Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health最新文献

{"title":"MDPHiP, the Synthetic Cathinone Associated to Intoxication Cases in Italy: Preclinical In Vivo Study, Comparison with Analogues and In Silico Approach","authors":"M. Bassi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100193","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100193","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>3,4-Methylendioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinoisohecanophenone (MDPHiP) is a synthetic cathinone structurally related to MDPHP and MDPV. It was recently seized by Italian authorities and its consumption, alone or in combination with other substances, was associated with human intoxications. Despite this, there is a lack of information on its pharmaco-toxicological effect and pharmacokinetic profile.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The acute effects of MDPHiP (0.01-20 mg/kg; i.p.) on sensorimotor responses, core temperature, spontaneous locomotion, aggressiveness, cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory parameters were investigated in male mice and compared to MDPV and MDPHP. The <em>in silico</em> ADMET profile of MDPHiP and its metabolic pathway was predicted by the ADMET Predictor.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In mice, MDPHiP induced sensorimotor and small temperature alterations, increased locomotion, and caused a strong increase of aggressiveness. High doses induced tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension and reduction of SpO₂ and pulse distension. Hydroxylation and opening of the pyrrolidin ring and demethylenylation were predicted for MDPHiP, estimated to inhibit CYP2D6.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The behavioural and cardiovascular effects of MDPHiP in mice align with its analogues and are reflected in the symptoms observed during intoxications, which confirms the risks associated with its consumption. Moreover, it appears crucial the preclinical research on the effects and the pharmacokinetic profile of newly emerged NPS to contribute to the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790185","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}

{"title":"Policies Aimed at Controlling Drugs and Other Psychoactive Substances in a Northern Region of Russia","authors":"A. Gil","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Regional drug control policy in the Russia’s Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra complements federal control policy and plays a significant role in reducing burden of disease associated with drug use.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The policy analysis was conducted based on a study of regional regulatory documents providing drug control policies in 2004.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>As part of the implementation of the regional state program “Life Safety and Crime Prevention”, the significant methodological support to detect psychoactive substances (PS) in biological objects was provided to all five psychiatric- and-neurological hospitals belonging to the regional addiction health service. It included an update of the PS mass spectra libraries with indication of retention times for GS-MS and HPLC MS/MS; providing rapid tests for detecting the state of intoxication with PS. Continuous upgrade of equipment for conducting GC-MS, LC-MS, LCMS-IT-TOF-MS, LC-QTOF-MS assays, implementation of a unified quality control system for chemical-toxicological assays with support of the leading research centers allowed for precise identification of PS in the majority of registered cases of drug poisonings. Other important implemented policies included, but were not limited to, the early identification of drug abuse among at risk populations and introduction of telemedicine counselling for laboratory specialists. Conclusion: The significant policy focus has been placed on the development of an expert-level regional chemical-toxicological service.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789733","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}

{"title":"Novel Synthetic Opioids (NSOs) and Their Evolving Crisis: Utilizing NPSfinder® as a Real-Time Predictive Tool","authors":"F. Schifano,&nbsp;E. Deligianni,&nbsp;D. Arillotta,&nbsp;A. Vento,&nbsp;J.M. Corkery,&nbsp;G. Papazisis,&nbsp;A. Goulas,&nbsp;L. Lione","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The rapidly evolving crisis of Novel Synthetic Opioids (NSOs) poses a serious and growing threat for global public health. NSOs include prescription/non-prescription opioids (fentanyl, non-fentanyl analogues), herbal derivatives and other emerging analogues that are of critical concern due to their high potency, misuse potential, addiction and intoxication risk. Methodology: This study employed NPSfinder® automated web-crawling tool, to detect, monitor, analyse and evaluate the evolving situation of NSOs. Data was collected from selected high traffic psychonaut online platforms to better understand the trends on opioids market evolution and adaptability. It was investigated whether the opioids identified by the NPSfinder® crawling in 2018 (Davide et al., 2020) and 2023 have also been reported in other well-known Early Warning Systems (EWSs) or remain emerging and unknown to the global NPSs market assessing the predictability of the NPSfinder® tool.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 446 NSOs have been detected from the NPSfinder® with 249 fentanyl analogues of which 176 (71%) were unique to NPSfinder® and not listed to other well-known international EWSs (UNODC, INCB Yellow list, INCB green list, CFSRE). Thirteen substances identified as ultra potent including carfentanil (n=6), ohmefentanyl (n=2), remifentanil (n=3). Considering also that among the total 446 NSOs, the 252 substances (57%) identified were unique to NPSfinder® tool showcasing its strong predictability. Conclusion: The study findings highlight the diversification and evolvement of highly potent fentanyl analogues not captured yet by EWSs. The outcomes, as a follow-up of our previous study (Davide et al., 2020), indicate the remaining and growing issue of unknown opioids available posing serious misuse risk and not currently listed or controlled by European and International agencies. There is urgent need for real-time, data-driven monitoring tools able to predict, track, assess and evaluate NSOs trends, availability and use trends to support timely interventions, policy responses, inform public health and plan risk mitigation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789759","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}

{"title":"Profiling and Assessing the Risks of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs: A Cross-Cultural Perspective","authors":"I. De Luca,&nbsp;F. Di Carlo,&nbsp;J. Burkauskas,&nbsp;A.R. Dores,&nbsp;M.Á. Gómez-Martínez,&nbsp;A. Szabo,&nbsp;H. Fujiwara,&nbsp;C. Monteiro,&nbsp;M. Di Nicola,&nbsp;M. Mazza,&nbsp;G. Sani,&nbsp;D. Luciani,&nbsp;M. Pettorruso,&nbsp;M. di Giannantonio,&nbsp;I. Cataldo,&nbsp;G. Esposito,&nbsp;G. Martinotti,&nbsp;O. Corazza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Image and performance-enhancing drugs (IPEDs), or lifestyle drugs, are a wide range of products presented as having the potential to improve mental and physical function and health. The present study aimed to profile IPEDs use, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, a period characterized by physical distancing, isolation, gym closures, and other altered lifestyle habits.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional observational study investigating the type of IPEDs consumed and purchasing methods was disseminated via a web-based questionnaire in eight countries (United Kingdom, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Japan) between April and May 2020. This included the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 736 IPEDs users were included in the survey. The mean age of the sample was 33.05 years (SD =10.06), with females’ rate of 64.2%. Among IPEDs users, 6.8% were at risk of exercise addiction (EAI &gt;24), 27.6% presented high levels of appearance anxiety and 24.9% revealed low levels of self-compassion and emotional self-regulation. Most participants (55.6%) purchased IPEDs through pharmacies/specialised shops, while 41.3% purchased IPEDs on the Internet. Online shoppers of IPEDs were mainly men who reported higher scores on the Exercise Addiction Inventory. One or more IPEDs classifiable as “potentially at-risk” were used by 66.3% of the sample. Users of “potentially at-risk IPEDs” were younger and mostly males. They showed higher scores both at Exercise Addiction Inventory and Appearance Anxiety Inventory.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study profiled users of IPEDs during the peak of lockdown policies due to the COVID-19 breakdown. Both purchasing methods and types of IPEDs consumed were associated with distinct socio-demographic aspects and psychopathological traits. Some relevant cross-cultural differences were highlighted. Longitudinal studies will be needed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on IPEDs consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789804","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}

{"title":"Ultrastructural Evaluation of Tramadol-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction","authors":"M. Akingbade,&nbsp;O. Adegoke-Kehinde","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Tramadol, a synthetic opioid analgesic, is extensively utilized for pain management. However, prolonged use has been linked to testicular toxicity. Despite this, there is dearth of information concerning the ultrastructural changes induced by tramadol in the testes. This study aims to investigate the ultrastructural alterations in the testicular tissue of adult Wistar rats following tramadol administration.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Six Wistar rats weighing 200-230 g were utilized in this study. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received normal saline. Group B rats were given Tramadol 50mg/kg body weight. The study lasted for 56 days, on the 57th day, the rats were sacrificed and testes were excised for electron microscopic evaluation, which was conducted in MIMA2 in Jouy-enJosas/Imagerie-Gif in Gif-sur-Yvette, France.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The examination of electron micrographs revealed that the Norma saline group exhibited intact basement membrane, well-preserved mitochondria, intact cell junctions, and well arranged Golgi apparatus, whereas the tramadol group displayed compromised membrane integrity, vacuolated mitochondria, loss of cell junctions, and exhibited a loss of Golgi apparatus integrity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results underscore the potential reproductive toxicity of prolonged tramadol use, emphasizing the need for caution in its clinical application, particularly among men of reproductive age.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100188"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789979","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}

{"title":"Investigating the Risks and Protective Factors for IPED Use in Latin America: The Panama Project","authors":"T. Zandonai,&nbsp;L. Lazuras,&nbsp;D. Medina,&nbsp;M.J. Pesce,&nbsp;S. Saucedo,&nbsp;I. Mazzoni,&nbsp;O. Corazza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100264","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Doping and the use of emerging drugs remains a challenge in competitive sport, threatening athletes’ health, integrity, and the spirit of fair play. In general, doping risk is conceptualized through athletes’ intentions to dope, their likelihood of doping under hypothetical scenarios, attitudes toward doping, and self-reported drug intake behavior. Additionally, resistance efficacy, the perceived ability to resist doping pressure, is considered a key protective factor. Previous research suggests that sport anxiety, stressors, and frustration of basic psychological needs may increase doping vulnerability, whereas mindfulness and self-compassion function as psychological buffers that help athletes cope adaptively with performance-related pressures.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 200 athletes (86% male, 14% female; M  =  25.5 years, DS  =  8.1; M = 24.6 years, SD = 5.8) from 12 sports, including football, judo, powerlifting, and para-swimming, completed validated scales measuring doping-related variables, sport anxiety, sport stressors, basic psychological need frustration, mindfulness, and self-compassion. Data were collected through in-person and online sessions coordinated with national sport federations. Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted using SPSS.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Descriptive data indicated low doping intentions (M = 15.8, SD = 6.3) and doping likelihood (M = 14.3, SD = 7.1). Self-reported use of prohibited substances showed that 7% reported the use of diuretics, 5.5% reported using human growth hormone (hGH), and 4.5% reported using anabolic steroids in the past 12 months. Bivariate correlations showed that resistance efficacy was positively associated with mindfulness (r = .31, p &lt; .01), self-compassion (r = .28, p &lt; .01), sport anxiety (r = .22, p &lt; .05), sport stressors (r = .27, p &lt; .05), and frustration of autonomy and competence (r = .25–.29, p &lt; .05). In contrast, doping attitudes, intentions, and susceptibility did not significantly correlate with any psychological variables (|r| &lt; .12, n.s.). Regression models revealed that self-compassion (mindfulness dimension) predicted higher resistance efficacy (β = .33, p = .004, R² = .18), while low self-judgment predicted less favorable doping attitudes (β = –.28, p = .012, R² = .15). Self-reported doping was associated with greater self-kindness but lower mindfulness (β = .24, p = .03, R² = .12). Models for doping intentions and likelihood were non-significant (p &gt; .10).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Mindfulness and self-compassion serve as protective psychological factors by enhancing athletes’ perceived resilience against using substances to boost performance and by reducing favorable attitudes toward doping. However, certain self-accepting traits may paradoxically relate to higher self-reported doping, suggesting that unconditional self-accept","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790083","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}

{"title":"New and Emerging Drug Threats in Canada: Fentanyl Precursors","authors":"M.-L. Gilbert,&nbsp;M. Boileau-Falardeau,&nbsp;M. Thibault,&nbsp;J. Dyck,&nbsp;C. Maurice-Gélinas,&nbsp;J. Pitre,&nbsp;B. Archambault","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100224","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100224","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Over the past two decades, the illicit drug market in Canada has been marked by the rapid emergence and spread of synthetic substances, which have contributed significantly to drug-related deaths since 2017. The rise in availability of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues together with fentanyl precursors plays a critical role in this crisis. This communication presents the monitoring of these precursors, which provides insights into new patterns in illicit markets.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The Health Canada Drug Analysis Service (DAS) operates three laboratories across Canada that analyzes approximately 100,000 samples each year. Results of analyzed samples submitted by Canadian law enforcement and public health officials are reported in a centralized database. On average, the DAS supports the dismantling of 25 clandestine laboratories per year.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In 2024, fentanyl analogues surpassed fentanyl in their proportion of the illicit opioid supply. Clandestine laboratories are evidence of fentanyl synthesis in Canada; while the increasing variety of fentanyl precursor chemicals in the Canadian illicit drug market, suggest both diversification in the means of fentanyl production and attempts by the illicit market to evade regulatory controls.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Evidence of illegal domestic production of fentanyl and its analogues in recent years, suggest a shift from the illegal importation of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to the importation of fentanyl precursors into Canada.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100224"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790085","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}

{"title":"Novel Psychoactive Substances: Update of the French Addictovigilance Network Data","authors":"A. Autellet,&nbsp;C. Eiden,&nbsp;A. Batisse,&nbsp;C. Lacroix,&nbsp;J. Micallef,&nbsp;N. Fouilhe,&nbsp;H. Peyrière,&nbsp;the rest of the addictovigilance center","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In France, Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) complications are assessed by the Addictovigilance network through Spontaneous Reports (SRs) and annual pharmacoepidemiologic surveys (DRAMES: death survey and OPPIDUM: consumptions assessment). Aim: To update addictovigilance data on NPS by extraction and analysis of data from SRs, OPPIDUM and DRAMES surveys.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The number of NPS-related complications (604 in 2023) has doubled in 4 years, especially psychiatric disorders and dependence, acute intoxications and respiratory depression related to synthetic opioids. The most commonly used NPS are cathinones, cannabinoids and dissociatives. From 2016 to 2023, 431 subjects (mainly men (92.5%, median age: 36 years) using NPS were included in OPPIDUM survey, with an increase from 0.3% to 1.7%. They are polydrug users in 76.3%. Cathinones are reported by 83% of participants and 37% presented with NPS use disorder. From 2012 to 2022, 108 NPS-related deaths were included in DRAMES survey, rising from 3 cases to 14. Most were men (95%) with a median age of 38 years, involving mainly stimulant NPS (81%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>An expansion of NPS use is observed, with a fast turnover of substances and a higher risk of death in some populations (Intravenous use, polydrug user). Continued monitoring NPS complications is essential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100192"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790093","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}

{"title":"Scherma Bradamante: Training and Awareness-Raising for the Fight Against Doping","authors":"M. Caracciolo,&nbsp;A. Picchi,&nbsp;P. Bussotti,&nbsp;A. Metastasio","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scherma Bradamante APS-ASD is an Italian association that provides safeguarding policy, clean sport and sport integrity training. In collaboration with the Italian Fencing Federation, it offers continuous multidisciplinary training for everyone. Continuous training for coaches and athletes, as well as constant awareness-raising among families, are essential for promoting physical and mental well-being in sport, and for actively combatting the use of performance and image enhancing drugs. Scherma Bradamante helps athletes understand the work of WADA and NADO Italia, encouraging them to use ADAMS correctly. The organisation also raises awareness of anti-doping policies, rules and regulations. The association also aims to raise awareness of the importance of respecting the rules and defending sporting ethics. Doping means cheating and therefore risking death: Scherma Bradamante supports preventing the distress that drives athletes to resort to substances and medical methods aimed at altering tests and athletic performance.</div><div>To this end, it offers training and psychological support for prevention and rehabilitation purposes. Furthermore, combining fencing with psychotherapy provides athletes with effective tools to combat addiction. Indeed, Scherma Bradamante undertakes to prevent the discomfort that leads professional and amateur athletes to resort to doping due to dissatisfaction with their sporting performance or physical appearance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790180","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}

{"title":"Awareness of the Harm of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Among Youth Using NPS in Tashkent (Uzbekistan)","authors":"G. Zakhidova,&nbsp;T. Syunyakov,&nbsp;U. Alimov","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The rise of NPS use among young people in Uzbekistan is driven by online availability and low awareness on negative effects of NPS use. There is not enough scientific studies and psychosocial support targeting NPS users in the country. This study looks to address these gaps by conducting psychosocial research on NPS use in Uzbekistan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study is qualitative in its methodological approach. Interpretive and phenomenological approaches were employed to evaluate the material collected through interviews (33 questions) with current and former NPS users. Interviews with NPS users were recorded using a voice recorder, transcribed, coded and analyzed using MaxQDA software. The aim of the study is to identify the awareness of the harm and risks associated with NPS use among the youth of Uzbekistan.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 27 qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with NPS users aged 18 to 36. Preferences for NPS were predominantly for mephedrone (14), alpha-PVP (12), and one user preferred pregabalin. Out of 27 respondents, 23 (85%) reported experiencing dependence on NPS. 25 (93%) out of 27, had attempted to reduce consumption several or many times. All participants noted a shift from a positive mood to a negative one as the effects of the substances wore off. All respondents were aware of the harm associated with use (to health, mental state, and social and economic environment), but continued to use NPS. Some started using NPS due to its lower price, online availability and a perceived lower risk compared to traditional drugs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings highlight the prevalence of dependence on new psychoactive substances (NPS) among users, with a significant majority (85%) experiencing addiction. Despite efforts to reduce consumption, the majority of participants struggled to do so. Users consistently reported a shift from positive to negative moods as the effects of the substances diminished, indicating potential emotional and psychological consequences. Furthermore, while all respondents were aware of the health, mental, and social risks associated with NPS use, they continued consumption, suggesting the powerful grip of dependence and possible barriers to effective intervention or harm reduction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100265"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790184","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}