New Psychoactive Substances Overview
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Questions and Answers

NPS are purely derived from natural sources.

False (B)

The term 'new' in NPS refers exclusively to substances invented recently.

False (B)

NPS can legally be sold online without any regulations.

True (A)

A new law in the UK has made all psychoactive substances illegal.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

NPS can lead to poisoning and emergency hospital admissions.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The classification of NPS does not consider their chemical structure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is sufficient knowledge about the effects of all NPS on humans.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

NPS are also referred to as 'research chemicals'.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stimulants like methiopropamine can make you feel energized and euphoric.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Synthetic cannabinoids tend to have effects exactly like those of opiates.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Psychedelics can cause hallucinations and altered perceptions.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The risks associated with new psychoactive substances are well-documented and understood.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Downers or sedatives generally create a stimulating and energizing effect.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Stimulants

These drugs act like amphetamines, cocaine, or ecstasy. They can cause feelings of heightened energy, physical activity, fast thinking, talkativeness, and euphoria.

Downers or Sedatives

These drugs act similar to benzodiazepines or GHB. They can make you feel euphoric, relaxed, or sleepy.

Psychedelics or Hallucinogens

These drugs act like LSD or magic mushrooms. They can create altered perceptions and hallucinations. They can induce feelings of euphoria, warmth, 'enlightenment,' and 'out-of-body experiences.'

Synthetic Cannabinoids

These drugs act similarly to cannabis, causing relaxation, altered consciousness, disinhibition, and feelings of being energized and euphoric.

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New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

Substances that are not well-researched and can have unpredictable effects on the body. They are often marketed as 'legal highs' but are not safe.

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What are NPS (New Psychoactive Substances)?

Substances that alter mental processes and/or behavior, not controlled by international drug conventions.

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How are NPS marketed?

NPS are often marketed as 'legal highs' or 'research chemicals', emphasizing their unregulated nature.

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What are the effects of NPS?

NPS can have a wide range of effects, including mood changes, altered perception, and physical effects, often with unknown long-term consequences.

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Why are NPS a Public Health Concern?

NPS are a growing concern for public health due to their potential for harm, including overdoses, poisoning, and deaths.

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How are NPS Classified?

NPS are classified based on their chemical structure, providing a framework for understanding their potential effects and risks.

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What is a key characteristic of many NPS?

Many NPS were synthesized decades ago but only recently became widely available, highlighting the rapid evolution of the drug market.

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What does 'new' mean in NPS?

The term 'new' in NPS doesn't always mean a recent invention, but rather a substance that has become newly available on the market.

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What does 'psychoactive' mean?

A substance is considered 'psychoactive' if it affects the mind or behavior, which is a key characteristic of NPS.

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Study Notes

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

  • NPS are also known as "legal highs" or "research chemicals"
  • These are synthetic substances
  • Often sold online as unregulated alternatives to existing drugs
  • They circumvent existing drug laws
  • UNODC defines NPS as substances of abuse, either pure or in preparation
  • Not controlled by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances
  • Pose a public health threat

Lecture Objectives

  • Define NPS
  • Describe the classification of NPS
  • Describe the effects of NPS on humans

Classification By Chemical Structure

  • NPS are categorized by their chemical structure into various groups
  • Examples include naphthyl-methyl-indenes, polycyclic hydro-carbons, phenols, cyclohexylphenyl- and cyclohexylphenols, and amines
  • See diagrams for detailed chemical classifications

Classification By Effects

  • Various effects exist based on the type of NPS
  • Categories include stimulants, dissociatives, sedatives/hypnotics, synthetic cannabinoids, classic hallucinogens and others.
  • Examples of effects include:
    • Stimulants mimicking amphetamines, cocaine, or ecstasy, which may cause energy, physical activity, fast thinking, and euphoria.
    • Downers/Sedatives similar to benzodiazepines or GHB, causing euphoria, relaxation, or sleepiness. (e.g. GBH/GBL, methoxetamine)
    • Psychedelics/Hallucinogens like LSD or magic mushrooms, which produce altered perceptions, hallucinations, euphoria, warmth, and/or an out-of-body experience. (e.g., NBOMe)
    • Synthetic Cannabis similar to cannabis use, causing relaxation, altered consciousness, disinhibition, and energy. (e.g., APINACA, JWH-018)

Risks of New Psychoactive Substances

  • Impossible to know exactly what's in a 'legal high' product purchased
  • Insufficient research into the risks of using NPS
  • Potentially varying effects depending on the individual
  • Limited data on NPS toxicity, often due to multiple drug use occurring at the same time
  • Increased risk of addiction associated with NPS use like other drugs

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Description

This quiz provides an introduction to New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), also known as 'legal highs' or 'research chemicals'. It covers their definition, classification by chemical structure and effects on humans, highlighting the public health threats they pose. Understand the implications of NPS and their alternative status in drug laws.

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