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Non-medical use of nitrous oxide (N2O) is becoming increasingly popular globally, yet little data exists regarding N2O in Aotearoa New Zealand. We aimed to explore patterns of use and harm in those who consume N2O in Aotearoa, and related knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of those with and without N2O experience. A convenience sample of people with N2O experience (n = 466) and without (n = 510) completed an online survey about N2O. Most with N2O experience reported infrequent and low-dose consumption. Harm reduction behaviors were utilized by most consumers, and reports of adverse effects were relatively low. Self-reported acute or chronic harm (primarily psychological) was reported by only 5.8% of the N2O sample, whilst 9.2% reported ever experiencing persistent numbness (5.2% in the past 12 months). Self-reported knowledge about N2O varied and was greater in those with N2O experience. N2O knowledge was generally poor, although more accurate in those with N2O experience. Attitudes generally differed between those with and without N2O experience, and perceived harmfulness and experience significantly contributed to attitudes regarding N2O legality. Findings underscore the relative safety of N2O when used recreationally, but also highlight the need for greater drug education around potential risks of N2O use and harm reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: TikTok has quickly gained popularity through its platforming of large amounts of short video content. Given its widespread popularity, unrestricted access and poor content monitoring may allow 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐related content to influence perception of MDMA use. We aimed to investigate how MDMA‐related videos are portrayed on TikTok and explore MDMA‐related harm reduction content. Methods: MDMA‐related hashtags and sounds were utilised to collect data from TikTok (n = 498). Video views, likes, comments and shares were recorded and quantified, and videos were coded for depiction/sentiment towards MDMA and thematic content. Results: The total sample view count was 82,413,781. Videos had a median view count of 28,900 (SD = ±561,645), median like count of 2269 (SD = ±102,904), median comment count of 52 (SD = ±755), and median share count of 34 (SD = ±3292). Most videos depicted MDMA neutrally (40.6%), while 34.9% were positive. MDMA intoxication was presumed in 40.2% of videos. The analysis produced seven themes, of which humour was the most common (80.5%). Harm reduction content was present in nine videos, viewed 999,700 times, and consisted of mixed subject matter. Discussion and Conclusions: Similar themes and issues surrounding drug‐related content on TikTok are relevant to MDMA, and intoxication was present in a significant portion of the sample. Better monitoring or regulation of content could potentially offset harm that may arise from consumption of such content. Promotion of harm reduction content could also be trialled to minimise harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption is relatively high in Aotearoa New Zealand, but MDMA use has not been investigated in detail. We explored consumption behaviours and a range of MDMA-related factors, including motivations, subjective effects, and reflections about personal MDMA use via a cross-sectional survey. A total of 1180 respondents (59.2% female, 15% Māori, aged 18–65, Median = 23.5) partially completed the survey, whilst 915 completed most questions. All included respondents had used MDMA in the past 5 years. Median reported MDMA consumption per session was 151 to 200 mg. The majority (88.9%) reported use in the last year, with house parties being the most common setting of consumption. Fortnightly or more frequent use was reported by 14.1%, and 53% reported 21 or more use occasions. Concomitant use with other drugs was common, and the median number of standard drinks consumed in addition to MDMA was 7 to 9. Enhancement (fun, feeling good) was the primary motivation for consumption, followed by social motivations. Motivations scores for MDMA consumption also differed significantly to motivations for alcohol consumption. Reflections about MDMA use were mainly positive and suggest that many respondents perceived that they had benefitted from their MDMA consumption, although a minority also reported increased memory or concentration problems and paranoia. These findings present a detailed overview of MDMA consumption in Aotearoa and show that most individuals use infrequently and consume within a lower risk dose range. However, some participants reported frequent and high-dose consumption, presenting as targets of harm reduction messaging and education. The concomitant use of MDMA and large amounts of alcohol also presents another avenue for public health messaging and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]