TOXICOLOGY OF NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES: AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON THE EXPOSURE TO DRUG USE

Abstract

Romania, among many countries, has been facing for the last 10 years a worrying increase of abuse substances use. Known as “legal highs” or “ethnobotanics”, the new psychoactive substances (NPS), as they are scientifically known, are becoming more and more popular putting at risk a large part of the population. To collect more information regarding the exposure of the population to drug use (in particular NPS use and NPS’ adverse effects), a survey was conducted in Romania and in EU and non-EU countries. 760 participants were surveyed in Romania and 80 participants from outside the country were included. High percentages in abuse substances use were obtained in both surveyed groups (group 1 – Romania, group 2 – outside Romania). Self-reported symptoms highlighted effects on various biological systems giving the specialists a possibility to identify a possible toxidrome in NPS consumption. Psychological effects are by far the most frequent after NPS intake. Yet, these self-reported symptoms may not be all related to NPS use as many users combine them with other similar substances or with alcohol and most of the users may not be aware of the drug they have taken. To better understand NPS epidemiology, community-based epidemiological surveys are needed.