Balasingam Vicknasingam1, Suresh Narayanan2, Darshan Singh1, Ornella Corazza3. 1. Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia. 2. School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia. 3. Department of Clinical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent trends of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and the current global strategies implemented to manage them. RECENT FINDINGS: The number of NPS has increased from 166 in 2009 to 892 in 2018, with about 36% having stimulant effects. Such trend revels some unprecedented patterns. The decline in the emergence of new synthetic cannabinoids has coincided with rising deaths due to overdose of fentanyl and non-fentanyl compounds in North America and Europe. The detection of new stimulant NPS has stabilized since 2015. Although the level of seizures of mephedrone have risen since then, they are still below the levels reported before international control. The legal status of kratom still remains unclear, whereas calls for research on its benefits continue. The nonmedical use of tramadol in Africa and Middle East is a cause of growing concern. SUMMARY: Although the rise of NPS is a cause for concern, evidence suggests that the strategy to face the challenge should include updating international data collection systems, integrating scientific-based interventions for drug use, strengthening national monitoring, and increasing collaborative research and forensic capabilities. The legal, regulatory framework and clinical guidelines should remain dynamic, whereas enforcement agencies should measure success by destroying drug networks as seizures rarely dismantle drug markets.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent trends of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and the current global strategies implemented to manage them. RECENT FINDINGS: The number of NPS has increased from 166 in 2009 to 892 in 2018, with about 36% having stimulant effects. Such trend revels some unprecedented patterns. The decline in the emergence of new synthetic cannabinoids has coincided with rising deaths due to overdose of fentanyl and non-fentanyl compounds in North America and Europe. The detection of new stimulant NPS has stabilized since 2015. Although the level of seizures of mephedrone have risen since then, they are still below the levels reported before international control. The legal status of kratom still remains unclear, whereas calls for research on its benefits continue. The nonmedical use of tramadol in Africa and Middle East is a cause of growing concern. SUMMARY: Although the rise of NPS is a cause for concern, evidence suggests that the strategy to face the challenge should include updating international data collection systems, integrating scientific-based interventions for drug use, strengthening national monitoring, and increasing collaborative research and forensic capabilities. The legal, regulatory framework and clinical guidelines should remain dynamic, whereas enforcement agencies should measure success by destroying drug networks as seizures rarely dismantle drug markets.
Authors: Annagiulia Di Trana; Simona Pichini; Roberta Pacifici; Raffaele Giorgetti; Francesco Paolo Busardò Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-03-25 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Ana Y Simão; Mónica Antunes; Emanuel Cabral; Patrik Oliveira; Luana M Rosendo; Ana Teresa Brinca; Estefânia Alves; Hernâni Marques; Tiago Rosado; Luís A Passarinha; Maristela Andraus; Mário Barroso; Eugenia Gallardo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-17 Impact factor: 4.614