Behavioral disorders and new psychoactive substances abuse, a French case series

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S307-S307 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Marillier ◽  
A. Batisse ◽  
C. Chevallier ◽  
S. Djezzar
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Disorders ◽  
Stab Wound ◽  
Case Series ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Sexual Practice ◽  
The Past ◽  
French Case ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionRange of drugs has largely increased the past few years, especially with the emergence of the New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) sold online. In front of serious risks they cause on human health, they are more and more regulated by the law.ObjectivesTo describe cases of extreme behavioral disorders and highlight risks of potential forensic complications linked to these consumptions.MethodsWe present a case series of serious auto or hetero-aggressive behavioral disorders related to NPS abuse and notified to the Parisian addictovigilance center.ResultsTwenty cases were identified between 2010 and 2015. Users were exclusively men, with mean age of 35.5 years (min: 20, max: 51). Synthetic cathinones are the predominant class of reported NPS (65%). An association between NPS and sexuality is found in 60% of cases (12); among them cathinones are used by 11 men. We observed 6 deaths among which, 5 were associated to sexual practice. Two cases of consumptions of cathinones induced torture and barbarian acts. Concerning aggressive behavioral disorders, we quote 3 cases of hetero-aggressivity (one by stab wound and 2 others developed an hypersexuality ± exhibitionism) and 9 cases of auto-aggressivity characterized by genital mutilations (1), defenestration (3), suicidal attempt (3), and acute psychiatric disorder with endangering life (2). Only four cases have been confirmed by toxicological analysis.ConclusionBehavioral disorders inducing forensics complications exist with NPS and particularly with cathinones. The problematic is certainly undervalued. A collaboration between addictovigilance and forensic services has to be improved.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Presence and evolution of a new psychoactive tryptamines branch

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S117-S118
Author(s):  
Á. Palma Conesa ◽  
L. Galindo Guarin ◽  
M. Grifell Guardia ◽  
P. Quintana Mathe ◽  
C. Gil Lladanosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Recreational Use

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that have recently appeared on the market and are not under international control. NPS use is experiencing an unprecedented increase. DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT are new psychoactive tryptamines and their effects may differ from those of other psychoactive tryptamines.ObjectiveTo explore the presence of DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DiPT from samples delivered to and analyzed by Spanish harm reduction service Energy Control.Materials and methodsAll samples analyzed from 2009 to 2014 delivered as DiPT, 4-HO-DiPT and 4-AcO-DPT or containing these substances. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 17,432 samples, 4-HO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-HO-DiPT (6); 4-AcO-DiPT (7); DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). 4-AcO-DiPT was found in 16, delivered as 4-AcO-DiPT (12); 5-MeO-DMT (1); 5-MeO-DiPT (1); 4-AcO-DMT (1) and cocaine (1). Only 4 samples contained DiPT, all presented as DiPT. Nine samples contained both 4-AcO-DiPT and 4-HO-DiPT. During the years of study, 4-HO-DiPT deliverance was increasing (4 samples in 2014) while deliverance of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT was decreasing (1 sample in 2014).ConclusionsIncreasing 4-HO-DiPT presence could translate a progressive replacement of 4-AcO-DiPT and DiPT recreational use. Clinical relevance comes from its growing use and the absence of scientific evidence on humans, therefore relying on users subjective experience to predict the effects.Disclosure of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interest.

Presence of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromoamphetamine (DOB) among samples brought for drug checking in Spain

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S171-S171
Author(s):  
P. Quintana-Mathé ◽  
M. Grifell-Guardia ◽  
Á. Palma-Conesa ◽  
C. Gil-Lladanosa ◽  
I. Fornís-Espinosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
World Wide ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Agonist Activity ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNew Psychoactive Substances (NPS) appear to be increasing in popularity because they mimic the effect of traditional drugs. DOB is a world-wide controlled phenethylamine, with agonist activity in 5HT2A receptors. Its effects are comparable to those of LSD, with dosage range 1.0–3.0 mg and duration 18–30 h.ObjectiveTo assess the presence of DOB in the substances submitted to, and analyzed by, energy control.Materials and methodsAll samples presented to Energy Control (EC) from August 2009 to August 2015 were analyzed. EC is a spanish harm-reduction non governmental organization that offers to users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. Samples in which DOB was detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were selected for this study.ResultsFrom a total of 20,062 samples, 13 contained DOB (0,06%), with no clear variations among the years studied. The samples were mostly sold as DOC(8), DOB(2) and LSD(2). Nine out of total 13 samples presented as blotter.ConclusionResults suggest that availability of DOB in the Spanish drug market is anecdotic. Nonetheless, a number of the samples containing DOB were not sold as such, increasing the possibility of side effects, as users may ignore which substance they are actually using. When a patient presents at an Emergency Department with persistent hallucinogenic symptomatology after ingesting a blotter, psychiatrist should be aware of long-lasting psychedelics such as DOB.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The synthetic cannabinoids: JWH, four years of analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S115-S116 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Galindo ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
P. Quintana ◽  
A. Palma ◽  
J. Tirado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Legal Highs ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Herbal Mixtures

IntroductionSince 2004, herbal mixtures for smoking use have been sold under the generic brand “Spice”. Many of them contain synthetic cannabinoids (agonists of the cannabinoid receptors). JWH-018 was one of the first spice drugs. There is no scientific evidence of their effects on humans, except cases of intoxications and users opinions.ObjectiveThe present study describes the presence of the synthetic cannabinoids JWH's and their characteristics in the samples delivered for analysis to the harm reduction NGO Energy Control from 2010 to 2014 in Spain.MethodsFrom 15,814 samples analyzed from 2010 to 2014, those containing synthetic cannabinoids JWH's were studied (n = 47). Analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom these 47 samples containing JWH, 55% were delivered as “legal highs” (n = 21) and 44% as JWH. Most common presentations were powder 47% and herbals 32%. Samples containing JWH 45%(n = 21) were mixed with more than one kind of JWH or were adulterated and other active principles were found 28% (n = 13) JWH-018, 11% (n = 5) JWH-210, 8% (n = 4) JWH-081 and the 6% WH-250 (n = 3). Origin of the sample was Catalunya 23% (n = 11), other provinces of Spain 46% (n = 22); other EU countries 23% (n = 11) and internet-unknown country 8% (n = 8). From the (n = 47) samples, were delivered (n = 16) in 2012, (n = 12) in 2013, (n = 11) in 2011, (n = 3) in 2010 and (n = 3) in 2014.ConclusionJWH'S represent a low percentage of new psychoactive substances analyzed. Its presence in the market seems decreasing.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals New Psychoactive Substances and Suicidality: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 580
Author(s):  
Stefania Chiappini ◽  
Alessio Mosca ◽  
Andrea Miuli ◽  
Maria Chiara Santovito ◽  
Laura Orsolini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Clinical Issue ◽  
The Past ◽  
Synthetic Opioids ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Health Related

Background and Objectives: Over the past twenty years a large number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) have entered and modified the recreational drug scene. Their intake has been associated with health-related risks, especially so for vulnerable populations such as people with severe mental illness, who might be at higher risk of suicidality or self-injurious behavior. This paper aims at providing an overview of NPS abuse and the effects on mental health and suicidality issues, by performing a literature review of the current related knowledge, thereby identifying those substances that, more than others, are linked to suicidal behaviors. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive and updated overview of the literature regarding suicidality and NPS categories has been undertaken. An electronic search was performed, including all papers published up to March 2021, using the following keywords “NPS” OR “new psychoactive substances” OR “novel psychoactive substances” OR “synthetic cannabinoids” OR “phenethylamines” OR “synthetic cathinones” OR “tryptamines” OR “piperazines” OR “new synthetic opioids” OR “designer benzodiazepines” AND (“suicide” OR “suicidality”) NOT review NOT animal on the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science online databases. Results: Suicidality and self-injurious behavior appear to be frequently associated with some NPS such as cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and new synthetic opioids. The results are organized according to the substances recorded. Conclusion: The growing use of NPS has become a significant clinical issue, causing increasing concern and challenges for clinicians working in both mental health and emergency departments. Thus, considering the associations between NPS and suicidality or self-injurious behaviors, areas where suicide-prevention efforts and strategies might be focused are the early detection, monitoring, and restriction of NPS.

New methodologies for faster study of new psychoactive substances: A proposal

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S571-S572
Author(s):  
P. Quintana Mathé ◽  
M. Grifell
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Community ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Controlled Drugs ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are substances that have recently become available, and are not worldwide regulated. They often intend to mimic the effect of controlled drugs, becoming a public health concern. In 2014, 101 substances were reported for the first time in the EU, which may require to be studied and risk-assessed by the scientific community. The EMCDDA recognizes it as an emerging topic where research is most needed, as the scientific community is struggling to keep pace with the speed at which new substances appear. On the one hand, case reports and internet-based surveys are quickly published but do not provide enough evidence to guide clinical decisions. On the other hand, classical high-reliability methodologies such as Cohort and Clinical studies take too long and their cost is too high to be of much use for the study of NPS. We propose an intermediate methodology to tackle this unmet need.RationaleGonzález and colleagues described a set of highly educated, experimental users of NPS with extensive knowledge and consumption of substances. These users usually look for drug checking of the substances they intend to consume. We suggest we could benefit from the collaboration of such users, and the possibility of obtaining analytical confirmation, to retrieve information about NPS in a quick and reliable fashion.Outline of methodologyRecluting of subjects that submit NPS to a drug checking facility. Analysis of the samples for analytical confirmation. Check inclusion criteria and propose inclusion in the study. Give structured forms for reporting effects and adverse events.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Fentanyl and its derivatives as a group of new psychoactive substances (designer drugs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 547-556
Author(s):  
Marcin Zawadzki ◽  
Karolina Nowak
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Toxicology ◽  
Designer Drugs ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Fatal Intoxication ◽  
High Toxicity ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
The Past ◽  
Strong Action ◽  
Addictive Drug ◽  
Clinical And Forensic Toxicology

Fentanyl has been known for many years. It has been widely used in emergency medicine and anaesthesiology. Due to its strong action, it gained a reputation of a popular addictive drug. Over the past years, fentanyl derivatives, produced as new psychoactive substances (designer drugs), have become a growing problem in clinical and forensic toxicology due to their non-therapeutic use. Both the variability in the construction of fentanyls and, consequently, the change in toxokinetic properties, as well as their high toxicity, often lead people to take this group of compounds to fatal intoxication. The purpose of this paper is to present various formulations of fentanyl and to discuss the properties of fentanyl and its derivatives, with particular emphasis on the toxicity of this group of compounds. Reviewing the available literature, the authors also focused on presenting the therapeutic concentrations of fentanyl and its most popular analogues, comparing them with the concentrations observed in lethal opioid poisonings.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia associated with injected new psychoactive substances

2015 ◽  
Vol 144 (6) ◽  
pp. 1257-1266 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. GRIFFITH ◽  
C. L. MACKINTOSH ◽  
D. INVERARITY
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Injecting Drug Use ◽  
Significant Rise ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Unique Case ◽  
Pulmonary Lesions ◽  
Life Threatening

SUMMARYInjecting drug use is often associated with deep-seated infection. In Lothian in Scotland there has been a recent increase in the use of injected new psychoactive substances (NPS). Patients who have injected NPS have presented with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) with life-threatening complications. We describe a unique case-series of 14 episodes of SAB in ten patients. Users of injected NPS had a significantly higher incidence of endocarditis and cavitating pulmonary lesions (P < 0·05) compared to those who inject only opiates. Cases of SAB in people who inject NPS have contributed to a significant rise in the overall incidence of SAB in people who inject drugs (P < 0·05) which has in turn impacted on the ability of Lothian to meet national targets for reducing the incidence of SAB.

What are sweet dreams made of? Analysis of psychoactive substances into “gummies”: A retrospective descriptive study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s880-s880
Author(s):  
A. Trabsa ◽  
E. Monteagudo ◽  
D.D. Mariona ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Drug Carriers ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
New Formulation ◽  
Harmful Effects

IntroductionAlthough psychoactive substances has a long history in recreational settings, research on its composition has focused only on tablets, crystal and powder, even though new formulation for new psychoactive substances are readily available for users.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of psychoactive substances and its characteristics in new formulations which had not previously been found in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsA total of 8324 samples were analysed from June 2014 to December 2015. Only those samples in gummy formulation were studied (n = 9). Samples were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm-reduction NGO that offers analysis of substances to users. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 9 samples of psychoactive substances in gummy formulation, the analysis detected that 55.5% contained multiple psychoactive substances: 6 samples contained 25N-NBOMe (66.7%), 1 2C-E (11.1%), 1 2C-D (11.1%). Two allylescaline (20%), 1 cocaine (11.1%), 1 THC (11.1%), 1 canabinol (11.1%), 1 ketamine (11.1%), 1 caffeine (11.1%), 1 MDMA (11.1%), 1 N-acetyl-MDMA (11.1%), 1 metoxetamine (11.1%), 1 N-acetyl-MDMA), 1 2C-N (11.1%). The only substance found in active dosage was 25N-NBOMe. Six samples (66.67%) did not contain the substance expected by the consumer.DiscussionIncipient presence of gummies as new psychoactive formulation was found. The most prevalent drug was 25N-NBOMe; 66.7% did not contain the substance expected. This may pose a risk for potential harmful effects. All the gummies were known to be drug-carriers when bought. This could represent the presence of new formulations from June 2014 in the Spanish recreational market.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Applying the lessons of VSA to new psychoactive substances

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-164
Author(s):  
Victoria Leigh
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Downward Trend ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Volatile Substance Abuse

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether there are ways in which the preventive strategies used to tackle volatile substance abuse (VSA) can be usefully applied to today’s new psychoactive substances (NPS). Design/methodology/approach – In 2010-2013, with funding from the Big Lottery, Re-Solv, in partnership with St George’s, University of London, and educari, commissioned a re-analysis of both the mortality data relating to VSA and of the legislative and preventative measures taken that may have played a part in the steady downward trend in VSA mortality since. This paper is informed by Re-Solv’s research findings and the papers resulting from it, namely, Ives (2013) and Butland et al. (2013). Findings – Efforts to reduce the harm from NPS could benefit from a re-examination of preventive approaches to VSA, which have resulted in a downward trend in mortality over the past two decades. Social implications – There is evidence from past prevention practice which could be relevant and applied to present day concerns about drugs and substances not previously available or used. Originality/value – This is the first paper to explore how learning from VSA might be applied to NPS and the “legal highs” of today.

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