Digital Desperation: Trauma's Role in Cryptomarket Opioid Sourcing

Abstract

Experiences of trauma commonly precede opioid use. While much is known about the demographics and characteristics of cryptomarket users, those who use online digital marketplaces to source drugs found on the dark web, less is known about persons who source opioids from cryptomarkets, and if past traumatic experiences motivate their decision to source from cryptomarkets. Excerpts of traumatic narratives experienced in offline settings are shared by 15 participants who have sourced from cryptomarkets after a qualitative study of their lived experiences from a constructivist viewpoint was conducted. Disclosed traumatic experiences ranged from emotionally taxing events to sudden, unexpected accidents leading to permanent physiological changes. The goal for sharing these narratives is to enhance the current understanding of individuals who source opioids from cryptomarkets and their connection to trauma. Findings suggest that, for some individuals, participation in cryptomarket sourcing serves as a step toward managing signs and symptoms of emotional or physical distress that accompany traumatic experiences. The overarching theory derived from the data analysis suggests that cryptomarkets served as trauma-adaptive environments where opioids could be acquired. The authors advocate for conducting cryptomarket research with a trauma-informed lens.