[Which psychoactives substances are found in used syringes?]

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the residual content of used syringes.

Methods: Used syringes were collected in March 2014 at 9 sites in Marseille (automatic injection kit dispensers, streets, drug-user risk reduction centers [Centres d'accueil et d'accompagnement à la réduction de risques pour usagers de drogues [CAARUD]). Several substances (n=28) were investigated using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry method.

Results: On average, 2±1 substances in each syringe were found among 254 syringes analyzed. The most detected substances were cocaine, buprenorphine, methylphenidate and cathinones (in 57 %, 56 %, 39 % and 19 % of the syringes respectively). Heroin and morphine were found in 10 % of the syringes.

Discussion-conclusion: This study helps define the main substances consumed by injection drugs users. It highlighted differencies in used substances according to neighborhood and site of collection and thus help to adjust prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Keywords: Abus; Abuse; Injection drugs users; Pharmacoepidemiology; Pharmacoépidémiologie; Usagers de drogues par injection.