NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AS A CRIME OBJECT

Author(s):  
Arnis Slesars ◽  
Aija Jermacāne

A new psychoactive substance is defined as a new narcotic or psychotropic drug, in pure form or in preparation, that is not controlled by the United Nations drug conventions (1961, 1971), but which may pose a public health threat comparable to that posed by substances listed in these conventions. The author researched and analyzed: 1.History of new psychoactive substances in Latvia; 2.Legislative approaches for restricting new psychoactive substances in Latvia; 3.Advantages and disadvantages of criminal liability against new psychoactive substances in Latvia.

Author(s):  
Andrejs Vilks

In the century of modern technologies the human behaviour models are changing, new types of addiction are developing, including addiction to processes (cyber, games addiction), as well as addiction to new substances. Among young people there is observed an increased spreading of new psychotropic substances, manufacturing of which is very simple, but their realization determines possibilities for a markedly great profit. In the cultural environment of young people the new traditions are formed, specific elements of subculture, positive attitude towards being able to use and apply something new. A new value system is developing with a sense of unlimited freedom and extensive rights. Along with the chances to buy and use new psychoactive substances, the changes occur also in the young people’s psyche, affecting their emotional and physical condition. A new, socially-pedagogical approach is needed in restriction of the use of these new psychoactive substance.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalene HY Tang ◽  
LY Hung ◽  
CK Lai ◽  
CK Ching ◽  
Tony Wing Lai Mak

Background: New psychoactive substances are constantly evolving structural analogues of traditional drugs of abuse that have become a threat to public health worldwide and within our locality. An understanding of the local pattern of new psychoactive substance use will help guide frontline clinical management. Objectives: This study was conducted to review the new psychoactive substances detected in cases referred to the authors’ laboratory (a tertiary clinical toxicology centre), as well as the associated clinical features and toxicological findings. Methods: All cases referred to the laboratory for toxicology analysis between January 2009 and December 2017, and which were analytically confirmed to involve new psychoactive substance use, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical features and toxicology findings were studied. Results: A total of 111 cases involving 104 patients and 22 types of new psychoactive substances were identified, with an increasing trend in the number of cases and subclass of new psychoactive substances detected. Up to half of the cases (n = 64) were related to the use of 2-phenyl-2-(ethylamino)-cyclohexanone (2-oxo-PCE, a ketamine analogue); other new psychoactive substances detected included para-methoxymethamphetamine, 4-fluoroamphetamine, phenazepam, 3-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine, 5-methoxy-diisopropyltryptamine, 2-diphenylmethylpyrrolidine, methoxyphenidine, the N-methoxybenzyl drugs, cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids and opioids. Among the acute poisoning cases attributable to new psychoactive substance use, the severity was fatal (n = 3), severe (n = 17), moderate (n = 67) and minor (n = 17). And 11 patients required intensive care unit admission. All three fatal cases were associated with para-methoxymethamphetamine use. Conclusion: A rising trend of new psychoactive substance use is observed locally, which is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Continued vigilance from frontline clinicians and medical professionals is imperative in the combat against new psychoactive substance use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Schifano

New/novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are defined as new narcotic/psychotropic drugs which are not controlled by the United Nations’ 1961 Narcotic Drugs/1971 Psychotropic Substances conventions, but which may pose a public health threat [...]


2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eulàlia Olesti ◽  
Ilario De Toma ◽  
Johannes G Ramaekers ◽  
Tibor M Brunt ◽  
Marcel·lí Carbó ◽  
...  

Background: The unprecedented proliferation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) threatens public health and challenges drug policy. Information on NPS pharmacology and toxicity is, in most cases, unavailable or very limited and, given the large number of new compounds released on the market each year, their timely evaluation by current standards is certainly challenging. Aims: We present here a metabolomics-targeted approach to predict the pharmacological profile of NPS. Methods: We have created a machine learning algorithm employing the quantification of monoamine neurotransmitters and steroid hormones in rats to predict the similarity of new drugs to classical ones of abuse (MDMA (3,4-methyl enedioxy methamphetamine), methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Results: We have characterized each classical drug of abuse and two examples of NPS (mephedrone and JWH-018) following alterations observed in the targeted metabolome profile (monoamine neurotransmitters and steroid hormones) in different brain areas, plasma and urine at 1 h and 4 h post drug/vehicle administration. As proof of concept, our model successfully predicted the pharmacological profile of a synthetic cannabinoid (JWH-018) as a cannabinoid-like drug and synthetic cathinone (mephedrone) as a MDMA-like psychostimulant. Conclusion: Our approach allows a fast NPS pharmacological classification which will benefit both drug risk evaluation policies and public health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-259

Objective: To explore the associations of characteristics of the cluster environment with new psychoactive substances (NPS) use in Thailand. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 30,411 Thai people, stratified in multi-stage cluster sampling. Trained interviewers conducted a semi-structured interview in 2016. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was employed to estimate the effects of the cluster environment on the NPS use. Results: NPS was widely used. The past month prevalence was 13.6%, and habitual use was 4.4%. Clustering significantly affects the spread of NPS use. Controlling for cluster effects, a likelihood of current NPS use was associated with elementary education, occupation, and reported health problems. While a higher likelihood of habitual NPS use was associated with elementary education, employed, and perceived mental health problem. Conclusion: NPS use was influenced by characteristics of the cluster environment. Therefore, demand reduction strategies should be designed based on a consideration of the impact of cluster context on NPS use behaviors. Keywords: Cluster effect, New psychoactive substance, NPS, Thailand


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-256
Author(s):  
Paul J. Fleming

Learning the history of inequities is typically not a major part of public health degree programs but can be fundamental to truly understanding health inequities and identifying potential solutions. A historical perspective on inequities can help understand present-day inequities as constructed over time, provide needed context for community engagement efforts, and help identify the system of advantages and disadvantages based on race, gender, and class that have been built into U.S. society. There are many ways to integrate a historical perspective on inequities into public health degree programs, and this article provides an example course on historical roots of health inequities. To more effectively reduce health inequities, it is imperative that Schools and Programs of Public Health adopt curriculum content to provide public health professionals and researchers a much-needed historical perspective on inequities.


Author(s):  
Jonathan Melamed ◽  
Roy Gerona ◽  
Paul D Blanc ◽  
Paul Takamoto ◽  
Stephanie Conner ◽  
...  

Abstract Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is misused as an intoxicant, either alone or concurrently with other substances. Because GHB is illegal, the precursor chemicals 1,4-butanediol and gamma-butyrolactone are also misused for the same effect, either through pre-ingestion alteration or endogenous metabolism to GHB. We describe a case of a 50-year-old man with a history of polysubstance misuse who experienced an overdose of GHB from gamma-butyrolactone ingestion. The patient also co-ingested a common industrial solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). This co-ingested substance raised theoretical concern of metabolism to a GHB congener, underscoring that the emergence of new psychoactive substance use patterns requires ongoing vigilance and toxicologic confirmation.


The Lancet ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 394 (10209) ◽  
pp. 1668-1684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Peacock ◽  
Raimondo Bruno ◽  
Natasa Gisev ◽  
Louisa Degenhardt ◽  
Wayne Hall ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Cinosi ◽  
Ornella Corazza ◽  
Rita Santacroce ◽  
Matteo Lupi ◽  
Tiziano Acciavatti ◽  
...  

Introduction.The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) advertised for sale online is constantly increasing and it has become a phenomenon of global concern. Among NPS, Camfetamine has been rediscovered as recreational drug in 2011. Very little information is still available in the scientific literature on its nature and potential health risks.Methods.Data in scientific literature were integrated with a multilingual qualitative assessment of a range of online resources over the period of 32 months (May 2011–January 2014).Results.N-Methyl-3-phenyl-norbornan-2-amine (Camfetamine) may act as an indirect dopaminergic agonist in the central nervous system and may have mild-moderate opioid activity too. There are no current epidemiological data about recreational use of Camfetamine; our research shows that it is indeed used especially by individuals with a history of recreational polydrug misuse. It facilitates mental alertness, induces relaxation, and, unlike many other stimulants, seems not to be associated with severe physical effects. Valid causes for concern issued in our research may be Camfetamine intravenous or intramuscular administration as well as its use in conjunction with other psychoactive substances.Conclusions.It is here highlighted that more large-scale studies need to be carried out to confirm and better describe both the extent of Camfetamine misuse and possible psychotropic/adverse effects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (07) ◽  
pp. 1488-1492
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ilyas Jat ◽  
Muhammad Tarique Arain ◽  
Saima Qureshi ◽  
Kheenpal Das ◽  
Anum Haider

The use psychoactive substances are on the rise in general population and even seen more among those who are involved in criminal activities. There are many reasons for such irrational use of psychoactive substances. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir prison, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Malir prison, Karachi. Period: 22nd April 2019 to 26th May 2019. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at district Malir prison, Karachi. All the cases who were imprisoned due to any reason and had history of psychoactive substance use were enrolled. Thorough history and examination was carried out. Ethical considerations were taken as per international guidelines. Results: Among all 490 male prisoners who used to take different type of psychoactive substance, majority were of age ranges of 21 to 35 years and 55% were married while 44% were single and 1% were divorced or separated. Out of 490 cases 453 (92%) were using different substances thorough routes other than injections while 37 (8%) were injection users. Majority of prisoners 252 (52%) were using Heroin while 86 (17%) were using Crystals, 74 (15%) Cannabis, 37 (8%) Synthetic substances, 24 (5%) Ice, 6 (1%) Opioid and 11 (2%) were using some other type of substance. The most common reason of substance use was peer pressure followed by fun and frustration. Conclusion: Substance use prevalence is high in prison. Existing services for the management of drug dependence are not meeting the global standard of evidence based comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.


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