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. 2015 May-Jun;9(3):188-94.
doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000115.

Prevalent intravenous abuse of methylphenidate among treatment-seeking patients with substance abuse disorders: a descriptive population-based study

Gudrun D Bjarnadottir  1 , Haraldur M Haraldsson, Bjarni O Rafnar, Engilbert Sigurdsson, Steinn Steingrimsson, Magnus Johannsson, Helena Bragadottir, Andres Magnusson
Affiliations

Prevalent intravenous abuse of methylphenidate among treatment-seeking patients with substance abuse disorders: a descriptive population-based study

Gudrun D Bjarnadottir et al. J Addict Med. 2015 May-Jun.

Abstract

Objectives: Prescription rates of methylphenidate (MPH) are sharply rising in most Western countries. Although it has been reported that MPH has abuse potential, little is known about the prevalence of intravenous (IV) abuse of MPH. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of IV MPH abuse among treatment-seeking IV substance abusers in Iceland.

Methods: This is a descriptive population-based study using a semistructured interview assessing sociodemographics, substance abuse history, and the method of administration of 108 IV substance abusers. During 1 year, consecutively admitted adult inpatients with substance use disorder at any detoxification center in Iceland that reported any IV substance abuse in the past 30 days were invited to participate. Abuse was defined as nontherapeutic use of a substance to gain psychological or physiological effect.

Results: Prevalence of any IV MPH abuse among participants was 88% in the last 30 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82-0.94) and MPH was the most commonly abused substance (65%) and the preferred substance (63%). Around one third (30%) reported MPH as the first IV substance ever abused. However, among those reporting a shorter history than 10 years of IV abuse, 42% reported MPH as the first IV substance ever abused.

Conclusions: This first nationwide study on IV abuse of MPH shows that it is common among treatment-seeking IV abusers in Iceland and suggests that MPH has high abuse potential. Therefore, both the use and possible abuse of MPH in those with high abuse potential should be monitored, especially in countries where MPH prescriptions rates are on the rise.

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Conflict of interest statement

None of the authors have competing interests. G.D. Bjarnadottir did parts of this research during 4 months' leave from her clinical duties at Landspitali University Hospital. This study was conducted without any influence from the Hospital or other organizations. G. D. Bjarnadottir received a travel grant from the Nordic Psychiatric Association in June 2012. No other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Substances abused IV and non-IV 30 days before admission of 108 participants. AMP indicates amphetamine; BZD, benzodiazepines; IV, intravenous; MPH, methylphenidate. One participant had abused only IV heroin and is included in the IV + non-IV group.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Substances that 108 participants cited as their most commonly abused and preferred IV substance during the past 30 days. AMP indicates amphetamine; MethAMP, methamphetamine; MPH, methylphenidate.
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Reasons why IV abusers prefer IV MPH rather than other IV stimulants (n = 95). Only participants who had abused IV MPH in the last 30 days answered this question. Missing values range from 3% to 7%.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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