TY - JOUR
PY - 2019//
TI - Non-medical use of novel synthetic opioids: a new challenge to public health
JO - International journal of environmental research and public health
A1 - Lovrecic, Barbara
A1 - Lovrecic, Mercedes
A1 - Gabrovec, Branko
A1 - Carli, Marco
A1 - Pacini, Matteo
A1 - Maremmani, Angelo G. I.
A1 - Maremmani, Icro
SP - e16020177
EP - e16020177
VL - 16
IS - 2
N2 - Background: In the last decade there has been a progressive increase in the use of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) that are not yet under international control. In particular, novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) have reappeared on the recreational drug market in the last few years. As a result, the use of NSOs has increased rapidly. This poses an emerging and demanding challenge to public health. Aim: To raise awareness among clinicians and other professionals about NPSs, especially NSOs, to summarize current knowledge about pharmacological properties, forms of NSO on the market, pattern of use, effects and consequences of use. Methods: An electronic search was carried out on the Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar databases to find selected search terms. Results: Some NPSs are already controlled, while others can be legally sold directly on the drug market (mainly via internet, less so by drug dealers) or be used as precursors for the synthesis of other designer drugs that mimic the psychoactive effects of controlled substances. Potential side-effects of NSOs include miosis, sedation, respiratory depression, hypothermia, inhibition of gastrointestinal propulsion, death (from opioid overdose). Conclusions: The severity of the opioid crisis has intensified with the introduction of highly potent NSOs on the drug market. As long as addicts are dying from overdose or similar causes, there is something more constructive to do than waiting for addicts to overdose on heroin at a place located near a remedy, as if to say, within reach of naloxone. Language: en
LA - en
SN - 1661-7827
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16020177
ID - ref1
ER -