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The complexities surrounding the use of medications, substance abuse, and the recreational use of plants are multifaceted and warrant a comprehensive examination. This review highlights the complexities surrounding the consumption of chemical substances in excess or for non-medical purposes, obtained through legal prescriptions, over-the-counter purchases, or illicit means, with an emphasis on the predictive role of stressors and individual-level variables in the development of substance use disorders, as well as the influence of the regulatory environment on patterns of consumption. Additionally, the alarming escalation in the mortality rate associated with illicit drug and opioid overdoses is also underscored. The recreational use of prescription medications can lead to significant health risks, particularly when combined with other substances; therefore, the need for interventions and preventive measures to address substance abuse among various populations is imperative. Furthermore, novel insights on substance abuse addiction, exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, and discussing treatment approaches and interventions are elucidated. Advancements in technology for detecting substance abuse are also highlighted, displaying innovative tools for more effective identification and monitoring. In conclusion, the complexities of medications, substance abuse, and the recreational use of plants reveal a landscape marked by overlapping motivations and health implications. The distinction between medical and recreational use is critical for understanding user behavior and addressing public health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Historiography in general, and that produced in France in particular, traditionally presents narcotics as uniformly dangerous substances. This systematic focus on addiction, deviance, and risks for users or society, observable for instance in the majority of historical dissertations on the topic of psychoactive substances, obscures the existence of research fields concerning their therapeutic uses—which were, in fact, the original reason for their integration into Western practices. This article will thus offer an analytical and critical overview of historical research that examines the “career” of narcotics as medicines, a field primarily dominated on the one hand by Anglo-American literature, and on the other by authors from medical professions who are not trained in historical methodology. Additionally, it will attempt to highlight various research avenues that remain to be explored in order to deepen our understanding of the medical uses of these controversial substances.

Abstract Background The increasing diversity of psychoactive substances on the unregulated drug market poses significant health, psychological, and social risks to people who use drugs (PWUD). To address these risks, various harm reduction (HR) policies have been implemented, including drug checking services (DCS). Many analytical methods are used for DCS. While qualitative methods (e.g., thin layer chromatography, spectroscopy) are easier to implement, they are not as accurate as quantitative methods (e.g., LC-UV, LC-MS). Some HR programmes have implemented high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV detection (LC-UV). This article presents the cross-validation of this quantitative method with a reference liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method. Methods Drug samples were provided by PWUD to a DCS called DrugLab in Marseille, France. The samples were weighed and prepared through dissolution in methanol, followed by ultrasonic bathing. Samples were analysed onsite using LC-UV analysis. They were then subsequently analysed with the reference LC-HRMS method. The LC-UV instrument in DrugLab was calibrated after being purchased; analysis of standard solutions was routinely performed once a month and after maintenance operations. For the LC-HRMS instrument, calibration and quality control procedures followed European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines. Statistical analyses were conducted including Spearman correlation tests using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 20. Results A total of 102 samples representing different product classes and cutting agents were cross-validated. Differences between both analyses methods for each molecule analysed were ≤ 20%, with significant correlations between both methods’ results for most substances. Notably, LC-HRMS provided lower concentration values for cocaine and acetaminophen, whereas it provided higher values for other substances. Correlations were significant for cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, heroin, amphetamine, caffeine, acetaminophen, and levamisole. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the results provided by DrugLab were accurate and reliable, making LC-UV an adaptable, stable, and suitable analytical method for simple matrices like drugs in a DCS context. However, this cross validation does not guarantee accuracy over time. A proficiency test project in HR laboratories across France is currently under development in order to address potential drifts in LC-UV accuracy.

Background: The increasing diversity of psychoactive substances on the unregulated drug market poses significant health, psychological, and social risks to people who use drugs (PWUD). To address these risks, various harm reduction (HR) policies have been implemented, including drug checking services (DCS). Many analytical methods are used for DCS. While qualitative methods (e.g., thin layer chromatography, spectroscopy) are easier to implement, they are not as accurate as quantitative methods (e.g., LC-UV, LC-MS). Some HR programmes have implemented high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV detection (LC-UV). This article presents the cross-validation of this quantitative method with a reference liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) method. Methods: Drug samples were provided by PWUD to a DCS called DrugLab in Marseille, France. The samples were weighed and prepared through dissolution in methanol, followed by ultrasonic bathing. Samples were analysed onsite using LC-UV analysis. They were then subsequently analysed with the reference LC-HRMS method. The LC-UV instrument in DrugLab was calibrated after being purchased; analysis of standard solutions was routinely performed once a month and after maintenance operations. For the LC-HRMS instrument, calibration and quality control procedures followed European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines. Statistical analyses were conducted including Spearman correlation tests using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 20. Results: A total of 102 samples representing different product classes and cutting agents were cross-validated. Differences between both analyses methods for each molecule analysed were ≤ 20%, with significant correlations between both methods' results for most substances. Notably, LC-HRMS provided lower concentration values for cocaine and acetaminophen, whereas it provided higher values for other substances. Correlations were significant for cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, heroin, amphetamine, caffeine, acetaminophen, and levamisole. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the results provided by DrugLab were accurate and reliable, making LC-UV an adaptable, stable, and suitable analytical method for simple matrices like drugs in a DCS context. However, this cross validation does not guarantee accuracy over time. A proficiency test project in HR laboratories across France is currently under development in order to address potential drifts in LC-UV accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance use disorders are associated with structural and functional changes in the neuroendocrine, neuromediator, and neuromodulator systems in brain areas involved in the reward and stress response circuits. Chronic intoxication provokes emergence of somatic diseases and aggravates existing pathologies. Substance use disorders and somatic diseases often exacerbate the clinical courses of each other. Elucidation of biochemical pathways common for comorbidities may serve as a basis for the development of new effective pharmacotherapy agents, as well as drug repurposing. Here, we discussed molecular mechanisms underlying integration of visceral systems into the central mechanisms of drug dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dependence on psychoactive substances is a phenomenon that is based on the alterations of common molecular and cellular mechanisms, structures and neuronal networks underlying normal brain functioning and realizing stress response, reinforcement and aversion, learning and memory. As a result, aberrant neuroplasticity states associated with somatic changes are formed, which determine the pathogenesis and symptoms of dependence and at the same time can be considered as targets for the development of therapies for such addictions. An integrative scheme of stress and neuroplastic changes participation in the formation of the vicious circle of substance use disorders based on a holistic approach is presented. This special issue of the journal focuses on the molecular mechanisms of psychoactive substance use disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies that assess the effects of the interaction of psychoactive substances on dopamine release, the key neurotransmitter in the neurochemical and behavioral effects related to drug consumption, are crucial to understand both their roles and the dysfunctions they produce in the central nervous system. Objective: We evaluated the effects of individual and combined administration of the three most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world, ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine, on dopaminergic neurotransmission in three brain regions of rats related to addiction: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), and the dorsal striatum. Methods: The dopamine levels were measured in vivo by cerebral microdialysis associated with HPLC-ED. Results: We observed that local administration of a single concentration of caffeine (5 mM) or nicotine (5 mM) significantly increased the dopamine levels in all three areas studied, while ethanol (300 mM) increased them in the NAcc and striatum. Perfusion of nicotine + caffeine produced a synergistic effect in both the NAcc and striatum, with increases in the in vivo dopamine release greater than the sum of the effects of both substances. When administering the combination of nicotine + caffeine + ethanol, we observed an additive effect in the NAcc, while in the PFC we observed a synergistic effect. Conclusions: Our results support the stimulating effects of caffeine, nicotine, and ethanol on the brain reward system. In addition, we also observed that the administration of different mixtures of these substances produces synergistic and additive effects on the release of dopamine in the mesocortical and nigrostriatal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue d'Histoire Moderne & Contemporaine is the property of Societe d'Histoire Moderne et Contemporaine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Lubelski Rocznik Pedagogiczny is the property of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many studies have been conducted in Africa on the use of psychoactive substances among high school students. However, few studies have examined the psychological mechanisms underlying this consumption. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), the present study explored the moderating role of the frustration of basic psychological needs on the relation between problematic school functioning (i.e. academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties) and the consumption of alcohol and cannabis. The sample consisted of 367 Gabonese students (54% girls; Mage = 18.25). The results showed two direct links: behavioral difficulties positively predicted alcohol use, while emotional difficulties positively predicted cannabis use. Two moderating effects related to behavioral difficulties were also observed: (1) youths with these difficulties are more likely to drink alcohol when they perceive that their need for autonomy is frustrated, and (2) they are more likely to use cannabis when their need for relatedness is frustrated. The results of this study are discussed within SDT framework. The study's implications and limitations are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics, risky behaviors, type of drug use, and service use variables associated with emergency department (ED) use and hospitalization among people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods: Studies in English published from January 1, 1995, to December 15, 2021, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on ED use and hospitalization among PWID. Results: After a detailed assessment of 17,348 outputs, a total of 19 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Greater risks of ED use and hospitalization among PWID were associated with (i) a history of homelessness, (ii) HIV-positive status, and (iii) injecting drugs more than four times per day. Individuals were more likely to use the ED if they (i) had a history of physical abuse, (ii) were using cocaine and methamphetamine, and (iii) had used primary care services. Women and individuals with chronic physical illnesses were more likely to be hospitalized. Conclusions: The present study is the first to integrate determinants related to ED use and hospitalization based on sociodemographic characteristics, risky behaviors, type of drug, and service use determinants among PWID. To reduce ED use and hospitalization among PWID, the paper also recommends various strategies could be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The spate of psychoactive substance use is unprecedented. The determination of associated factors will be critical to tackling this menace. However, most studies were conducted in school which would have excluded the population of out-of- school children. Thus, this study assessed the correlates of adolescents’ psychoactive substance use at the community level. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among 500 adolescents (258 male and 242 female) in Ilorin West LGA between December 2016 and October 2017. A stratified multistage sampling technique was used for subject selection and a pretested WHO substance use questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to identify the predictors of substance use. Results: The lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use is 43.4% while the prevalence of current use is 31.2%. The most commonly used substances were stimulants (caffeine); 14.4%, codeine-containing cough syrup; 10.4% and alcohol; 10.2%. Socio- economic class and the use of substances by friends were predictors of current use. The current use of alcohol and opiates is significantly higher among in-school subjects (p = 0.001, 0.042). Current use of cannabis, alcohol, hallucinogen, cocaine, correlated positively with educational status of respondents in school. Conclusions: The current use rate of psychoactive substance is high among the adolescents with socio- economic class, use of substance by friends and educational status as its predictors. Urgent multi- pronged measures are therefore, crucial to curb this trend.

Benzodiazepines are frequently encountered in crime scenes, often mixed with adulterants and diluents, complicating their analysis. This study investigates the interactions between two benzodiazepines, lorazepam (LOR) and alprazolam (ALP), with common adulterants/diluents (paracetamol, caffeine, glucose, and lactose) using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and quantum chemical methods. The crystallographic structures of LOR and ALP were optimized using several functionals (B3LYP, B3LYP-D3BJ, B3PW91, CAM-B3LYP, M05-2X, and M06-2X) combined with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. M05-2X was the most accurate when comparing experimental and theoretical bond lengths and angles. Vibrational and 13C NMR spectra were calculated to validate the functional's applicability. The differences between LOR's experimental and theoretical IR spectra were attributed to intramolecular interactions between LOR monomers, examined through density functional theory (DFT) optimization and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis. Molecular dynamics simulations modeled benzodiazepine–adulterant/diluent systems, predicting the most stable structures, which were further analyzed using QTAIM. The strongest interactions and their effects on IR spectra were identified. Comparisons between experimental and theoretical spectra confirmed spectral changes due to interactions. This study demonstrates the potential of quantum chemical methods in analyzing complex mixtures, elucidating spectral changes, and assessing the structural stability of benzodiazepines in forensic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To understand the emergence of Problematic Substance Use (PSU) among young students in a university context because of significant interaction between the socio-educational, health, and regulatory systems of the institution under study. Materials and method: A qualitative case study conducted at a private university, utilizing Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory (2011) with ecological intervention (Koller et al., 2016). Participants included students, teachers, and administrative staff. Four interviews and six focus groups were conducted. Theoretical sampling was carried out until category saturation. Coding and categorization were done using Atlas-Ti, employing constant comparative method in data collection, open, axial, and selective coding, and systematic analysis (Strauss and Corbin, 2002). Results: PSU in this context occurs through a trilogy of proximal processes of interinfluence: 1. Influence for the intake of multiple substances, 2. Focused on problematic use, and 3. Transgression of institutional norms, acting as triggers for the experience within and outside the university. These processes, in communication dynamics, shape social systems of bioregulation: socio-educational (indirect selfregulation), health-related (palliative care route), and regulatory (punitive student regulations), attempting to regulate PSU. Regulation is possible through the interaction of proximal and distal risk/protection factors, which can directly and indirectly drive PSU. Conclusions: Bio-regulation systems act as guarantors and shape symbolizations of the emotional, social, and institutional life of students with PSU, succeeding in proximal person-to-person processes (microsystem) but with little effectiveness in the mesosystem. It is proposed that universities create conditions for a regulatory structure of PSU that promotes favorable student development consistent with their professional training expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines therapeutic strategies applied within the probation system for substance users in Romania. Recent events have highlighted the need for effective policies, and public debates have influenced legislative changes. The research focuses on the interventions of probation counselors, identifying three levels of action: compliance with court-imposed legal obligations, adaptation of interventions to individual needs, and case management. The methodology is qualitative, based on case studies and observations from professional practice. Data collected from the Bucharest Probation Service indicate a significant number of cases related to drug-related offenses, with their dynamics reflecting legislative changes over the past two decades. The research reveals the challenges and limitations faced by counselors, such as the lack of specific programs for drug users and communication difficulties with partner institutions. Improvement proposals include continuous training for counselors, diversifying treatment options, and strengthening inter-institutional collaboration. The article's conclusions highlight the need for an integrated and flexible approach to managing cases of substance users to ensure effective social reintegration and reduced recidivism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier, we found that two alcohol-containing samples delivered from the zone of special military operation contain a rare psychoactive substance EA-3167, which is a structural analogue of the well-known incapacitant BZ, included in the Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition to EA-3167, additives of methadone, α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone and tetrahydrocannabinol were found in liquids.The aim of the work is to establish the analytical characteristics of EA-3167, as well as its metabolites in rat urine. Research methods. Structural identification of the detected substance by nuclear magnetic resonance, gas and liquid chromatomass spectrometry of delivered objects and rat urine obtained by exposing laboratory animals to the detected substance.The results of the study. Concentrations of EA-3167 in liquids were found to be 910 and 3.9 μg/mL, respectively. It has been established that EA-3167 is subject to intensive metabolism in rats. More than 30 metabolites, representing products of mono- and dihydroxylation of aliphatic moieties of the molecule, ketone formation, and hydrolysis, have been tentatively identified in the urine of laboratory animals. Conclusion. The most convenient markers for confirming poisoning of EA-3167 by gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were the parent substance, the products of its monohydroxylation and the formation of carbonyl group on the cyclopentyl moiety.

The complexities surrounding the use of medications, substance abuse, and the recreational use of plants are multifaceted and warrant a comprehensive examination. This review highlights the complexities surrounding the consumption of chemical substances in excess or for non-medical purposes, obtained through legal prescriptions, over-the-counter purchases, or illicit means, with an emphasis on the predictive role of stressors and individual-level variables in the development of substance use disorders, as well as the influence of the regulatory environment on patterns of consumption. Additionally, the alarming escalation in the mortality rate associated with illicit drug and opioid overdoses is also underscored. The recreational use of prescription medications can lead to significant health risks, particularly when combined with other substances; therefore, the need for interventions and preventive measures to address substance abuse among various populations is imperative. Furthermore, novel insights on substance abuse addiction, exploring the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, and discussing treatment approaches and interventions are elucidated. Advancements in technology for detecting substance abuse are also highlighted, displaying innovative tools for more effective identification and monitoring. In conclusion, the complexities of medications, substance abuse, and the recreational use of plants reveal a landscape marked by overlapping motivations and health implications. The distinction between medical and recreational use is critical for understanding user behavior and addressing public health concerns.

Copyright of Journal of the Institute of Educational Research / Zbornik Instituta za Pedagoška Istrazivanja is the property of National Library of Serbia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The "Colibri Sud" care centre was set up to improve access to care for psychoactive substance users in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of psychoactive substance users who attended the "Colibri Sud" Medical Centre after 13 months of activity. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study based on data collected from March 1st, 2022, to March 31st, 2023. The variables collected included sex, age, occupation, and the type of substance used. Data analysis was performed using STATA 16 software. A Fisher's exact test with a 5% significance level was considered significant. A total of 116 patients were included in the study. The most commonly used substances were cannabis (75.86%), benzodiazepines (25%), opiates (11.2%), barbiturates (6.9%), and cocaine (3.44%). Poly-drug users accounted for 15.50% of the sample. Patients under 30 years of age were the most represented (67.24%), as well as workers in the informal sector (40.52%) and students (31.03%). The centre is frequented predominantly by a young male population and cannabis remains the most commonly used substance. However, the use of benzodiazepines, opiates, and poly-drug use, which was previously rare, is now significant. Given the profiles observed, access to chromatographic tests for detecting and quantifying these psychoactive substances is crucial for better management. Additionally, actions undertaken should particularly target students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of illegal drugs and psychoactive substances in wastewater is increasingly being used to monitor the use of both by populations in specific areas. This article describes a method for the simultaneous determination of 78 illegal drugs and psychoactive substances in wastewater using direct-injection ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). This method includes the analysis of stimulants, opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, and hallucinogens. The method was validated in terms of the selectivity, calibration range, recovery, matrix effects, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ). The correlation coefficients were higher than 0.99 for all analytes, and the calibration range was from 0.2 to 500 ng/L. The LOD and LOQ of this method were 0.1–1 ng/L and 0.2–5 ng/L, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions were <9.3% and 11.4%, respectively, and the recovery ranged from 81.3% to 117.7%. The method was applied to real domestic wastewater collected from wastewater treatment plants, and the results showed that morphine, codeine, and ephedrine were detected in all samples. Some samples also contained other illegal drugs and psychoactive substances (such as etomidate, methamphetamine, ketamine, and tramadol). This indicates that the direct-injection UHPLC-MS/MS method can be used for the rapid determination of illegal drugs and psychoactive substances in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Health Bulletin / Zdravstveni Glasnik is the property of Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become an objective and updated surveillance strategy for monitoring and estimating consumption trends of psychoactive substances (PSs) in the population. Firstly, magnetic shrimp shell biochar-based adsorbent (DZMBC) was synthesized and employed for extraction trace PSs from municipal wastewater. Proper pyrolysis temperature and increased KOH activator content favored the pore structure and surface area, thus facilitating extraction. DZMBC delivered exceptional extraction performance such as pH stability, anti-interference property, fast magnetic separation ability, reusability, and reproducibility. Then, a method based on magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was developed, validated, and utilized for the quantitative determination of five PSs in real wastewater samples. Methodological validation results indicated a favorable linearity, low method limits of detection (1.00–4.75 ng/L), and good precisions (intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations < 4.8%). Finally, an objective snapshot of Chongqing drug use and consumption pattern was obtained. Methamphetamine (MAMP) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were the prevalent illegal drugs in local. Both concentrations and per capita consumption of MDMA displayed a change (P < 0.05) between July and September, while no statistical differences were observed for each week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The metabolism and effects of the abuse of psychoactive substances are not yet fully understood, but it is evident that they represent a tremendous risk to the health of individuals. This paper aims to present a review of published results on the impact of psychoactive substance abuse on kidney function. Methodology. PubMed and MEDLINE databases were used to search the literature related to drug abuse and its effects on renal function. Results. For this study, we found 79 human studies that aimed to present a summary of published results on the impact of psychoactive substance abuse on kidney function. Renal manifestations of specific illicit drug abuse were included in this review. Conclusion. Understanding the nephrotoxicological profile caused by the use of psychoactive substances is the basis for adequate risk assessment and improvement of the treatment of consequential kidney disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in modern technology create the opportunity for widespread access to Internet-based interventions and programs to address a wide range of health problems. The application of digital health practices to the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of alcohol and drug addictions has become increasingly popular over the past decade. This article presents some of the most popular Internet-based universal, selective, and indicative prevention programs and discusses benefits and risks associated with their implementation in practice. The introduction of these programs as a component of prevention work sets out the prospects for wider access to different stakeholder groups (adolescents, parents, teachers, relatives) and opens the field for discussion on the mechanisms by which they can be integrated into the education and health systems in Bulgaria [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of twenty-three psychiatric pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs were analyzed in tap water covering seven basins in Eastern China. The residual concentrations of these substances were detected up to 22.4 ng L-1. Among the substances, benzodiazepines were more often detected with higher median concentrations than those of illicit drugs. Generally, the higher residual levels of psychoactive substances were detected in the upstream of the basins compared with the downstream. For example, the concentrations of diazepam, temazepam, and oxazepam in the downstream were much higher than those in the upstream in OJ. Among the basins, YH was the most polluted region. Exposure assessment indicated the median exposure doses of diazepam and temazepam were from 85 to 99 and 3.5–4.1 pg kg-1 bw d-1 in the basins, respectively. Benchmark quotient for the nine detected substances was calculated in each basin with the range from 0.0001 to 0.0389, indicating low risk in the tap water for human health under current concentrations.

Despite its importance, childhood trauma is often not recognized as а pathogenic fact that affects the (de)formation of personality and influences the development of various psychological difficulties and bad habits, including the likelihood of future psychoactive substance abuse. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and substance misuse in adolescence. The research was conducted on a sample of 380 secondary school students (aged 14 to 19 years) from Vojvodina. The questionnaires used included: the Questionnaire of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Psychoactive Substance Uses, which was designed for the purpose of this research, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ, Bernstein & Fink, 1998). The research employed the methods of descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and the chi-squared test. A total of 10.2% of respondents used psychoactive substances less than once a week, 3.2% used psychoactive substances once a week, and 1.8% used psychoactive substances every day. In terms of traumatic experiences, only 6.6% of respondents reported having no or minimal trauma, the majority (62.9%) had a low-to-moderate level of traumatization, while nearly one in three respondents (30.5%) exhibited a moderate-to-severe or severe-to-extreme level of traumatization. A significant correlation was found between the intensity of each form of traumatization and the frequency of psychoactive substance use, with the correlations being most pronounced for emotional abuse (r = .38), sexual abuse (r = .35), and total traumatization (r = .34). The results highlight the importance of preventing drug abuse in the student population, as well as the need to sensitize and educate teachers and school counselors to ensure the timely recognition of traumatization in adolescents, and help prevent or mitigate psychoactive substance use problems and other mental health issues.

Background: Studies that assess the effects of the interaction of psychoactive substances on dopamine release, the key neurotransmitter in the neurochemical and behavioral effects related to drug consumption, are crucial to understand both their roles and the dysfunctions they produce in the central nervous system. Objective: We evaluated the effects of individual and combined administration of the three most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world, ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine, on dopaminergic neurotransmission in three brain regions of rats related to addiction: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), and the dorsal striatum. Methods: The dopamine levels were measured in vivo by cerebral microdialysis associated with HPLC-ED. Results: We observed that local administration of a single concentration of caffeine (5 mM) or nicotine (5 mM) significantly increased the dopamine levels in all three areas studied, while ethanol (300 mM) increased them in the NAcc and striatum. Perfusion of nicotine + caffeine produced a synergistic effect in both the NAcc and striatum, with increases in the in vivo dopamine release greater than the sum of the effects of both substances. When administering the combination of nicotine + caffeine + ethanol, we observed an additive effect in the NAcc, while in the PFC we observed a synergistic effect. Conclusions: Our results support the stimulating effects of caffeine, nicotine, and ethanol on the brain reward system. In addition, we also observed that the administration of different mixtures of these substances produces synergistic and additive effects on the release of dopamine in the mesocortical and nigrostriatal systems.

Background. The perception of time perspective in substance-dependent individuals is considered as a dynamic characteristic of the personality, which can be both a predictor of the effectiveness of self-determination in life and a risk factor for further abuse of alcohol and drugs. Assisted forming of a balanced time perspective and a positive attitude toward all time dimensions has the potential to improve rehabilitation programs and the effectiveness of psychological interventions for substance-dependent individuals. Objective. The article aims to summarize the most significant published current national and international research on the topic of time perspective perception in substance-dependent individuals. An analysis of current directions and prospects for further study of the problem are suggested. Methods. The selection and analysis of studies of the last 10 years on the topic of time perspective in substance-dependent individuals were carried out. Results. A scientific review of studies was carried out in the following areas: 1) time perspective in substance-dependent individuals; 2) possibilities of psychological intervention for time perspective modification. Conclusion. The analysis of scientific publications has shown that a time perspective in substance dependence is a relevant area of international research. Based on the findings, methods and approaches of psychotherapeutic assistance to substance users in the process of their rehabilitation are being developed and improved. Russian research on the time perspective of substance users is represented by a small number of studies, which mainly consider imbalanced temporal orientations as a risk factor for relapse into addictive behaviour. A multi-faceted study of temporal perspective and its balance at different stages of rehabilitation has the potential to improve the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic work.

Abstract Background Patients admitted to hospital after an injury are often found to have used psychoactive substances prior to the injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between psychoactive substances (alcohol, psychoactive medicinal drugs and illicit drugs) and previous hospital admissions, triage and length of stay in the arctic Norwegian county of Finnmark. Methods Patients ≥ 18 years admitted due to injury to trauma hospitals in Finnmark from January 2015 to August 2016 were approached. Parameters regarding admittance and hospital stay were collected from 684 patients and blood was analysed for psychoactive substances. Using a prospective, observational design, time, triage, length of stay in hospital, use of intensive care unit (ICU), injury severity, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test—Consumption (AUDIT-C) and number of previous admittances were investigated by bivariable testing and logistical regression analysis. Results Of 943 patients approached, 81% consented and 684 were included in the study. During the weekend, 51.5% tested positive for any substance versus 27.1% Monday–Friday. No associations were identified between testing positive and either triage or injury severity for any substance group although triage level was lower in patients with AUDIT-C ≥ 5. Short length of stay was associated with alcohol use prior to injury [odds ratio (OR) 0.48 for staying > 12 h, confidence interval (CI) 0.25–0.90]. The OR for staying > 24 h in the ICU when positive for an illicit substance was 6.33 (CI 1.79–22.32) while negatively associated with an AUDIT-C ≥ 5 (OR 0.30, CI 0.10–0.92). Patients testing positive for a substance had more often previously been admitted with the strongest association for illicit drugs (OR 6.43 (CI 1.47–28.08), compared to patients in whom no substances were detected. Conclusions Triage level and injury severity were not associated with psychoactive substance use. Patients using alcohol are more often discharged early, but illicit substances were associated with longer ICU stays. All psychoactive substance groups were associated with having been previously admitted.

Introduction: Alcohol is the most common psychoactive substance among young people. The use of psychoactive substances gives rise to a number of health, social, moral and economic problems. The aim of the study was to characterise the symptoms reported by children and adolescents presenting with psychoactive substance intoxication on admission to hospital. Methods: The study included a group of 303 patients aged 0 to 18 years, diagnosed with psychoactive substance intoxication. This retrospective study assessed medical records of patients hospitalised at the Provincial Specialist Children's Hospital in Olsztyn between 2016 and 2018. Results: Body temperature on admission varied depending on the type of psychoactive substance taken (χ2 = 14.12, p < 0.006). Girls were more likely to have an increased heart rate than boys. An analysis of the symptoms of intoxication over the years 2016–2018 showed significant differences in the incidence of the following symptoms: disturbed consciousness (χ2 = 8.75, p < 0.01), visual disorders (χ2 = 8.02, p < 0.02), loss of consciousness (χ2 = 37.71, p < 0.000001), drowsiness (χ2 = 7.33, p < 0.03), hypothermia (χ2 = 18.95, p < 0.00008) and gait disturbances (χ2 = 13.08, p < 0.002). Conclusions: Girls are more likely to use stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes, while boys are more likely to opt for designer drugs. The number of patients hospitalised more than once increases every year. Gastrointestinal intoxication with psychoactive substances was most common. The most severe intoxication was associated with alcohol intake, while the most intense pain was reported by patients poisoned with other psychoactive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensive development of extraction methods based on μ-SPE extraction contributes to the increased interest in the synthesis of new sorption materials. This work presents the characterization of polystyrene fibers and polystyrene fibers blended with ZrO2 particles or polyaniline obtained by electrospinning and their use in the extraction of selected psychoactive drugs from biological samples. The characteristic of produced fibers is made by performing SEM images, measuring average fiber diameter, and examining their sorption abilities. Among the fibers based on pure polystyrene, tested in the first stage, the best sorption properties are demonstrated for the fibers obtained from a polystyrene solution in DMF with a concentration of 17.5 wt%. In the next stage, this material was modified with synthesized ZrO2 particles and polyaniline. Among the tested materials, the sorbent based on polystyrene with polyaniline shows the best sorption properties of the tested substances. The use of this material in the μ-SPE in a needle enables the extraction of selected compounds from aqueous and biological samples such as urine and human plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Forensic Science & Technology is the property of Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: University students are at a heightened risk of using cognitive enhancers and psychoactive substances, and this risk is further exacerbated by the presence of depression, which negatively impacts academic performance and increases the likelihood of substance misuse. In Iraq, the use of cognitive enhancers and psychoactive substances has grown in the past decade due to sociopolitical factors. However, depression among tobacco users remains unrecognized and overlooked, receiving inadequate attention. Objectives: This study aims to measure the levels of depression among nursing students, examine the association between smoking behavior dependence and levels of depression, as well as to find out the relationship between levels of depression and demographic characteristics. Results: The results reveal that the majority of participants (53.9%) had a moderate level of depression (M=2.36). The highest mean level was observed in all depression scale. The study also revealed a significant relationship between age group and depression at a p-value of below 0.05. Moreover, the study also revealed a significant relationship between age and depression at a p-value of below 0.05, and between ages starts smoking. Conclusions: The level of depression the smoking student was moderate. The factors include smoking type, age at which individuals started smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and the place of smoking, it can be inferred that smoking habits and behaviors contribute significantly to the likelihood of experiencing depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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By taking safety measures during the criminal trial, the aim is to remove the state of danger for society, as well as to prevent the commission of new crimes as described by criminal law. However, while the society may be defended by taking such measures against criminals, when it comes to juvenile offenders the public opinion could be more forgiving. In this context, the purpose of this article is to highlight whether it is a true necessity of the judicial bodies to take the measure of involuntary hospitalization during the criminal trial against the accused minor who is a consumer of psychoactive substances due to which he/she committed a crime. As it turns out, there is no significant evidence that the forced hospital admission has indeed a positive outcome, but the actual opposite. Even if the accused minor might be cured of his addiction, the forced hospital entry may leave him/her with a lack of confidence, fear, difficulty in social reintegration and even return to consumption. As a concrete reaction in relation to the state, dynamics and diversity of the criminal phenomenon registered among juvenile delinquents, a better option for the justice system may be cohesion rather than coercion, meaning the insurance of access to treatment and care for addicted juvenile offenders, as an alternative to conviction and punishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress. Journal of Young Researchers is the property of University of Gdansk / Uniwersytet Gdanskim and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)