New Psycho-Active Substances: Ethnobotanics between Myth and Reality

Abstract

This article represents a theoretical approach to an increasingly present and publicized topic in the Romanian society, the New Psychoactive Substances (NSP). Most commonly known as "ethnobotanicals" or "zombie drug", these substances have become part of the social reality of contemporary Romania. The main objective of the article is to present as clearly and concisely what NSPs are and represent, both at the level of Romania and globally. In trying to achieve the proposed goal, several topics have been addressed, such as the history and definition of NSPs, the types of products, the factors that contributed to their appearance and maintenance on the market, their medical effects and the myths that surround them.