Theorizing Novel and Emerging Drug Use: A Motivational Typology

Authors

J. Mitchell Miller, University of North Florida
Holly Ventura Miller, University of North FloridaFollow
Taylor L. Claxton, University of North Florida

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2-2019

Abstract

Novel and emerging psychoactive drugs (NEPDs), a research-based classification referencing a wide range of natural plant-derived substances and synthetic compounds, have garnered considerable academic attention in recent years. Most of the scientific literature on NEPDs presents definitional overviews of specific substances in terms of their chemical composition and toxicology or socio-legal commentary. This study presents a motivational typology of NEPD use derived from interview data from a sample of offenders participating in jail-based drug treatment. Findings indicate four primary motives for NEPD use (experimentation, drug alternative, peer influence, and availability) and inform discussion for additional research and policy implications.

Publication Title

Deviant Behavior

Volume

40

Issue

9

First Page

1105

Last Page

1118

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/01639625.2018.1461750

ISSN

01639625

E-ISSN

15210456

Citation Information

Miller, J.M., Miller, H.V., Claxton, T.L. (2019) Theorizing Novel and Emerging Drug Use: A Motivational Typology. Deviant Behavior, 40(9), 1105-1118.