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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
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Readable research linked to original sources
Browse normalized, publication-ready research with direct links to its evidence and source.
64 articles
Newest firstNew psychoactive substances (NPS), especially synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA), are increasingly smuggled into prisons via infused mail. Consumption of those substances by inmates in prisons is associated with increased aggression, violence, and organized crime. Onsite detection of infused mail often is challenging. Because the infused papers do not show any visible stains or olfactory changes, physi…
Open article record in new tab ↗Background The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dependence and abuse of psychoactive substances (PAS) among prison inmates, using data from the OPPIDUM program between 2013 and 2022. Methods OPPIDUM is an annual, cross-sectional national program, conducted among users consulting in specialised addiction centres. Prison inmates were questioned about their PAS use during the week preceding the…
Purpose A powder found at a fatality scene, labeled as the synthetic cathinone 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (MDPHP) and most likely smoked using a crack pipe, was analyzed. The powder was identified as very potent synthetic cannabinoid ADB-BUTINACA/ADB-BINACA with a high purity (> 98%). This case highlights the risks associated with mislabeled novel psychoactive substances (NPS), particularly tho…
An innovative software tool for the rapid and efficient simulation of the metabolism of new psychoactive substances (NPS) was developed, based on the open-source project mzmine, and applied. NPS are compounds designed to mimic the psychotropic effects of established illicit drugs while circumventing drug legislation. These compounds are developed solely regarding their desired effects, thus possibly leading to har…
Open article record in new tab ↗Aim To explore the practices, confidence and perspectives of community pharmacists in deprescribing high-risk psychotropic medicines, including opioid analgesics, benzodiazepine, gabapentinoids and medicinal cannabis. Methods An anonymous, cross-sectional national online survey was conducted between January and April 2025 among Australian community pharmacists. The survey captured data on pharmacist demographics,…
New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a growing public health challenge in Europe. Their rapid emergence, chemical diversity and unpredictable toxicity complicate prevention, clinical management and regulatory responses. This study provides an updated overview of NPS-related harms in France using national addictovigilance data. Data were extracted from three complementary surveillance systems: (i) the NotS p…
Open article record in new tab ↗New psychoactive substances (NPS) are health-hazardous through unpredictable toxicity and effects and largely unknown epidemiology, motivating studies of the latter. Up to 138 NPS were retrospectively identified using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry data from all 34 183 oral fluid drug samples collected in one Swedish health care region 2019-2020 representing 9468 psychiatric and addiction…
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures disrupted daily life globally, potentially impacting substance use and mental health. However, the effects in Morocco, shaped by cultural and social factors, remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on psychoactive substance use and mental health in Morocco, while identifying key socio-demographic determinants of…
Open article record in new tab ↗New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are emerging narcotics or psychotropics that pose a public health risk. The most commonly reported NPSs are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. Synthetic cannabinoids mimic the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), often with greater potency, while synthetic cathinones act as stimulants, frequently serving as cheaper alternatives to amphetamines, 3,4-methylene…
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder that causes severe cognitive decline and poses a significant burden on global health systems. Despite extensive research, effective treatments to stop neurodegeneration or promote neuronal regeneration in AD remain elusive. Psychoactive substances as modulators of neurophysiological functions, have received increased attention in research. The main psy…
Psychoactive substances used for recreational purposes have mind-altering effects, but systematic evaluation of these effects is largely limited to self-reports. Automated analysis of expressed language (speech and written text) using natural language processing (NLP) tools can provide objective readouts of mental states. In this pre-registered systematic review, we investigate findings from applying the emerging…
Open article record in new tab ↗Psychoactive substances, known for their acute impact on perception and cognition, are gaining attention for their potential therapeutic applications. Many of these substances are plant-derived with deep-rooted histories of use in non-medical contexts, where they have been viewed as either tools for social cohesion or sources of discord, depending on cultural and societal contexts. This review explores psychoactiv…
Open article record in new tab ↗Objective In intensive care, delirium is frequent, prolongs the stay, increases health care costs, and worsens patient outcome. Several substances and medications as well as stress can impact the risk of delirium; however, assessment of previous exposure to psychotropic agents and stress by self-reports or third-party information is not always reliable. Hair analysis can be used to objectively assess medication an…
Substance use disorders (SUDs) constitute a significant global health challenge, and emerging evidence suggests that the gut and oral microbiomes may play significant roles in addiction pathophysiology, yet the human clinical literature remains fragmented. This scoping review systematically synthesizes evidence from 75 clinical studies investigating alterations in gut and oral microbiomes associated with alcohol,…
Open article record in new tab ↗Introduction Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) use is increasingly prevalent and is often associated with severe acute recreational drug toxicity (ARDT). 258 UK deaths were attributed to NPS use in 2021. Confirmatory testing which identifies NPS is limited by expense and timeliness. We aimed to identify NPS and other recreational drugs in a sample of 1000 ARDT presentations to a central London hospital in 2019/20…
After the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) introduced mail photocopying procedures in December 2021, a shift in smuggling methods was observed for synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) and other new psychoactive substances (NPS) from drug-infused papers back to traditional sample matrices (e.g., tablets and powders), although new matrices also emerged. This study reports on waxy- or putty-like materials as…
Chemsex refers to the intentional use of psychoactive substances to enhance, explore, or alter sexual experiences. The use of geolocation apps, and its link with physical, psychological, and social harms for the individual as well as society has been described 'Polydrug use'-combining multiple substances to amplify or diversify effects-is frequently reported across these groups. This article provides a comprehensi…
New psychoactive substances (NPS) pose an increasing challenge for clinical and forensic toxicology due to the initial lack of analytical and metabolic data. This study evaluates the performance of four in silico prediction tools (GLORYx, BioTransformer 3.0, SyGMa, and MetaTrans) in predicting the metabolism of seven NPS from five major chemical families (cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic opioids, desi…
Medical students are at elevated risk for psychoactive substance use and mental health challenges due to academic pressures and environmental stressors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and trends of psychoactive substance use among medical students at Riga Stradins University (RSU) and to examine associations with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and resilience to stress. A bilingual, anonymous cross-…