Stimulant users’ view of the drug market in Croatia

• In Event: Altered perceptions: Attitudes towards illicit drugs

Abstract

Stimulant users are a difficult group to reach in drug research; therefore, their perspective is a valuable contribution to understanding the drug situation. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the perceptions of stimulant users on the drug market in Croatia.

The study was conducted in June 2024 and included a heterogeneous sample of 24 adults who had used at least one stimulant drug (MDMA, ecstasy, (met)amphetamine, cocaine or synthetic cathinones) in the past 12 months. The sample comprised 13 men and 11 women with an average age of 39.6 years (between 21 and 55 years). Four participants were recruited through the Tripsitters program, a safe environment initiative for young people organized by the non-governmental organization Terra. Ten participants were included in the study due to their participation in harm reduction programs run by Remar, Help and Institut. The remaining participants were recruited through the researchers' indirect personal networks or the snowball method. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a focus group, and the data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Participants found all stimulants to be easily accessible. However, a major concern was the purity level of drugs available on the market and the associated health risks. Drug prices were described as stable in recent years, and in addition to purchasing from dealers, participants also obtained stimulants through friends, acquaintances or online sources. The results suggest that socioeconomic status does not play a role in the decision to use stimulants, as these substances can also be acquired in ways other than the exchange of money, such as trading goods, services, drugs or space for drug use.

The main contribution of this study is that it provides an opportunity for users to actively contribute to the understanding of stimulant use and influence the development of public policy.

Authors

• Dijana Jerkovic, University of Zagreb Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Criminology

• Tihana Novak, University of Zagreb Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Criminology

• Anita Jandric Nisevic, University of Zagreb Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Criminology

• Dalibor Dolezal, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Criminology