Podcast
Questions and Answers
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are controlled by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are controlled by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
False
The new law in the UK makes all psychoactive substances illegal.
The new law in the UK makes all psychoactive substances illegal.
True
Almost all psychoactive drugs can be classified into four main categories based on their effects.
Almost all psychoactive drugs can be classified into four main categories based on their effects.
True
Stimulants have effects similar to those of alcohol.
Stimulants have effects similar to those of alcohol.
Signup and view all the answers
There is a comprehensive understanding of the potency and effects of all new psychoactive substances.
There is a comprehensive understanding of the potency and effects of all new psychoactive substances.
Signup and view all the answers
The classification of NPS can be based on their chemical structure.
The classification of NPS can be based on their chemical structure.
Signup and view all the answers
Emergency hospital admissions have been linked to the use of some new psychoactive substances.
Emergency hospital admissions have been linked to the use of some new psychoactive substances.
Signup and view all the answers
New psychoactive substances are legally permitted alternatives to controlled drugs.
New psychoactive substances are legally permitted alternatives to controlled drugs.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
- NPS are unregulated drug alternatives designed to bypass existing laws.
- NPS are substances misused, either pure or in a combination, not classified by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
- These substances can pose a significant public health risk.
- There is limited knowledge about the potency, effects on individuals, and what happens when combined with other substances or alcohol.
- There are dangers related to NPS, including poisoning, hospital admissions, and fatalities.
Lecture Objectives
- Define NPS
- Describe NPS classification
- Describe NPS effects on humans
NPS Classification By Chemical Structure
- Several chemical classifications exist (diagrams provided).
- Naphthyl-methyl-indenes
- Polycyclic hydro-carbons
- Phenols & phenolic compounds
- Alcohols & ethers
- Amines
- Cyclohexylphenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylphenyles, etc
- Heterocyclic amines
- Phenethylamines etc.
NPS Classification by Effects
- The effects of NPS can be categorized into several groups.
- Stimulants (34% of NPS) mimic amphetamines, cocaine, or ecstasy, increasing energy, physical activity, quick thinking, and a euphoric state. Examples include methiopropamine, mephedrone, and naphyrone.
- Downers/Sedatives (3%) act similar to benzodiazepines or GHB, inducing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sleepiness. Examples include GHB/GBL and methoxetamine.
- Psychedelics/Hallucinogens (7%) act similarly to LSD or magic mushrooms to create altered perceptions, induce hallucinations, and feelings of euphoria, warmth, and enlightenment, examples include NBOMe (N-methoxybenzyl).
- Synthetic cannabinoids (29%) are similar to cannabis, producing relaxation, altered consciousness, disinhibition, energy, and euphoria. Examples include APINACA and JWH-018.
- Dissociatives (3%) and Sedatives/Hypnotics (3%), and Other types (7%) also exist.
- Data (from 2022 UNODC Early Warning Advisory) categorizes NPS by effect groups (Stimulants, Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, classic hallucinogens etc).
Main Effects of NPS
- Stimulants: mimic the effects of amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy (increased energy, physical activity, rapid thinking, and euphoria).
- Downers/Sedatives: similar to benzodiazepines or GHB, producing euphoria, relaxation, and sleepiness.
- Psychedelics/Hallucinogens: like LSD or magic mushrooms, causing altered perceptions, hallucinations, and feelings of euphoria, warmth, and enlightenment.
- Synthetic cannabinoids: similar to cannabis use, inducing relaxation, altered consciousness, disinhibition, and feelings of energy and euphoria.
Risks of New Psychoactive Substances
- It's difficult to know the precise ingredients or effects of NPS, even when legally purchased.
- There is limited research into human health risks associated with NPS consumption.
- Each NPS can have different strengths and effects on various individuals.
- Data on toxicity cases and multiple drug use involving NPS is often scarce and hard to identify.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the definition, classification, and effects of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS). Understand the risks associated with these unregulated drugs and the chemical structures involved in their classification. Enhance your knowledge regarding the public health implications and the challenges posed by NPS.
