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Psychedelics can profoundly alter cognition and consciousness. Their use in Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, is ambiguous. We aim to investigate psychedelic awareness and use among Iraqi and Polish medical students. We surveyed 739 university students from Poland (315) and Iraq (424) using 31 adapted questions from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). We conducted multivariable analyses based on binary logistic regression to identify the factors associated with psychedelic awareness and use. Most of the respondents were females (65.6%) and senior medical students (69.6%). Notably, the Polish students displayed a higher prevalence of psychedelic use (21.6% compared to 1.2%, p < 0.001), while the Iraqi participants exhibited a lower familiarity with psychedelics (p < 0.001). The multivariable model demonstrated a commendable level of statistical accuracy and satisfactorily conformed to the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (statistical accuracy = 91.61%, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.488, p-value = 0.848). Several factors emerged as correlates of increased psychedelic use, including lacking an intact religious belief system or commitment to its practice (OR = 7.26, 95% CI [2.33, 22.60]). Additionally, those who perceived a low risk associated with sporadic psychedelic use (3.03, [1.44, 6.36]) were likelier to engage in such behavior. Other factors included residing in Poland (2.82, [0.83, 9.55]), maintaining positive attitudes toward psychedelics (2.49, [1.20, 5.14]), frequent social nightlife activities (2.41, [1.26, 4.61]), male gender (2.05, [1.10, 3.85]), and cigarette or tobacco smoking (2.03, [1.06, 3.86]). Significant disparities exist between Poles and Iraqis, influenced by religiosity, perceptions of the usage risks, geographical location, gender, attitudes toward psychedelics, parental leniency, and social freedom, especially concerning nightlife activities. Addressing the factors influencing psychedelic usage is paramount to responsible psychedelic engagement and culturally sensitive interventions to prevent misuse.

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Crystal methamphetamine, a potent psychostimulant, presents a complex clinical landscape. However, insights into the predisposing factors for suicidal tendencies among Iraqi users remain limited. Our study delves into these risks among 165 patients. Rigorous multivariable analysis was conducted, employing binary logistic regression, drawing from patients from Baghdad Medical City and Ibn-Rushd Teaching Hospital. Most participants were in their third decade (26.62 ± 0.53 years). Regarding suicidal ideation, our model demonstrated robust accuracy, supported by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (NagelKerke's R2 = 0.49, accuracy = 79.4%, p = 0.885). Notably, chronic methamphetamine use exceeding a year (OR = 6.15, p = 0.001), absence of psychological trauma (OR = 4.58, p = 0.006), and incidence of visual hallucinations (OR = 4.52, p = 0.001) rendered users more susceptible to suicidal ideation. Furthermore, our investigation unveiled risk factors tied to psychotic features and withdrawal manifestations. The study underscores pivotal predictors of suicidal ideation, warranting interdisciplinary vigilance from psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and social workers. By monitoring at-risk individuals, progression toward the intricate spectrum of suicide can be potentially averted. These findings illuminate the urgency of tailored interventions for crystal methamphetamine users, contributing to enhanced holistic care.

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Aboriginals of Latin America have used DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) in ritualistic ceremonies for centuries. Nevertheless, there are limited data on web users' interest concerning DMT. We aim to review the literature and explore the spatial-temporal mapping of online search behavior concerning DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and the Colorado River toad via Google Trends over the past 10 years (2012-2022) while using 5 search terms: "N,N-dimethyltryptamine", "5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine", "5-MeO-DMT", "Colorado River toad", and "Sonoran Desert toad". Literature analysis conveyed novel information concerning DMT's past shamanic and present-day illicit uses, showcased experimental trials on DMT uses for neurotic disorders, and highlighted potential uses in modern medicine. DMT's geographic mapping signals originated mainly from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Far East Asia. In contrast, 5-MeO-DMT signals prevailed in Western Europe, Indo-China, and Australasia. Signals concerning the toad originated from the Americas, Australia, India, the Philippines, and Europe. Web users searched the most for "N,N-dimethyltryptamine" and "5-MeO-DMT". Three terms exhibited significant upgoing linear temporal trends: "5-MeO-DMT" (ß = 0.37, p < 0.001), "Sonoran Desert toad" (ß = 0.23, p < 0.001), and "Colorado River toad" (ß = 0.17, p < 0.001). The literature and Infoedemiology data provided crucial information concerning DMT's legal status, risks and benefits, and potential for abuse. Nonetheless, we opine that in the upcoming decades, physicians might use DMT to manage neurotic disorders pending a change in its legal status.

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Suicidal ideation is a spectrum of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with suicide. Its prevalence is ambiguous in Iraq, especially among the youth. We aim to survey the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Iraqi students and explore its risk factors. We surveyed Iraqi undergraduate medical students (n = 496) using two psychometric tools, the PHQ-9 and Beck's SSI-C. We also explored potential risk factors, including the students' attributes, socio-demographics, and history of mental illnesses. The current study included males (23.8%) and females (76.2%) in their early twenties (21.73 ± 0.11). Concerning PHQ-9 and SSI-C, most students had either moderate (28%) or mild depression (27.8%), while those with suicidal ideation accounted for an alarming 64.9%. The strongest association existed between the SSI-C and PHQ-9 scores (p = 0.001, OR = 4.70). Other associations existed with the personal history of mental illness (p < 0.001, OR = 2.87) and the family history of suicidality (p = 0.006, OR = 2.28). Path analysis highlighted four suicidal ideation predictors, including the PHQ-9 score (standardized estimate = 0.41, p < 0.001), personal history of mental illness (0.16, p < 0.001), previous psychiatric consultation (0.12, p = 0.002), and family history of suicidality (0.11, p = 0.005). Suicidal ideation is highly prevalent among Iraqi students. Univariable testing, multivariable analyses, and structural modeling yielded congruent results. The students' inherent rather than inherited attributes influenced the phenomenon the most, which is in harmony with Durkheim's theory on the social roots of suicide. We encourage psychiatrists and psychology counselors to be vigilant concerning these risk factors among potential suicidal ideation victims.

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Statistical data on the use of various psychoactive substances indicate a narrowing of previous differences in substance use between men and women. Data from studies conducted among women suffering from drug addiction are increasingly published, with the authors highlighting the specific needs of this group and the difficulties that women with addiction problems encounter. The current study aimed to identify the barriers and needs of this audience, both when seeking help and during treatment. The method used in the study was secondary content analysis. To identify publications describing the barriers and needs of women suffering from drug addiction, we searched the PubMed database to find publications that met the adopted research objective. We set the data search period to the last ten years to examine the timeliness of the issue under study. The search yielded 199 research reports. Twenty-three articles describing 21 studies were included in the final analysis. The selected publications dealt with the difficulties and challenges faced by women with addiction problems. Barriers to accessing treatment for this group, the needs, and the challenges of helping women suffering from addiction were identified. Results showed that the barriers are mainly stigma but also deficits in the therapeutic offerings for this group. The primary need was identified as the introduction of appropriate drug policies, and the challenges, unfortunately, are the still-reported gender inequalities. To improve the situation of women, regular attention to these issues and the need to include them in national health strategies is essential.

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BACKGROUND: Psychedelics represent a unique subset of psychoactive substances that can induce an aberrant state of consciousness principally via the neuronal 5-HT2A receptor. There is limited knowledge concerning the interest in these chemicals in Poland and how they changed during the pandemic. Nonetheless, these interests can be surveyed indirectly via the web. OBJECTIVES: We aim to conduct a spatial-temporal mapping of online information-seeking behavior concerning cannabis and the most popular psychedelics before and during the pandemic. METHODS: We retrieved online information search data via Google Trends concerning twenty of the most popular psychedelics from 1 January 2017 to 1 January 2022 in Poland. We conducted Holt-Winters exponential smoothing for time series analysis to infer potential seasonality. We utilized hierarchical clustering analysis based on Ward's method to find similarities of psychedelics' interest within Poland's voivodships before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: Twelve (60%) psychedelics had significant seasonality; we proved that psilocybin and ayahuasca had annual seasonality (p-value = 0.0120 and p = 0.0003, respectively), and four substances-LSD, AL-LAD, DXM, and DOB-exhibited a half-yearly seasonality, while six psychedelics had a quarterly seasonal pattern, including cannabis, dronabinol, ergine, NBOMe, phencyclidine, and salvinorin A. Further, the pandemic influenced a significant positive change in the trends for three substances, including psilocybin, ergine, and DXM. CONCLUSIONS: Different seasonal patterns exist for psychedelics, and some might correlate with school breaks or holidays in Poland. The pandemic induced some changes in the temporal and spatial trends. The spatial-temporal trends could be valuable information to health authorities and policymakers responsible for monitoring and preventing addictions.

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Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs.

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