Opioids, stimulants, and depressant drugs in fifteen Mexican Cities: A wastewater-based epidemiological study.

Background: Monitoring drug use in México is a challenge due to emerging drugs and rapid changes in consumption patterns. The temporal and geographical patterns of cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, heroin, ketamine, and fentanyl were examined in Mexican cities using wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE).

Methods: 105 daily composite wastewater samples were collected from sewage treatment plants in fifteen Mexican cities.

Fentanyl is used in Mexico's northern border: current challenges for drug health policies.

Background And Aims: Results from a recent study among 750 heroin users in three Mexico's northern border cities revealed an increase in white powder availability (also known as China white) and preference for this product among heroin users, as well as a general perception of increased overdose cases among this population. Here, we questioned whether those findings reflect an increased presence of heroin laced with fentanyl, which is associated with greater risks of overdose but that, until now, has not been described in Mexico.

Design: We tested fentanyl using highly sensitive test strips in syringe plungers, metal cookers and drug wrappings associated with heroin use.

Barriers to accessing substance abuse treatment in Mexico: national comparative analysis by migration status.

Background: We examined Mexican migrants' perceived barriers to entering substance abuse treatment and potential differences by gender.

Methods: This study analyzed a subset of household data collected in Mexico in 2011 via the Encuesta Nacional de Adicciones (National Survey of Addictions). A sample of 1,143 individuals who reported using illicit drugs was analyzed using multivariate negative binomial models to determine direct and moderated relationships of gender, migrant status, and drug dependence with perceived barriers to accessing treatment.

Mexicans' use of illicit drugs in an era of drug reform: national comparative analysis by migrant status.

Background: Although rates of illicit drug use are considerably lower in Mexico than in the United States, rates in Mexico have risen significantly. This increase has particular implications for Mexican women and US migrants, who are considered at increased risk of drug use. Due to drug reforms enacted in Mexico in 2008, it is critical to evaluate patterns of drug use among migrants who reside in both regions.

Volatile substance misuse in Mexico: correlates and trends.

This paper analyzes volatile substance misuse in Mexico since the 1980s. Data were collected from national household and school surveys, epidemiological surveillance systems, and studies among special populations. Volatile substance misuse begins at 12-14 years.