In the qualitative study arm, a total of 279 individuals were interviewed. Among them, 17% were identified as currently dependent on ATS, 20% were formerly...
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