University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

New psychoactive substances in Australia: patterns and characteristics of use, adverse effects, and interventions to reduce harm

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 16:29 authored by Sutherland, R, Allsop, S, Amy PeacockAmy Peacock

Purpose of review: To summarize the most recent peer-review literature on new psychoactive substances (NPS) within Australia.

Recent findings: NPS use among the general Australian population is low, yet more pervasive among specific subpopulations. There is considerable heterogeneity among people who use NPS, however, overall, they are not unique from those who use more established illicit drugs. NPS have been shown to be highly adulterated, used as contaminants, variable in dose, and changeable as to the specific substances available over time. Further, analyses of coroners’ cases highlight the importance of consumer understanding of NPS effects, particularly where they differ substantially to their more traditional illicit drug counterparts (e.g., synthetic vs. plant cannabinoids). One study posited that legislative approaches to NPS have been (partially) effective in reducing harms, and there are new systems being established to identify NPS-related health harms.

Summary: There have been few studies recently published on NPS in Australia (n ¼ 17), however, findings mostly align with the international literature with respect to the rapidly changing nature of the NPS market, the use of NPS as adulterants, and associated harms. These themes highlight the need for proactive, novel approaches to rapidly identify, and respond to emerging drugs of concern.

History

Publication title

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

Volume

33

Issue

4

Pagination

343-351

ISSN

0951-7367

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Ltd.

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in psychology

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC