Ethylone: A synthetic cathinone emerging in Barcelona

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s860-s860
Author(s):  
M. de Dios ◽  
E. Monteagudo ◽  
A. Trabsa ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Bath Salts ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Report Analysis ◽  
Synthetic Cathinone ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionSynthetic cathinones, the active component in “bath salts”, have surfaced as a popular alternative to other illicit drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and methamphetamine, due to their potent psychostimulant and empathogenic effects.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of Ethylone in samples delivered to energy control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsThe total number of samples analyzed from 2014 to 2015 was 8324. Only those samples containing ethylone were studied. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analysing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom June 2014 to December 2015, 8324 samples were delivered to EC. From this samples 28 (0.336%) contained ethylone. Twelve (0.144%) were delivered as MDMA, representing a 0.783% of the samples delivered as such, and only one sample (0.012%) delivered as MDMA presented ethylene as an adulterant along with MDMA. Other 6 samples (0.072%) were delivered as ethylone and 10 samples (0.120%) were delivered as unknown pills.DiscussionEthylone consumption is found to be an emerging issue according to the results of our samples, an increase of such is found during 2015. This might be traduced as an increase of ethylone in the drug market, but a sample selection bias should be considered as samples were voluntary delivered by consumers. An alarming phenomenon is that in some occasions ethylone is sold as MDMA, but effects take longer to occur and last longer, which may lead to an overdose if used as MDMA.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Is methylphenidate a prescription drug being sold in the illegal market? Analysis of samples submitted to a drug checking facility

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S313-S313
Author(s):  
P. Quintana-Mathé ◽  
M. Grifell-Guàrdia ◽  
Á. Palma ◽  
I. Fornís-Espinosa ◽  
C. Gil-Lladanosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Governmental Organization ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Recreational Use

IntroductionMethylphenidate is a CNS stimulant approved for treatment of ADHD. It is generally considered well tolerated and exhibiting low dependence potential, although diversion for recreational use has been described. Provided that its effects are comparable to those of more popular drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and amphetamines, we hypothesized that it could be sold as such.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was:– to describe the presence of methylphenidate from the samples handled to, and analyzed by, Spanish harm-reduction service energy control between August 2009 and August 2015;– to determine whether it is being sold as other drugs.Materials and methodsAll samples presented to energy control (EC) 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 methylphenidate was detected using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry were selected for this study.ResultsFrom a total of 20062 samples, 17 contained methylphenidate (0,09%), with no clear variations among the years studied. The samples were mostly sold as amphetamine (29%), methylphenidate (23%) and ethylphenidate (18%).ConclusionPresence of Methylphenidate in the Spanish illegal drug market seems anecdotic and stable over the studied timeframe. Moreover, it was sold as substances with similar dosages, lowering potential for life-threatening intoxications. Therefore, our results suggest that diversion of methylphenidate into the drug market as adulterant is not a concerning phenomenon.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Is methylone a new public health threat in Spain?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s871-s871
Author(s):  
E. Monteagudo ◽  
M. de Dios ◽  
A. Trabsa ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Bath Salts ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
New Public ◽  
Report Analysis ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionDue to the continuous search for new, legal, less expensive, and more powerful highs by drug users, the synthesis of novel cathinone derivatives has become a fruitful industry, leading to a fast emergence of new alternative substances every year. Methylone (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylcathinone) is one of the substances that rapidly emerged as the main ingredient of “bath salts”, becoming readily accessible on the Internet. This fact has raised concerns about its potential harmfulness.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study is to analyze the presence of methylone in samples delivered to energy control from 2014 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsA total of 8324 samples were assessed from June 2014 to May 2015. Only those samples acquired as methylone were studied. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analyzing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsTen users reported to have acquired methylone (0.12%). The most used source for acquiring it was the Internet (60%). Other sources included a friend or relative (10%), home-delivered (10%) or undetermined (20%). There was no peak of consume as 50% were acquired in 2014 and 50% in 2015.DiscussionAccording to the results, the presence of methylone in our samples is extremely low. Therefore, despite the fact that methylone monitorization is ought to be carried out, this substance is not expected to be an emerging issue concerning Public Health and no further clinical research should be done.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

“Flakka”: an Emerging Trend Or a Mass Media Phenomenon? Presence of alpha-pvp in Samples Submitted To a Drug Checking Facility

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S442-S442 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Grifell ◽  
P. Quintana ◽  
M. Torrens ◽  
a. Palma ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trend Analysis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Controlled Drugs ◽  
Noradrenaline Reuptake ◽  
Drug Checking ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionNew psychoactive substances (NPS) are drugs that have recently become available, are not worldwide regulated, and often intend to mimic the effect of controlled drugs. α-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone ( alpha-PVP) is a potent stimulant cathinone that is thought to act inhibiting dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. It has been associated with hallucinations, psychosis and death.ObjectivesTo explore the presence of alpha-PVP from the samples handled to, and analyzed by energy control.To determine whether it is a new trend in recreational settings.Methodsall samples presented to energy control were analyzed.Samples in which alpha-PVP was detected using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry were selected for study.a Google trend analysis was also performed to asses the media impact of alpha-PVP.ResultsFrom a total of 20,062 samples, 33 contained alpha-PVP (0.16%). The samples containing alpha-PVP were mostly sold as such (40%) despite a significant proportion being sold as MDM a (15%). Google trend analysis showed an abrupt increase of alpha-PVP searches in 2015 reaching 50% of the MDM a-ones.ConclusionOur results suggest presence of alpha-PVP in the drug market may be increasing, especially as adulterant of other drugs. Severe side effects might be even more serious considering that a significant proportion of users may ignore which substance they are actually using. However, the total amount of alpha-PVP analyzed remains small, and does not support the alarming reports published in media.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.

PCP analogues in samples of Barcelona from 2009 to 2015

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S117-S117 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Angelats ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
M. Grifell ◽  
Á. Palma ◽  
L. Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
Selective Ligand ◽  
Sedative Effects ◽  
Report Analysis ◽  
Indirect Indicator ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Harmful Effects

IntroductionNovel psychoactive substances (NPS) use is progressively increasing year on year. The new analogues of phencyclidine are frequently sold as legal dissociative anesthetic drug with hallucinogenic and sedative effects, a legal alternative to ketamine, acting as a high affinity and selective ligand of NMDA receptor antagonists.ObjectivesTo describe the presence of 3- and 4-MeO-PCP in samples delivered to Energy Control from 2009 to 2015 in Spain.MethodsA total of 21,198 samples were analyzed from august 2009 to august 2015. Only those samples containing 4-MeO-PCP or 3-MeO-PCP were studied. They were analyzed by Energy Control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analyzing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsAll the samples resulted to be the acquired drug of the consumer. Three samples were adulterated with substances as tramadol, cocaine, acetone among others.ConclusionsThree and 4-MeO-PCP consumption is not found to be an emerging issue according to the results of our samples. Even the potential harmful effects of these dissociative drugs, our indirect indicator seems to show that consumption has not increased. A more precise monitoring would make a better approach to the real consumption and the impact of these substances in our society.Disclosure of interestThe authors declare that they have no competing interest.

New designer benzodiazepines use in Barcelona

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S874-S874
Author(s):  
S. Pérez González ◽  
M. De Dios Felis ◽  
E. Monteagudo Gimeno ◽  
D. Sanagustín Bosqued ◽  
A. Trabsa Biskri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Profile ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Designer Benzodiazepines

IntroductionNew designer benzodiazepines such as phenazepam, etizolam, diclazepam, clonazolam and flubromazolam have appeared in the recreational drug market due to that they provide an attractive alternative to prescription-only benzodiazepines as they are readily available over the Internet.ObjectiveTo describe the presence of new designer benzodiazepines in samples delivered to energy control since 2010 to 2016 in Barcelona.MethodsFrom 2010 to 2016, 24,551 samples were delivered to energy control. Among this samples 43 (0.175%) were analysed as benzodiazepines. They were analyzed by energy control, a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers the possibility of analyzing the substances that users report. Analysis was done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom the 43 samples analyzed as benzodiazepines, 1 (2.32%) was delivered in 2010, none in 2011, 2 (4.65%) in 2012, 2 (4.65%) in 2013, 1 (2.32%) in 2014, 15 (34.88%) in 2015 and 21 (48.83%) in 2016.DiscussionThe data shows that new designer benzodiazepines use is increasing in Barcelona, especially in the last two years. Abuse an addiction to these drugs may be a new public health problem in Barcelona. Unknown side effects may appear due to lack of information about pharmacokinetic profile of these drugs.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.

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.

The connection between drugs of abuse and personality disorders

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S465-S465
Author(s):  
Y. Barylnik ◽  
J. Abrosimova ◽  
S. Pakhomova ◽  
D. Samoylova ◽  
E. Kolesnichenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personality Disorders ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Personality Factor ◽  
Personality Test ◽  
Emotional Instability ◽  
Sixteen Personality Factor ◽  
Personal Anxiety ◽  
Synthetic Cathinone ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionPatients who are suffering from different type of drugs have special individual and psychological problems. These changes are important for regulation and to control their behaviour.ObjectivesTo study the psychological characteristics and personal resources of the patients who are suffering from abuse of drugs.MethodsFifty patients were studied, 63.3% men and 36.7% women and in the ages of 18–21 years. Following psychodiagnostic methods are used: Kettel's sixteen personality factor test, Leonhard-Shmishek's personality test, scale of reactive and personal anxiety Spielberger-Hanin.ResultsAmount those patients were suffering from different type of drugs: synthetic cannabinoids-66.7%, 20% were dependent on synthetic cathinone and 13.3% were dependent on opiates (heroin). According to Leonhard-Shmishek's scales, the most often of personality disorders were dysthymic type, hyperthymic type and explosive type. According to Kettel's scale were indicated the leading individually-psychological properties in more than half of the subjects is the development of abstract thinking, free thinking, impulsiveness, lack of confidence to the authorities, the high emotional tension, emotional instability and irresponsibility. An analysis of global factors indicative of the severity indices of extraversion. According to Spielberger-Hanin's scale, 80% of patients with substance abuse had mild level of situational and personal anxiety, which can be identified as an important psychotherapeutic resource.ConclusionsAccording to scales, the most often of personality disorders were dysthymic type, hyperthymic type and explosive type. Eighty percent of patients with drug abuse had mild level of situational and personal anxiety. This feature is main of predictor as an important psychotherapeutic resource.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The cat and the mouse game: Is there a shift towards more dangerous substances in the cathinone illicit market?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s863-s863
Author(s):  
M. Grifell ◽  
L. Galindo ◽  
M. Ventura ◽  
E. Ribera ◽  
P. Quintana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Central Nervous System Toxicity ◽  
Energy Control ◽  
New Family ◽  
Illicit Market ◽  
Toxicity Potential ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
System Toxicity

IntroductionAfter mephedrone's ban in March 2010 new cathinones proliferated widely, even a new branch of atypical derivatives was launched into the market, represented by MDPV. The cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity draws attention to this new family of cathinones, also known as pyrovalerones. MDPV was scheduled in 2011, leading to the apparition of Alpha-PVP from which there is little information.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study is to describe the evolution of different cathinones in the samples delivered for analysis to the harm reduction NGO energy control from March 2009 to March 2016 in Spain.MethodsEnergy control is a Spanish harm reduction NGO that offers to drug users the possibility of analyzing the substances they intend to consume. From March 2009 to March 2016 a total of 24,528 samples were analyzed by the NGO from which 760 contained cathinones. Substance analysis was done by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2016, cathinones represented a 2.82% from all analyzed samples. From March 2009 to March 2010, only 5 different cathinones were detected, in this same period methylone (n = 16; 37.20%) and mephedrone (n = 17; 39.53%) represented 76% of analyzed cathinones (n = 43). From March 2015 to March 2016, 132 cathinones were detected: methylone and mephedrone represented only 19.69%, giving prominence to clephedrone (n = 25; 18.93%) and Alpha-PVP (n = 24; 18.18%).ConclusionsThe evolution of synthetic cathinones detected by energy control is consistent with the evolution described in the literature. From 2009 to 2016, the cathinones detected diversify and new substances with higher toxicity potential appear.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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