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Bluelight (web forum)

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Bluelight.org
NicknameBluelight
PredecessorMDMA Clearinghouse
Formation1997; 27 years ago (1997)
Legal statusNon-profit organization
PurposeHarm reduction, peer support, academic research, mental health, drug education, substance dependence recovery
HeadquartersMelbourne, Australia
Region served
International
Membership480,000 (December 2024)
Official language
English
Executive Director
Monica J. Barratt
Parent organization
Bluelight Communities Ltd.
AffiliationsMultidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
Erowid
Tripsit
PillReports.net
Volunteers50+
Websitewww.bluelight.org
Formerly called
Bluelight.ru, Bluelight.nu

Bluelight is a web-forum, research portal, online community, and non-profit organization dedicated to harm reduction in drug use.[1][2] Its userbase includes current and former substance users, academic researchers, drug policy activists, and mental health advocates.[2][3][4] It is believed to be the largest online international drug discussion website in the world.[1][5] As of December 2024, the website claims over 470,000 registered members.[6]

Bluelight has been utilized by academic researchers as a primary source of data in numerous publications.[1][2][7][8][9] Researchers also utilize the site to advertise research studies, recruit study participants, and better understand the world of substance use.[1][2] Research groups and organizations that have partnered with Bluelight to recruit study participants include Imperial College London,[10][11] Johns Hopkins University,[12][13][14] Health Canada,[15] Karlstad University,[16] Curtin University,[17] Macquarie University,[18] Columbia University,[19][20] University of Pennsylvania,[21] University of Michigan,[22][23][24][25][26][27] Toronto Metropolitan University (then known as Ryerson University),[28] and MAPS.[29]

Researchers have found that the most common reasons for substance users to visit Bluelight.org and similar online communities are to learn "how to use drugs safely" and "how to help others use drugs safely."[2][22][30]

Bluelight does not condemn or condone drug use, but instead advocates educating individuals to make informed decisions, connecting them with local harm reduction services, and providing them with evidence-based harm reduction resources and public safety notices. Bluelight emphasizes "meeting users where they are", and supporting them whether they wish to continue, moderate, or cease their substance use.[8][30][31]

In 2022, Bluelight launched an expansion to various social media platforms, most notably establishing a community on the instant messaging platform Discord dedicated to harm reduction, mental health, & peer support.[32][33] As of December 2024, its Discord community is home to over 9,500 members.[33]

History

[edit]

Bluelight.org was originally formed in 1997 as a message board on bluelight.net called the MDMA Clearinghouse.[34] The board was created as a side project by the owner of West Palm Beach design company Bluelight Designs.[35] 200-300 users joined the site between 1998-1999, but the site's servers were heavily limited and could only store a few threads at a time; this led to the creation of 'The New Bluelight' forum in May 1999 and the registration of the bluelight.nu domain in June 1999.[34]

The site began to explode in popularity in the early 2000s with the rise of MDMA in the club scene, amassing nearly 7,000 members by the year 2000 and 59,000 by the start of 2006.[34][36]

The site switched to the bluelight.ru domain in October 2005, and switched again to bluelight.org in January 2014.[35]

In February 2022, Bluelight launched a social media initiative and spearheaded an expansion to other platforms.[32] The centerpiece of this expansion is a Discord community dedicated to harm reduction, mental health, & peer support.[33] The community brands itself as "a safe haven for people who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, substance users, struggling with mental health, or just don't feel like they fit in anywhere else."[31]

In early 2024, Bluelight became a subsidiary of the Australian non-profit organization Bluelight Communities Ltd.[37]

Partnerships

[edit]

In the early 2000s, Bluelight worked with reagent test supplier EZ-Test to promote the sale of drug checking kits.

In 2007, Bluelight partnered with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), a non-profit organization working to raise awareness and understanding of psychedelic drugs through education, clinical research, and advocacy.[29][34] MAPS utilized Bluelight to recruit participants for its first MDMA-assisted psychotherapy trial for PTSD. In 2013, the official MAPS forums were migrated to Bluelight.[38]

Bluelight's other partners include Erowid, a non-profit organization dedicated to education surrounding psychoactive drugs; Tripsit, a harm reduction education website; Pill Reports, a web-based database for drug checking results that was initially formed as an offshoot of the site; and the Global Drug Survey, an independent research organization focused on collecting data about substance use.

Notable users

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See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Anderson, Laurie S.; Bell, Heidi G; Gilbert, Michael; Davidson, Julie E; Winter, Christina; Barratt, Monica J; Win, Beta; Painter, Jeffery L; Menone, Christopher; Sayegh, Jonathan; Dasgupta, Nabarun (2017-02-01). "Using Social Listening Data to Monitor Misuse and Nonmedical Use of Bupropion: A Content Analysis". JMIR Public Health and Surveillance. 3 (1): e6. doi:10.2196/publichealth.6174. ISSN 2369-2960. PMC 5311422. PMID 28148472.
  2. ^ a b c d e Chiauzzi, Emil; Dasmahapatra, Pronabesh; Lobo, Kimberly; Barratt, Monica J. (June 2013). "Participatory research with an online drug forum: a survey of user characteristics, information sharing, and harm reduction views". Substance Use & Misuse. 48 (8): 661–670. doi:10.3109/10826084.2013.800117. hdl:1959.4/unsworks_73353. ISSN 1532-2491. PMID 23750771. S2CID 207520485. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  3. ^ Aubusson, Kate (2016-11-16). "Drug users swap stories, share warnings online in search for safety". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 2020-11-14. Retrieved 2020-11-14.
  4. ^ Johnson, Doug (2019-10-18). "To Tackle Drug Use, Researchers and People With Addiction Alike Turn to Online Forums". Undark Magazine. Archived from the original on 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2020-11-14.
  5. ^ "Site Info". Alexa. 2016. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  6. ^ "Forum list". Bluelight.org. 2024-02-04. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  7. ^ Ward, Jeanine; Rhyee, Sean; Plansky, Jason; Boyer, Edward (November 2011). "Methoxetamine: a novel ketamine analog and growing health-care concern". Clinical Toxicology. 49 (9): 874–875. doi:10.3109/15563650.2011.617310. ISSN 1556-9519. PMID 21981756. S2CID 28388437. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  8. ^ a b Barratt, Monica J.; Allen, Matthew; Lenton, Simon (June 2014). ""PMA sounds fun": negotiating drug discourses online". Substance Use & Misuse. 49 (8): 987–998. doi:10.3109/10826084.2013.852584. hdl:20.500.11937/35817. ISSN 1532-2491. PMID 24779498. S2CID 41509447. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  9. ^ Deluca, Paolo; Davey, Zoe; Corazza, Ornella; Di Furia, Lucia; Farre, Magi; Flesland, Liv Holmefjord; Mannonen, Miia; Majava, Aino; Peltoniemi, Teuvo; Pasinetti, Manuela; Pezzolesi, Cinzia; Scherbaum, Norbert; Siemann, Holger; Skutle, Arvid; Torrens, Marta; Van Der Kreeft, Peer; Iversen, Erik; Schifano, Fabrizio (2012-12-03). "Identifying emerging trends in recreational drug use; outcomes from the Psychonaut Web Mapping Project". Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. 39 (2): 221–226. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.07.011. ISSN 0278-5846. PMID 22841965. S2CID 22296279. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  10. ^ Carhart-Harris, R. L.; King, L. A.; Nutt, D. J. (2011-10-01). "A web-based survey on mephedrone". Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 118 (1): 19–22. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.02.011. ISSN 1879-0046. PMID 21420252. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  11. ^ Kettner, H.; Rosas, F. E.; Timmermann, C.; Kärtner, L.; Carhart-Harris, R. L.; Roseman, L. (2021). "Psychedelic Communitas: Intersubjective Experience During Psychedelic Group Sessions Predicts Enduring Changes in Psychological Wellbeing and Social Connectedness". Frontiers in Pharmacology. 12. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.623985. ISSN 1663-9812. PMC 8114773. PMID 33995022.
  12. ^ Davis, Alan K; Clifton, John M; Weaver, Eric G; Hurwitz, Ethan S; Johnson, Matthew W; Griffiths, Roland R (September 2020). "Survey of entity encounter experiences occasioned by inhaled N,N -dimethyltryptamine: Phenomenology, interpretation, and enduring effects". Journal of Psychopharmacology. 34 (9): 1008–1020. doi:10.1177/0269881120916143. ISSN 0269-8811. PMID 32345112.
  13. ^ "Completed - Quick survey on the interactions between psilocybin mushrooms and antidepressants". Bluelight.org. 2020-09-25. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  14. ^ "Recruiting - Johns Hopkins survey on HPPD: Help us uncover new insights into the condition and its treatment". Bluelight.org. 2023-05-23. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  15. ^ Young, Matthew M.; Dubeau, Chad; Corazza, Ornella (2015-02-16). "Detecting a signal in the noise: monitoring the global spread of novel psychoactive substances using media and other open-source information". Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. 30 (4) (published 2015-07-28): 319–326. doi:10.1002/hup.2477. ISSN 0885-6222. PMC 4584493. PMID 26216568.
  16. ^ Soussan, Christophe; Kjellgren, Anette (2016-06-01). "The users of Novel Psychoactive Substances: Online survey about their characteristics, attitudes and motivations". International Journal of Drug Policy. 32: 77–84. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.03.007. ISSN 0955-3959. PMID 27184218. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  17. ^ Barratt, Monica J.; Cakic, Vince; Lenton, Simon (March 2013). "Patterns of synthetic cannabinoid use in Australia". Drug and Alcohol Review. 32 (2): 141–146. doi:10.1111/j.1465-3362.2012.00519.x. hdl:1959.4/unsworks_73313. ISSN 0959-5236. PMID 23043552. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  18. ^ Polito, Vince; Stevenson, Richard J. (2019-02-06). "A systematic study of microdosing psychedelics". PLOS ONE. 14 (2): e0211023. Bibcode:2019PLoSO..1411023P. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211023. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 6364961. PMID 30726251.
  19. ^ "Recruiting - Anonymous Survey Study on Psychedelic Use in Romantic Relationships - Columbia University". Bluelight.org. 2022-05-16. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  20. ^ "Recruiting - RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS: Healthy heroin users". Bluelight.org. 2022-12-23. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  21. ^ "Recruiting - [USA] Community Health Discussion Session/Survey Study (Reimbursement up to $225)". Bluelight.org. 2023-09-21. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  22. ^ a b Kruger, Daniel J.; Enghoff, Oskar; Herberholz, Moss; Barron, Julie; Boehnke, Kevin F. (2023-10-20). ""How Do I Learn More About this?": Utilization and Trust of Psychedelic Information Sources Among People Naturalistically Using Psychedelics". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 55 (5): 631–639. doi:10.1080/02791072.2023.2201263. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 37078418. S2CID 258237524. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  23. ^ Glynos, Nicolas G.; Fields, Christopher W.; Barron, Julie; Herberholz, Moss; Kruger, Daniel J.; Boehnke, Kevin F. (2023-08-08). "Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: A World Apart from Clinical Care". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 55 (4): 379–388. doi:10.1080/02791072.2022.2108356. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 35950817. S2CID 251494820. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  24. ^ Kruger, Daniel J.; Glynos, Nicolas G.; Fields, Christopher W.; Herberholz, Moss; Boehnke, Kevin F. (2023-08-08). "An Assessment of Psychedelic Knowledge Among People Using Psychedelics Naturalistically". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 55 (4): 420–424. doi:10.1080/02791072.2022.2142709. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 36328419. S2CID 253303071. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  25. ^ Kruger, Daniel J.; Barron, Julie; Herberholz, Moss; Boehnke, Kevin F. (2023-10-20). "Preferences and Support for Psychedelic Policies and Practices Among Those Using Psychedelics". Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 55 (5): 650–659. doi:10.1080/02791072.2023.2228784. ISSN 0279-1072. PMID 37353935. S2CID 259240648. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  26. ^ Boehnke, Kevin F.; Cox, Kasey; Weston, Cody; Herberholz, Moss; Glynos, Nicolas; Kolbman, Nicholas; Fields, Christopher W.; Barron, Julie; Kruger, Daniel J. (2023). "Slouching towards engagement: interactions between people using psychedelics naturalistically and their healthcare providers". Frontiers in Psychiatry. 14. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1224551. ISSN 1664-0640. PMC 10436225. PMID 37599880.
  27. ^ "Recruiting - Amplifying Community Voices Through Science — We want to hear about YOUR experiences with psychedelics". Bluelight.org. 2023-10-27. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  28. ^ "Writing-up - Psychedelic Drug Experiences Survey". Bluelight.org. 2020-03-04. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  29. ^ a b "Bluelight - MAPS.org partnership!". Bluelight.org. 2007-02-14. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  30. ^ a b Pereira, Margaret; Scott, John (2017-01-02). "Harm reduction and the ethics of drug use: contemporary techniques of self-governance". Health Sociology Review. 26 (1): 69–83. doi:10.1080/14461242.2016.1184583. ISSN 1446-1242. S2CID 148474622. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  31. ^ a b "Bluelight.org". Discord Servers. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  32. ^ a b "Bluelight Social Media Links + Discord". Bluelight.org. 2022-02-10. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  33. ^ a b c "Bluelight.org - Discord Servers". Discord. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  34. ^ a b c d e Nichols, Sam (2019-05-06). "How 'Bluelight' Became a Life-Saving Encyclopedia of Drug Info". Vice. Archived from the original on 2024-03-01. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  35. ^ a b "Bluelight History". Bluelight.org. Archived from the original on 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  36. ^ "Bluelight - Powered by vBulletin". 2006-01-01. Archived from the original on 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2024-03-01.
  37. ^ "New website and branding for Bluelight has landed!". Bluelight.org. 2024-03-08. Archived from the original on 2024-03-18. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  38. ^ "Bluelight Announcement". MAPS. 5 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-10-21. Retrieved 2020-11-14.
  39. ^ Simonini, Ross (2012-02-10). "A Psychonaut's Adventures in Videoland". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2012-02-13. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  40. ^ Davis, Joshua. "John McAfee Fled to Belize, But He Couldn't Escape Himself". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Archived from the original on 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
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