“…Their findings suggest that between 2015 and 2016 most common components of the assessed samples (n of study 1 = 2,977) were the diverted substitution medication methadone (32%) and mainly cathinones, such as pentedrone (18%), mephedrone (13%), alpha-PHP (8%), and alpha-PEP (5%) [31]. Of the 12,762 compound cases (n of study 2 = 2,985), 50% were cathinones [30].…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 98%
“…Related to the phenomenon of discarding used needles, two recent studies from the same research group [30,31] analysed injecting paraphernalia (e.g., discarded syringes) for drug residues of either diverted medication or NPS.…”
Purpose
In the past decade, novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) gained a significant role on the contemporary drug scene. Synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids are the most common NPSs both in Hungary and worldwide. This study aims to provide a literature review on the Hungarian characteristics related to the use of these NPSs.
Materials and methods
Available literature regarding synthetic cathinone and cannabinoid use in Hungary was overviewed and structured into (a) epidemiological studies, (b) studies on the subjective and somatic effects, and (c) studies on toxicity and adverse consequences. Published papers between 2007 and 2017 were identified using PubMed and MATARKA search engines.
Results
One hundred twenty-six papers were identified and after exclusion, 54 papers remained for in-depth analysis. Most of the reviewed studies were providing epidemiological information regarding the NPSs of our interest. Hungarian prevalence rates were not higher than the European averages. Identified risks of these NPSs consisted of drug-induced psychosis, further severe psychiatric symptoms, and fatal overdose. Injecting of cathinones was also a commonly reported phenomenon, mostly among clients of needle-exchange programs.
Conclusion
Based on the reviewed body of research, necessary information is available to plan effective prevention and intervention programs and establishes specific therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of NPS users.
“…Their findings suggest that between 2015 and 2016 most common components of the assessed samples (n of study 1 = 2,977) were the diverted substitution medication methadone (32%) and mainly cathinones, such as pentedrone (18%), mephedrone (13%), alpha-PHP (8%), and alpha-PEP (5%) [31]. Of the 12,762 compound cases (n of study 2 = 2,985), 50% were cathinones [30].…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 98%
“…Related to the phenomenon of discarding used needles, two recent studies from the same research group [30,31] analysed injecting paraphernalia (e.g., discarded syringes) for drug residues of either diverted medication or NPS.…”
Purpose
In the past decade, novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) gained a significant role on the contemporary drug scene. Synthetic cathinones and synthetic cannabinoids are the most common NPSs both in Hungary and worldwide. This study aims to provide a literature review on the Hungarian characteristics related to the use of these NPSs.
Materials and methods
Available literature regarding synthetic cathinone and cannabinoid use in Hungary was overviewed and structured into (a) epidemiological studies, (b) studies on the subjective and somatic effects, and (c) studies on toxicity and adverse consequences. Published papers between 2007 and 2017 were identified using PubMed and MATARKA search engines.
Results
One hundred twenty-six papers were identified and after exclusion, 54 papers remained for in-depth analysis. Most of the reviewed studies were providing epidemiological information regarding the NPSs of our interest. Hungarian prevalence rates were not higher than the European averages. Identified risks of these NPSs consisted of drug-induced psychosis, further severe psychiatric symptoms, and fatal overdose. Injecting of cathinones was also a commonly reported phenomenon, mostly among clients of needle-exchange programs.
Conclusion
Based on the reviewed body of research, necessary information is available to plan effective prevention and intervention programs and establishes specific therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of NPS users.
“…Mephedrone featured in an increasing number of deaths (122, 93% England), from six and five deaths in 2010 and 2011, respectively, to 44 in 2015, but such mentions declined to 15 in 2016. Injection of mephedrone and other cathinones has been reported (Gyarmathy et al., 2017; Hope et al., 2016) and could be associated with increased risk as compared to oral usage. Figure 8.Stimulant-related fatal poisoning, England and Wales, 1993–2016.…”
In recent years there has been an increase in the availability of 'novel psychoactive substances (NPS)' or 'legal highs'. In turn, there is concern as to the risks these compounds pose as compared to those posed by traditionally misused substances such as illicit diamorphine (heroin), methadone, cocaine, and amfetamines. Methods: We reviewed deaths where opiates/opioids, stimulants, hypnosedatives, hallucinogens, or volatile substances were mentioned on the death certificate in England and Wales, 1993-2016 as recorded on the Office for National Statistics drug poisoning deaths database. Deaths were analysed by year of registration of death, age, sex, intent, drug(s) involved, and the presence of alcohol (ethanol). Results: There were 68,347 drug-related deaths in England and Wales (includes both licit and illicit substances), of which 15,457 were either coded as, or had mention of, drug dependent/non-dependent substance abuse on the death certificate. Opioids, particularly diamorphine/morphine and methadone, featured in most deaths. Diamorphine/morphinerelated deaths (17,402) increased from 155 in 1993 to 981 in 2001, and then remained relatively stable until 2010 (791). Thereafter, annual numbers of deaths fell to 579 in 2012, but have since increased to 1,209 (2016). Deaths in the age group 20-29 years declined from 46% (1993), to 13% (2016), whereas in those aged 40-49 years the percentage of deaths increased from 13% (1993) to 33% (2016). Methadone was mentioned in 7,894 deaths (1993-2016). Annual numbers of such deaths increased from 206 to 437, 1993-7, then declined, but have since increased, reaching 413 in 2016. As to age, a similar pattern as to diamorphine/morphine-related deaths is apparent. Annual numbers of deaths involving cocaine
“…Such studies have been performed in some European countries, showing large differences in the types of substances being injected. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The findings indicate that the main drugs of injection not only vary across countries but also within a single country and even within cities.…”
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