Novel psychoactive substances

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S59-S60 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Orsolini ◽  
D. Papanti ◽  
R. Vecchiotti ◽  
A. Valchera ◽  
J. Corkery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Traditional Drug ◽  
Rapid Pace ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Vast Range

Over the last decade, the “traditional” drug scene has been supplemented – but not replaced – by the emergence of a range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which are either newly created or existing drugs, including medications, now being used in novel ways. By the end of 2015, in excess of 700 NPS had been reported by a large number of countries in the world. Most recent data show however that synthetic cathinones; synthetic cannabinoids; and psychedelics/phenethylamines; account for the largest number of NPS. Given the vast range of medical and psychopathological issues associated with the molecules here described, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the effects and toxicity of NPS. The “Drugs 2.0.” revolution facilitated the birth and growth of an “Online Drug Culture” which finds its main expression in chats/fora/blogs as well as the diffusion of online drug marketplaces (both in the surface and deep web). The web has progressively modified the drug market from a “street” into a “virtual” one, so by increasing the availability of new drugs/NPS/“legal highs” (“legal alternatives” to the traditional illegal drugs). The rapid pace of change in the NPS online market constitutes a major challenge to the provision of current and reliable scientific knowledge on these substances. The present lecture aims at providing an overview of the NPS phenomenon, also giving an overview of the main clinical and pharmacological issues relating to these most popular NPS categories.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Recreational use of synthetic cannabinoids: prevalence, intoxication, side effects, addictive potential

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
А.В. Анцыборов ◽  
О.В. Камплицкая ◽  
М.В. Овсянников ◽  
К.В. Стадник ◽  
Л.Ф. Панченко
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Urgent Task ◽  
Addictive Potential ◽  
Recreational Use

С появлением на нелегальном рынке наркотиков новых психоактивных веществ, одно из первых в данном классе стали занимать синтетические каннабиноиды (СК). СК в основном распространяются через сеть Интернет, с помощью онлайн мессенджеров, и VPN-сетей. Токсическое влияние СК на организм человека оказывается достаточно мощным и нередко заканчивается летальным исходом. Однако аддиктивный потенциал СК достаточно высок, и нуждается в дальнейшем изучении, особенно с появлением новых классов СК. Разработка дифференциально-диагностических критериев и терапевтических подходов при лечении острых психотических состояний, вызванных употреблением СК, представляется актуальной задачей для практического здравоохранения. Цель: обзор накопленных научных данных о последствиях рекреационного употребления СК на организм человека. Материалы: при написании обзора использовали следующие репрезентативные базы данных: PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, платформы SciFinder, и Scopus. Методы: в качестве поисковых запросов использовались следующие ключевые слова: Spice, K2, synthetic cannabis, new psychoactive sub-stances (NPS), adverse effects, cannabinoid’s receptor, psychosis due to the use NPS, fatalities. Реферируемые статьи были отфильтрованы по тезисам, с целью определения релевантности для настоящего обзора. With the emergence of novel psychoactive substances in the illegal drug market, synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) became one of the first in this class. SCs are mainly distributed through the Internet, by online messengers and VPN networks. The toxic effect of SCs on the human body is quite powerful and often results in death. The addictive potential of SCs is rather high and needs further study, especially with the emergence of new SC classes. Development of differential diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of acute psychotic conditions caused by the use of SCs is an urgent task for practical health care. Objective: to review scientific data on consequences of the recreational use of SCs in humans. Materials: data from six representative databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane, the SciFinder platform, and Scopus, were used for this review. Methods: the following combinations and keywords were used as search queries: Spice, K2, synthetic cannabis, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), adverse effects, cannabinoid’s receptor, psychosis due to the use of NPS, fatalities. Peer-reviewed articles were filtered by abstracts to determine their relevance for the present review.

scholarly journals Recent Changes in Drug Abuse Scenarios: The New/Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Phenomenon

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Schifano
Keyword(s):  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
New Novel ◽  
Vast Range

Over the last decade, the emergence of a vast range of new/novel/emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) has progressively changed drug market scenarios, which have shifted from the ‘street’ to a ‘virtual’/online environment. [...]

Novel psychoactive substances in a psychiatric young adults sample: A multicenter, observational study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S311-S311
Author(s):  
M. Lupi ◽  
T. Acciavatti ◽  
S. Marini ◽  
E. Cinosi ◽  
R. Santacroce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Multicenter Observational Study ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Population

IntroductionComorbidities between psychiatric diseases and consumption of traditional substances of abuse are common. Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the psychiatric population.ObjectivesThe purpose of this multicentre survey is to investigate the consumption of a wide variety of psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric sample.MethodsBetween September 2013 and November 2015, a questionnaire has been administered, in ten Italian psychiatric care facilities, to a sample of 671 psychiatric patients (48.5% men; 51.5% women), aged between 18 and 26 years (mean age: 22.24).Results8.2% of the sample declared use of NPS at least once in a lifetime and 2.2% have assumed NPS in the last three months. The NPS more used were synthetic cannabinoids (4.5%), followed by methamphetamine (3.6%). The three psychiatric diagnosis with more frequent NPS consumption were bipolar disorder (23.1%), personality disorders (11.8%) and schizophrenia and related disorders (11.6%). Bipolar disorder was associated with NPS consumption (P < .001). Among the illicit drugs investigated, 31.4% of the sample was cannabis smoker and 10.7% cocaine user. Moreover, 70.6% of the sample declared alcohol use and 47.7% had binge drinking conducts. In univariate regression analysis, bipolar disorder was positive associated with binge drinking while obsessive compulsive disorder resulted negative associated.ConclusionsThe use of novel psychoactive substances in a young psychiatric population appears to be a frequent phenomenon, probably still underestimated. Bipolar disorder shows an association with NPS use. Therefore, careful and constant monitoring and accurate evaluations of possible clinical effects related to their use are necessary.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of 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 Electrochemical Strategies for the Screening of Synthetic Cannabinoid BB-22 (QUCHIC) within a Toxicological Specimen

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anaam Ameen ◽  
Kelly Brown ◽  
Lynn Dennany
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Screening Strategy ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoid ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Sample Analysis ◽  
Primary Metabolite ◽  
Biological Matrix ◽  
Improve Treatment ◽  
Treatment Administration

Abstract Synthetic Cannabinoids (SC) are amongst the most prevalent class of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) which have emerged. The increase in hospitalisation and fatalities as a result of the prevalence of these SC and their abuse, highlights the necessity for the rapid and reliable screening for the substance within toxicological samples. Being able to rapidly screen for these substances would aim to improve overdose triage and ultimately improve treatment administration. Not only this but it would have further advantages for in-field applications such as the identification of drivers under the influence. To this avail we investigate the ability of a simple electrochemical screening strategy for the detection of SC, BB-22 and its primary metabolite BB-22-3-Carboxyindole. Assessment of the feasibility of the strategy for implementation into toxicological sample analysis was performed through detection not only under ideal electrolyte conditions (down to 5 µM for BB-22 and 2 µM for its metabolite) but also within the complex biological matrix of human pooled serum (between 200 and 700 µM), a relevant matrix it would likely encounter if employed within this field.

scholarly journals New for Who?: Novelty and Continuity in Drug-Related Practices of People Who Use New Psychoactive Substances

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-344
Author(s):  
Lucy Pickering ◽  
Sharon Greenwood
Keyword(s):  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Single Object ◽  
Everyday Practices ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
Traditional Drug ◽  
At Risk Populations ◽  
Shared Property

New (or Novel) Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are so named because they are characterized by a shared property of “newness.” In this article, we critically unpack NPS as a category and as a single object, bounded by a shared “newness”. In doing so, we examine whose ways of knowing are afforded epistemological authority and the harms that can emerge from an overemphasis on pharmacological properties at the expense of everyday practice. Through accounts of buying and selling NPS discussed in interviews with five “at risk” populations in Scotland, we examine the ways NPS use can be more usefully characterized by continuity with existing practices, relationships, and identities than by novelty. This raises the question that if everyday practices are not characterized by newness, what makes new psychoactive substances new? Comparing the discourses of pharmacologists and people who use them exposes contrasting claims about the “reality” of NPS: While pharmacologists describe their own ways of knowing as real, they often downgrade others as mere belief; those who use them do not do this. A common epistemological hierarchy is shared between these parties, where everyday practices (often characterized by continuity) are devalued relative to pharmacological ways of knowing that foreground novelty. When services have finite resources, this epistemological authority has significant consequences: When attention is paid to “newness” (in an attempt to gain mastery of an ever-shifting drug landscape), it is not being paid to the ways NPS are consumed within wider contexts characterized more by continuity with “traditional" drug use than divergence.

scholarly journals Motives for Classical and Novel Psychoactive Substances Use in Psychedelic Polydrug Users

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Kettner ◽  
Natasha L. Mason ◽  
Kim P. C. Kuypers
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Motivational Patterns ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Harm Prevention ◽  
Legal Frameworks ◽  
Educational Campaigns

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic the effects of existing recreational drugs (classical psychoactive substances [CPS]), while eluding established legal frameworks. Little is known about their effects and potential harms, rendering the increasing number of NPS a challenge to policy makers and researchers alike. Quantitative studies on the motives underlying NPS use are limited, though understanding them is crucial for the design of effective harm prevention strategies. The present study therefore aimed to compare motivational patterns for NPS, CPS, and legal psychoactive substance (LPS) use. An online survey including questions about lifetime drug use, demographics, and motives for use was completed by 2,319 participants of which 1,967 consented and were 18 years or older. Data on lifetime use and endorsed motives are presented for 12 psychoactive substances classified into LPS (alcohol, nicotine), CPS (cannabis, MDMA/ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, psilocybin, LSD, ayahuasca), and NPS (synthetic cannabinoids, stimulant, and hallucinogenic) and compared between classes. Across substances, the most frequently endorsed motives were to feel euphoric (58.0%), enhance an activity (52.3%), and broaden consciousness (48.1%). Motives for use were found to differ by substance and gender, with coping-related reasons being more frequent among female participants compared to males who indicated to use for a broad range of reasons. Motivational patterns of CPS and NPS use were largely similar to their classical analogues, this was not the case for synthetic cannabinoids, which had as main endorsed motive getting intoxicated, indiscriminate of specific qualities. This information can feed into tailoring of educational campaigns and prevention strategies.

scholarly journals The e-Psychonauts’ ‘Spiced’ World; Assessment of the Synthetic Cannabinoids’ Information Available Online

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 966-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Zangani ◽  
Fabrizio Schifano ◽  
Flavia Napoletano ◽  
Davide Arillotta ◽  
Liam Gilgar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Web Crawling ◽  
Novel Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Web Crawler ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Wide Range

Background: A wide range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) is regularly searched and discussed online by web-based drug enthusiasts (i.e. the e-psychonauts). Among NPS, the range of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; ‘Spice’) currently represents a challenge for governments and clinicians. Methods: Using a web crawler (i.e. the NPS.Finder®), the present study aimed at assessing psychonauts’ fora/platforms to better understand the online mentions of SC. Results: The open-web crawling/navigating software identified here some 1,103 synthetic cannabinoids. Of these, 863 molecules were not listed in either the international or the European NPS databases. Conclusions: A web crawling approach helped here in identifying a large range of unknown SC likely to possess a misuse potential. Most of these novel/emerging molecules are still relatively unknown. This is a reason for concern; each of these analogues potentially presents different toxicodynamic profiles and there is a lack of docking, preclinical, and clinical observations. Strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration between clinicians and bioinformatics may prove useful in better assessing SC-associated public health risks.

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