Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100238
L. Lazuras, L. Turnock, D. Martin
Introduction
GLP-1 agonist drugs (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) are promising medicines for the treatment of obesity and weight management in at-risk populations. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that GLP-1 drugs are misused (i.e., used without medical prescription and supervision, for non-health reasons) by exercise populations. The current research presents novel findings about GLP-1 drug use trends, supply, and perceived health risks among UK-based exercisers (Study 1). It also presents findings from a netnographic analysis (Study 2) of online bodybuilding forums about health risk management and polydrug use trends, involving the concurrent use of GLP-1 drugs with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other image and performance enhancement drugs (IPEDs).
Methods
Study 1 involved a cross-sectional survey with 681 exercisers in the UK, assessing access to GLP-1 agonist drugs, perceived health risk, experienced side effects, supply routes, mental health outcomes (symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance), and self-reported use of IPEDs and nutritional supplements. Study 2 involved qualitative analysis of 12,392 posts from 160 threads in two bodybuilding forums with regards to GLP-1 drug use trends, polypharmacy, and side effects and health risk-management approaches.
Results
Study 1 showed that past and intended GLP-1 use was associated with higher scores in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance; GLP-1 drugs were mostly accessed via informal supply networks, and their use continued even after users experienced adverse health effects. Study 2 further elucidated nuanced trends in off-label use of GLP-1 drugs across age groups, and highlighted risky polypharmacy patterns (e.g., experimental dosing; cycling or stacking different GLP-1 drugs, and combining AAS use with GLP-1 drugs to avoid muscle waste).
Conclusions
Taken together, the present findings indicate a worrying trend in GLP-1 misuse in exercise populations, signifying an emerging form of drug use in sport settings with important public health implications.
{"title":"One drug makes you larger, and one drug makes you small: GLP-1 Drug Misuse, Risk Beliefs, and Polypharmacy in Sport and Exercise Populations","authors":"L. Lazuras, L. Turnock, D. Martin","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>GLP-1 agonist drugs (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) are promising medicines for the treatment of obesity and weight management in at-risk populations. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that GLP-1 drugs are misused (i.e., used without medical prescription and supervision, for non-health reasons) by exercise populations. The current research presents novel findings about GLP-1 drug use trends, supply, and perceived health risks among UK-based exercisers (Study 1). It also presents findings from a netnographic analysis (Study 2) of online bodybuilding forums about health risk management and polydrug use trends, involving the concurrent use of GLP-1 drugs with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other image and performance enhancement drugs (IPEDs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Study 1 involved a cross-sectional survey with 681 exercisers in the UK, assessing access to GLP-1 agonist drugs, perceived health risk, experienced side effects, supply routes, mental health outcomes (symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance), and self-reported use of IPEDs and nutritional supplements. Study 2 involved qualitative analysis of 12,392 posts from 160 threads in two bodybuilding forums with regards to GLP-1 drug use trends, polypharmacy, and side effects and health risk-management approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Study 1 showed that past and intended GLP-1 use was associated with higher scores in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance; GLP-1 drugs were mostly accessed via informal supply networks, and their use continued even after users experienced adverse health effects. Study 2 further elucidated nuanced trends in off-label use of GLP-1 drugs across age groups, and highlighted risky polypharmacy patterns (e.g., experimental dosing; cycling or stacking different GLP-1 drugs, and combining AAS use with GLP-1 drugs to avoid muscle waste).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Taken together, the present findings indicate a worrying trend in GLP-1 misuse in exercise populations, signifying an emerging form of drug use in sport settings with important public health implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100189
A.A. Aldubayyan
Introduction
All new designer drugs derived from cathinone, the principal active ingredient present in the leaves of the catha edulis (Khat) plant, have a chiral center at their α-carbon yielding two stereoisomers. It is well known that one of the enantiomers is biologically active, whereas the other may be inactive or pose undesired effect. Owing to the novelty of these compounds, limited data about the pharmacological and toxicological, and consequently about the single enantiomers are available. Analytical methods are therefore required to discriminate between the two enantiomers of a new racemic drug.
Methods
Three synthetic cathinones namely, mephedrone, N-Ethylpentylone and 4-Cl-alpha-PPP were used as model compounds. The chiral HPLC method is composed of CHIRALPAK® AD-3 column, methanol–ethanol–diethylamine as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.1 ml/min and UV detection at 254 nm. The effects of different mobile phase ratios on the retention time and resolution were evaluated to achieve baseline separation.
Results
Under final conditions (methanol–ethanol–diethylamine [95:5:0.1 v/v]), mephedrone has transformed into a complete separation by increasing the methanol content from 80% to 95%. However, both 4-Cl-alpha-PPP and N-Ethylpentylone were only partially resolved although a remarkable resolution was observed.
Conclusions
Nevertheless, the applicability of the developed chiral method could be expanded to a wider range of designer drugs to provide much more precise knowledge.
{"title":"Enantioseparation of Three Synthetic Cathinones: An Evaluation of CHIRALPAK® AD-3 Column Using HPLC","authors":"A.A. Aldubayyan","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100189","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100189","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>All new designer drugs derived from cathinone, the principal active ingredient present in the leaves of the catha edulis (Khat) plant, have a chiral center at their α-carbon yielding two stereoisomers. It is well known that one of the enantiomers is biologically active, whereas the other may be inactive or pose undesired effect. Owing to the novelty of these compounds, limited data about the pharmacological and toxicological, and consequently about the single enantiomers are available. Analytical methods are therefore required to discriminate between the two enantiomers of a new racemic drug.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three synthetic cathinones namely, mephedrone, N-Ethylpentylone and 4-Cl-alpha-PPP were used as model compounds. The chiral HPLC method is composed of CHIRALPAK® AD-3 column, methanol–ethanol–diethylamine as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.1 ml/min and UV detection at 254 nm. The effects of different mobile phase ratios on the retention time and resolution were evaluated to achieve baseline separation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Under final conditions (methanol–ethanol–diethylamine [95:5:0.1 v/v]), mephedrone has transformed into a complete separation by increasing the methanol content from 80% to 95%. However, both 4-Cl-alpha-PPP and N-Ethylpentylone were only partially resolved although a remarkable resolution was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Nevertheless, the applicability of the developed chiral method could be expanded to a wider range of designer drugs to provide much more precise knowledge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100199
S. Boccuzzi, V. Abbate, D. Cowan, P. Dargan
Introduction
Acute recreational drug toxicity (ARDT) is a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) presentation. Currently clinicians rely on patient self-report, rapid and accurate drug screening has the potential to improve patient care by providing reliable information on the drug(s) involved to enable targeted and evidence-based patient management. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of paper spray ionisation (PSI), using the VeriSpray™ system, in patients with ARDT.
Methods
Plasma samples from patients presenting with ARDT were spiked with deuterated internal standards for 15 common drugs. 5 µL was applied to VeriSpray plates and dried for 15 minutes before quantitative analysis. Each sample was analysed and quantified in under two minutes.
Results
The method successfully detected at least one drug in 80% of 76 patient samples. Ten of the targeted drugs were identified, with methamphetamine (66% of samples) being the most common. Concentration ranges were provided for clinical interpretation. The study also showed that haemolysed samples could provide indicative results.
Conclusions
VeriSpray workflows show considerable potential to inform management of patients with ARDT. Their speed, broad-spectrum drug detection, and minimal sample preparation requirements make them a promising tool for rapid, on-site drug screening in the ED.
{"title":"Streamlining Analysis to Inform Management of Acute Recreational Drug Toxicity: Advances in Paper Spray Ionisation for Rapid Drug Detection","authors":"S. Boccuzzi, V. Abbate, D. Cowan, P. Dargan","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Acute recreational drug toxicity (ARDT) is a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) presentation. Currently clinicians rely on patient self-report, rapid and accurate drug screening has the potential to improve patient care by providing reliable information on the drug(s) involved to enable targeted and evidence-based patient management. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of paper spray ionisation (PSI), using the VeriSpray™ system, in patients with ARDT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Plasma samples from patients presenting with ARDT were spiked with deuterated internal standards for 15 common drugs. 5 µL was applied to VeriSpray plates and dried for 15 minutes before quantitative analysis. Each sample was analysed and quantified in under two minutes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The method successfully detected at least one drug in 80% of 76 patient samples. Ten of the targeted drugs were identified, with methamphetamine (66% of samples) being the most common. Concentration ranges were provided for clinical interpretation. The study also showed that haemolysed samples could provide indicative results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>VeriSpray workflows show considerable potential to inform management of patients with ARDT. Their speed, broad-spectrum drug detection, and minimal sample preparation requirements make them a promising tool for rapid, on-site drug screening in the ED.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100252
A. Salomone, J. Matias, P. Dugues, I-A. Larabi
Introduction
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are accumulating in the illicit market and are (un)consciously used in combination with common drugs of abuse (DoA), alcohol, and pharmaceuticals thus complexing their detection in biological samples, the understanding of (in)direct health effects, and interpretation of the analyses. The aim of this pioneer study was to evaluate hair testing as an effective tool for monitoring the consumption of DoA and NPS, in selected populations.
Methods
This multicenter research took place in Italy, France, Portugal and Lithuania. People who use drugs were approached at drug-checking services, music festivals and raves, and were asked to donate a hair sample and to fill a web-survey to report information about the substances consumed in the previous months. In total, 432 samples were collected and analyzed for more than 150 substances.
Results
In the Italian territory, DoA were the most prevalent substances, while synthetic cathinones and synthetic opioids were less frequently identified. Mephedrone, buphedrone and eutylone were detected in people who declared either recent (n=3) or past use (n=9) of MDMA and amphetamines; two people tested positive for recent use of mephedrone even though they did not declare it. In France, NPS were detected in 62 individuals, encompassing 44 distinct NPS. Among these, the most commonly encountered were 3-MMC (21 cases), DCK (17), 2F-DCK (16), dimethylpentylone (10), and both 3-FPM and mephedrone appearing 8 times each. In Lithuania, mephedrone (n=6) was detected mainly in combination with cocaine but also alone and N-ethylpentylone in one sample together with cocaine and MDMA. 2-FDCK (n=4) was detected in three cases together with cocaine. An interesting aspect is noticed in Portugal: MDMA (60%) is by far the most prevalent substance followed by ketamine (47%), while amphetamine (18%) and mephedrone (2%) complete the detected panel.
Conclusions
The identification of substances in biological matrices in diverse populations is essential to obtain an overview of the diffusion of the substances around Europe, to understand which is the drug prevalence and trade patterns. While not being representative of the general population, this innovative approach based on two complementary methods provides valuable additional information about variations in use among different groups of people who use drugs. This study confirmed some of currently observed trends in drug use in Europe, with several stimulants (cocaine, MDMA) being prevalent in all participating countries, while highlighting the use of ketamine and synthetic cathinones.
{"title":"Hair Analysis as an Epidemiological Indicator to Assess the NPS Situation in Europe","authors":"A. Salomone, J. Matias, P. Dugues, I-A. Larabi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are accumulating in the illicit market and are (un)consciously used in combination with common drugs of abuse (DoA), alcohol, and pharmaceuticals thus complexing their detection in biological samples, the understanding of (in)direct health effects, and interpretation of the analyses. The aim of this pioneer study was to evaluate hair testing as an effective tool for monitoring the consumption of DoA and NPS, in selected populations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This multicenter research took place in Italy, France, Portugal and Lithuania. People who use drugs were approached at drug-checking services, music festivals and raves, and were asked to donate a hair sample and to fill a web-survey to report information about the substances consumed in the previous months. In total, 432 samples were collected and analyzed for more than 150 substances.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the Italian territory, DoA were the most prevalent substances, while synthetic cathinones and synthetic opioids were less frequently identified. Mephedrone, buphedrone and eutylone were detected in people who declared either recent (n=3) or past use (n=9) of MDMA and amphetamines; two people tested positive for recent use of mephedrone even though they did not declare it. In France, NPS were detected in 62 individuals, encompassing 44 distinct NPS. Among these, the most commonly encountered were 3-MMC (21 cases), DCK (17), 2F-DCK (16), dimethylpentylone (10), and both 3-FPM and mephedrone appearing 8 times each. In Lithuania, mephedrone (n=6) was detected mainly in combination with cocaine but also alone and N-ethylpentylone in one sample together with cocaine and MDMA. 2-FDCK (n=4) was detected in three cases together with cocaine. An interesting aspect is noticed in Portugal: MDMA (60%) is by far the most prevalent substance followed by ketamine (47%), while amphetamine (18%) and mephedrone (2%) complete the detected panel.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The identification of substances in biological matrices in diverse populations is essential to obtain an overview of the diffusion of the substances around Europe, to understand which is the drug prevalence and trade patterns. While not being representative of the general population, this innovative approach based on two complementary methods provides valuable additional information about variations in use among different groups of people who use drugs. This study confirmed some of currently observed trends in drug use in Europe, with several stimulants (cocaine, MDMA) being prevalent in all participating countries, while highlighting the use of ketamine and synthetic cathinones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100239
L.S. Lopes, M.L.S. Macedo, R.M. Souza
Introduction
In recent years, New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of the nitazene class have emerged in the illicit drug market as alternatives to controlled opioids. Although Brazil is not facing an opioid epidemic, there has been an increase in the seizure of these substances. This study presents the regulatory landscape of nitazenes in Brazil and the main challenges related to their control.
Methods
Anvisa is responsible for scheduling substances in the national drugs lists. Monitoring is carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, which report seizures of both NPS and traditional drugs. To streamline this communication, an online form was developed specifically for NPS notifications.
Results
Currently, 11 nitazene substances are under control in Brazil, eight of which are also listed internationally. Three substances — N-desethyl etonitazene, N-pyrrolidino metonitazene, and N,N-dimethylamino etonitazene — were added following notifications submitted through the online form between 2024 and 2025, with an average scheduling time of 90 days. In São Paulo, between July 2022 and April 2023, 95% of opioid seizures involved nitazenes, mainly metonitazene, frequently found in combination with synthetic cannabinoids in plant material.
Conclusions
The communication between Anvisa and law enforcement has proven effective, enabling rapid responses to control nitazene-class NPS. Moreover, there are signs of a shift in the profile of seized opioids in Brazil, with increased circulation of nitazenes, including those already controlled, often combined with other substances and in unusual presentations, increasing risks for users. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring strategies to support regulatory and enforcement actions, as well as more effective health policies, in response to this evolving scenario.
{"title":"Nitazenes: A Brazilian Regulatory Overview","authors":"L.S. Lopes, M.L.S. Macedo, R.M. Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In recent years, New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of the nitazene class have emerged in the illicit drug market as alternatives to controlled opioids. Although Brazil is not facing an opioid epidemic, there has been an increase in the seizure of these substances. This study presents the regulatory landscape of nitazenes in Brazil and the main challenges related to their control.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Anvisa is responsible for scheduling substances in the national drugs lists. Monitoring is carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, which report seizures of both NPS and traditional drugs. To streamline this communication, an online form was developed specifically for NPS notifications.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Currently, 11 nitazene substances are under control in Brazil, eight of which are also listed internationally. Three substances — N-desethyl etonitazene, N-pyrrolidino metonitazene, and N,N-dimethylamino etonitazene — were added following notifications submitted through the online form between 2024 and 2025, with an average scheduling time of 90 days. In São Paulo, between July 2022 and April 2023, 95% of opioid seizures involved nitazenes, mainly metonitazene, frequently found in combination with synthetic cannabinoids in plant material.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The communication between Anvisa and law enforcement has proven effective, enabling rapid responses to control nitazene-class NPS. Moreover, there are signs of a shift in the profile of seized opioids in Brazil, with increased circulation of nitazenes, including those already controlled, often combined with other substances and in unusual presentations, increasing risks for users. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring strategies to support regulatory and enforcement actions, as well as more effective health policies, in response to this evolving scenario.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100195
M. Baysaloglu, O. Corazza, F. Castro
Introduction
Whilst exercising is associated with a healthy lifestyle, recent evidence indicated that excessive physical activity may lead to exercise addiction, especially among gym-goers. This may be fuelled by the pursuit of an “ideal” body shape, which has closely been linked to Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD). Within the bodybuilding community, this condition is commonly referred to as Muscle Dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of BDD. It is characterised by an intense preoccupation with one’s own body as being smaller than it is. MD is linked with image- and performance-enhancing substances such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, which are used to boost muscle growth and enhance physical appearance. However, these substances pose significant physical and psychological health risks. To date, limited evidence on the behavioural and neural mechanisms of this condition exists, which may prevent further advances in rehabilitative protocols to ameliorate the condition.
Methods
This study explores whether muscle dysmorphia symptoms and IPED use are linked with the malleability of body representation by using the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) with bodybuilders and control participants. Each participant completed a classical RHI paradigm, with the experimenter stroking the rubber and real hand synchronously, asynchronously and in an incongruent (180° rotated hand) condition. Embodiment of the rubber hand was assessed using the RHI questionnaire and proprioceptive drift. Muscle dysmorphia was assessed by using the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Additional measures used were the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-8 (NPI-8), Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) and Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). Data analysis will examine whether higher IPED use is associated with greater malleability of body representation and explore the relation to behavioural and personality traits through correlation analyses.
Results
Data collection and analysis are still ongoing. Results and conclusions from the study will be presented in the final poster.
虽然运动与健康的生活方式有关，但最近的证据表明，过度的体育活动可能会导致运动成瘾，尤其是对健身房的人来说。这可能是对“理想”体型的追求，这与身体畸形症（BDD）密切相关。在健美界，这种情况通常被称为肌肉畸形（MD），是BDD的一种亚型。它的特点是强烈地关注自己的身体，认为自己比实际小。MD与增强形象和表现的物质有关，如合成代谢雄性激素类固醇，用于促进肌肉生长和改善外表。然而，这些物质对身体和心理健康构成重大风险。迄今为止，关于这种情况的行为和神经机制的证据有限，这可能会阻碍康复方案的进一步发展，以改善这种情况。方法采用橡胶手错觉（Rubber Hand Illusion， RHI）对健美运动员和对照组进行研究，探讨肌肉畸形症状和IPED的使用是否与身体表征的延展性有关。每个参与者都完成了一个经典的RHI范式，实验者在同步、异步和不一致（手旋转180°）的条件下抚摸橡胶手和真手。使用RHI问卷和本体感觉漂移来评估橡胶手的体现。使用肌肉畸形障碍量表（MDDI）评估肌肉畸形。其他测量方法包括自恋人格量表-8 （NPI-8）、特定领域风险承担量表（DOSPERT）和运动成瘾量表（EAI）。数据分析将检验更高的IPED使用是否与更大的身体表征可塑性有关，并通过相关分析探索行为和人格特征之间的关系。结果数据收集和分析仍在进行中。研究的结果和结论将在最后的海报中展示。
{"title":"Malleability of Body Representation in Bodybuilders with and Without Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder. A Rubber Hand Illusion Study","authors":"M. Baysaloglu, O. Corazza, F. Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Whilst exercising is associated with a healthy lifestyle, recent evidence indicated that excessive physical activity may lead to exercise addiction, especially among gym-goers. This may be fuelled by the pursuit of an “ideal” body shape, which has closely been linked to Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD). Within the bodybuilding community, this condition is commonly referred to as Muscle Dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of BDD. It is characterised by an intense preoccupation with one’s own body as being smaller than it is. MD is linked with image- and performance-enhancing substances such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, which are used to boost muscle growth and enhance physical appearance. However, these substances pose significant physical and psychological health risks. To date, limited evidence on the behavioural and neural mechanisms of this condition exists, which may prevent further advances in rehabilitative protocols to ameliorate the condition.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study explores whether muscle dysmorphia symptoms and IPED use are linked with the malleability of body representation by using the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) with bodybuilders and control participants. Each participant completed a classical RHI paradigm, with the experimenter stroking the rubber and real hand synchronously, asynchronously and in an incongruent (180° rotated hand) condition. Embodiment of the rubber hand was assessed using the RHI questionnaire and proprioceptive drift. Muscle dysmorphia was assessed by using the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Additional measures used were the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-8 (NPI-8), Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) and Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). Data analysis will examine whether higher IPED use is associated with greater malleability of body representation and explore the relation to behavioural and personality traits through correlation analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data collection and analysis are still ongoing. Results and conclusions from the study will be presented in the final poster.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100248
A. Picchi, M. Caracciolo, P. Bussotti, V. Rapaccini, A. Metastasio
Scherma Bradamante APS-ASD is an Italian association that organises fencing workshops designed to promote growth, recovery, and personal reconstruction for individuals who have experienced abuse or violence in any form, including bullying and workplace bullying, or who are affected by body dysmorphic disorder. These workshops combine fencing and psychotherapy, with the support of both a fencing coach and a psychotherapist. The Association has developed a Protocol to help resolve issues relating to anxiety, stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse in adults and children affected by violence or body dysmorphic disorder. The workshops offer personalised support and include different fencing practices that combine psychological and physical elements. These promote emotional regulation by teaching assertiveness, confidence, balance, control and commitment. Fencing is indeed a particularly effective physical activity for promoting emotional regulation. It is a high-intensity combat sport and martial art that does not involve direct physical contact, requiring the use of a mask (a powerful tool for introspection). By the end of the programme, users can remove their masks, having completed their introspective journey towards greater personal fulfilment. This process of inner growth, combining fencing and psychotherapy, helps overcome trauma caused by abuse and violence.
{"title":"Scherma Bradamante: Fencing Programme for Victims of Violence and Individuals Affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder","authors":"A. Picchi, M. Caracciolo, P. Bussotti, V. Rapaccini, A. Metastasio","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scherma Bradamante APS-ASD is an Italian association that organises fencing workshops designed to promote growth, recovery, and personal reconstruction for individuals who have experienced abuse or violence in any form, including bullying and workplace bullying, or who are affected by body dysmorphic disorder. These workshops combine fencing and psychotherapy, with the support of both a fencing coach and a psychotherapist. The Association has developed a Protocol to help resolve issues relating to anxiety, stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse in adults and children affected by violence or body dysmorphic disorder. The workshops offer personalised support and include different fencing practices that combine psychological and physical elements. These promote emotional regulation by teaching assertiveness, confidence, balance, control and commitment. Fencing is indeed a particularly effective physical activity for promoting emotional regulation. It is a high-intensity combat sport and martial art that does not involve direct physical contact, requiring the use of a mask (a powerful tool for introspection). By the end of the programme, users can remove their masks, having completed their introspective journey towards greater personal fulfilment. This process of inner growth, combining fencing and psychotherapy, helps overcome trauma caused by abuse and violence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100262
M. Vishnevsky, E. Alexandrova
Introduction
There are 10 Eurasian species of non-psilocybin psychoactive mushrooms (NPPM), containing styrylpyrones, gymnopilin, ergot alkaloids and isoxazoles, were identified. All these species have a recreational use expanding over the last decade. It makes sense to introduce legislative control over some species, but others have real medical potential for the psychological disorders treatment and assistance with many somatic problems.
Methods
Based on available literature data, as well as field, laboratory, preclinical and clinical studies, various characteristics of NPPM were summarized.
Results
A list of 10 wild Eurasian NPPM has been compiled. Many of them contain psychoactive substances, which are already widely used by the locals for recreational purposes and circulate in regional/international trade. A detailed description of each species has been compiled according to the following scheme: habitat, fruiting season; active ingredients, syndrome caused; recreational use status, dose and effect; proven medical properties.
Conclusions
On one hand, recreational use of NPM can lead to psychological or even physical trauma. On the other hand, the correct use of NPM and their substances offers wide prospects for evidence-based medicine.
{"title":"Fungi or Shrooms? The Use of New types of Psychoactive Mushrooms and Their Active Substances in Eurasia for Recreational and Medical Purposes","authors":"M. Vishnevsky, E. Alexandrova","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>There are 10 Eurasian species of non-psilocybin psychoactive mushrooms (NPPM), containing styrylpyrones, gymnopilin, ergot alkaloids and isoxazoles, were identified. All these species have a recreational use expanding over the last decade. It makes sense to introduce legislative control over some species, but others have real medical potential for the psychological disorders treatment and assistance with many somatic problems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Based on available literature data, as well as field, laboratory, preclinical and clinical studies, various characteristics of NPPM were summarized.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A list of 10 wild Eurasian NPPM has been compiled. Many of them contain psychoactive substances, which are already widely used by the locals for recreational purposes and circulate in regional/international trade. A detailed description of each species has been compiled according to the following scheme: habitat, fruiting season; active ingredients, syndrome caused; recreational use status, dose and effect; proven medical properties.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>On one hand, recreational use of NPM can lead to psychological or even physical trauma. On the other hand, the correct use of NPM and their substances offers wide prospects for evidence-based medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100262"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100236
E. Levari, L. Menapace, A. Coppola, M. Stefani, P. Dè Lutti, G. Esposito
Introduction
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with abuse potential, poses significant public health risks—especially when use begins during adolescence. Chronic use rapidly leads to dependence (79% within one year) and severe complications, including ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) and ketamine-induced cholangiopathy. Despite its growing global prevalence, KIU remains underdiagnosed, often obscured by nonspecific urinary symptoms.
Methods
We present the case of a 21-year-old female with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abnormal liver function tests, bile duct dilation, and malnutrition, leading to a severe decline in quality of life—including urinary frequency (every 30 minutes, day and night) and depressive mood symptoms. These manifestations were ultimately attributed to chronic ketamine abuse.
Results
Laboratory and imaging findings confirmed ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU), demonstrating ulcerative cystitis and hydronephrosis. Initially, the patient's failure to disclose ketamine use to urology and gynaecology specialists, combined with the clinical rarity of this presentation, delayed diagnosis. Despite antibiotic prophylaxis, symptoms persisted until complete ketamine cessation. No urological interventions were ultimately required.
Conclusions
This case highlights the critical need to include ketamine abuse in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with unexplained urinary symptoms. Early identification demands: (1) heightened clinical suspicion, (2) systematic toxicological screening, and (3) coordinated multidisciplinary assessment. We recommend establishing standardized clinical protocols that mandate renal/hepatic function monitoring, diagnostic imaging, and prompt urological consultation for suspected cases. Concurrent public health initiatives should prioritize combating ketamine misuse, particularly among adolescents, to mitigate risks of permanent urological compromise.
{"title":"Ketamine-Induced Uropathy in Young Adults: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges","authors":"E. Levari, L. Menapace, A. Coppola, M. Stefani, P. Dè Lutti, G. Esposito","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100236","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100236","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with abuse potential, poses significant public health risks—especially when use begins during adolescence. Chronic use rapidly leads to dependence (79% within one year) and severe complications, including ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) and ketamine-induced cholangiopathy. Despite its growing global prevalence, KIU remains underdiagnosed, often obscured by nonspecific urinary symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We present the case of a 21-year-old female with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abnormal liver function tests, bile duct dilation, and malnutrition, leading to a severe decline in quality of life—including urinary frequency (every 30 minutes, day and night) and depressive mood symptoms. These manifestations were ultimately attributed to chronic ketamine abuse.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Laboratory and imaging findings confirmed ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU), demonstrating ulcerative cystitis and hydronephrosis. Initially, the patient's failure to disclose ketamine use to urology and gynaecology specialists, combined with the clinical rarity of this presentation, delayed diagnosis. Despite antibiotic prophylaxis, symptoms persisted until complete ketamine cessation. No urological interventions were ultimately required.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case highlights the critical need to include ketamine abuse in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with unexplained urinary symptoms. Early identification demands: (1) heightened clinical suspicion, (2) systematic toxicological screening, and (3) coordinated multidisciplinary assessment. We recommend establishing standardized clinical protocols that mandate renal/hepatic function monitoring, diagnostic imaging, and prompt urological consultation for suspected cases. Concurrent public health initiatives should prioritize combating ketamine misuse, particularly among adolescents, to mitigate risks of permanent urological compromise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100247
G. Penazzi, T. Zandonai, V. Barbati, S. Venturini, O. Corazza
<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) has steadily increased in recent years, encompassing a spectrum from common nutritional supplements to potentially harmful pharmacological substances. This study was designed to investigate IPEDs use among sport and fitness practitioners, aiming to address relevant psychological factors which may contribute to potentially risky misconducts. Previous research has identified appearance-related anxiety and exercise addiction as significant risk markers for potentially harmful behaviours, while social media exposure and problematic internet use may further reinforce such tendencies. This study examined the prevalence of IPEDs use in Trentino-Alto Adige sport practitioners and its associations with appearance anxiety, exercise addiction, problematic internet use, and self-compassion as a potential protective factor.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected among adult participants through an anonymous online survey distributed between March and August 2025 in gyms, fitness centers, sports associations, stadiums, and public places such as libraries and universities, as well as online. Descriptive statistics (sex, education, occupation) as well as frequencies in the use of different products or related to sport preferences have been collected. Participants were categorized according to whether they reported using non-harmful (e.g., proteins, vitamins) or potentially harmful IPEDs (e.g., anabolic agents, hormones). Binary logistic regressions were conducted to test associations between harmful IPED use and appearance anxiety, exercise addiction, problematic internet use and self-compassion.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 291 respondents completed the survey. After excluding incomplete responses and failed attention checks, 267 participants were retained for analysis (M = 114, F = 151, Unspecified = 2). Most users engaged primarily in fitness or gym workouts (25.8%), followed by weight lifting (12.4%), running (8.2%), and mountain or outdoor sports (6.4%). Within this regional sample, 40.8% of respondents reported using supplements or performance-enhancing products. Specifically, 25.5% used at least one potentially risky IPED, 15.4% used only non-harmful products, and 59.2% reported no use. Among IPEDs or supplement users, online purchase was the most frequent method (27.7%), followed by pharmacies (17.2%). Preliminary analyses indicated that exercise addiction above the clinical cut-off score significantly increased the likelihood of potentially risky IPEDs consumption (p = .001, OR = 5.03), whereas self-compassion emerged as a protective factor (p = .005, OR = 0.59). Appearance anxiety and problematic internet use were positively, though not significantly, associated with potentially harmful misuse in this sample. Conclusion: These findings highlight a concerning prevalence of IPEDs use among sport and fitness practitioners in Trentin
{"title":"A regional survey on Image and Performance Enhancing Drug Use and its psychological correlates in the Trentino-Alto Adige sports community","authors":"G. Penazzi, T. Zandonai, V. Barbati, S. Venturini, O. Corazza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) has steadily increased in recent years, encompassing a spectrum from common nutritional supplements to potentially harmful pharmacological substances. This study was designed to investigate IPEDs use among sport and fitness practitioners, aiming to address relevant psychological factors which may contribute to potentially risky misconducts. Previous research has identified appearance-related anxiety and exercise addiction as significant risk markers for potentially harmful behaviours, while social media exposure and problematic internet use may further reinforce such tendencies. This study examined the prevalence of IPEDs use in Trentino-Alto Adige sport practitioners and its associations with appearance anxiety, exercise addiction, problematic internet use, and self-compassion as a potential protective factor.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected among adult participants through an anonymous online survey distributed between March and August 2025 in gyms, fitness centers, sports associations, stadiums, and public places such as libraries and universities, as well as online. Descriptive statistics (sex, education, occupation) as well as frequencies in the use of different products or related to sport preferences have been collected. Participants were categorized according to whether they reported using non-harmful (e.g., proteins, vitamins) or potentially harmful IPEDs (e.g., anabolic agents, hormones). Binary logistic regressions were conducted to test associations between harmful IPED use and appearance anxiety, exercise addiction, problematic internet use and self-compassion.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 291 respondents completed the survey. After excluding incomplete responses and failed attention checks, 267 participants were retained for analysis (M = 114, F = 151, Unspecified = 2). Most users engaged primarily in fitness or gym workouts (25.8%), followed by weight lifting (12.4%), running (8.2%), and mountain or outdoor sports (6.4%). Within this regional sample, 40.8% of respondents reported using supplements or performance-enhancing products. Specifically, 25.5% used at least one potentially risky IPED, 15.4% used only non-harmful products, and 59.2% reported no use. Among IPEDs or supplement users, online purchase was the most frequent method (27.7%), followed by pharmacies (17.2%). Preliminary analyses indicated that exercise addiction above the clinical cut-off score significantly increased the likelihood of potentially risky IPEDs consumption (p = .001, OR = 5.03), whereas self-compassion emerged as a protective factor (p = .005, OR = 0.59). Appearance anxiety and problematic internet use were positively, though not significantly, associated with potentially harmful misuse in this sample. Conclusion: These findings highlight a concerning prevalence of IPEDs use among sport and fitness practitioners in Trentin","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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