Knowledge and Use of Novel Psychoactive Substances in an Italian Sample with Substance Use Disorders

This study aims to determine prevalence and frequency of use of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and to identify the factors associated with NPS use in an Italian sample of patients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Prevalence and correlates of NPS knowledge and use were assessed in 185 patients with SUD in three addiction services (Padova, Belluno, Feltre) in the Veneto region with an ad-hoc designed survey. Two thirds of the samples reported knowing NPS and one third reported using them. NPS were considered by them less dangerous than “regular” substances of abuse (t = 6.06 mean 0.78, p < 0.001). Factors associated with NPS use were youth (OR = 4.81; p < 0.001), studentship (OR = 4.99; p = 0.004), subsequent mental disorders diagnosis (OR = 2.49; p = 0.027), suicide attempt history (OR = 11.67; p < 0.001), home detention (OR = 2.30; p = 0.040), residential care (OR = 5.66; p = 0.002), and polysubstance abuse (t = 8.99 mean 2.65 p < 0.001). NPS use in patients with SUD is highly prevalent, particularly in the youngest age group, and associated with psychiatric comorbidity and worse prognosis. It is crucial to systematically assess NPS use and inform addiction service users with SUD of the toxic and potentially lethal side effects. Mental healthcare professionals working in addiction services should receive education and training. Cohort and longitudinal studies are needed.

Psychedelic medicines for existential distress associated with life-threatening illnesses

This presentation will review the history of scientific research into the use of psychedelic medicines for the treatment of existential distress due to life-threatening illnesses, it will then outline the current state of affairs in North America, and conclude with exploring the implications it will have on the future of palliative care. Despite the significant advances in the field of palliative care with regards to symptom management, and pain control in particular, we have yet to devise an effective treatment strategy for individuals facing the existential distress associated with the inevitable reality of facing death. Psychedelic-assisted therapy, which involves the use of various psychoactive substances in the right set and setting to experience an altered state of consciousness, could serve as a powerful tool to alleviate the anxiety that many face after receiving a life-threatening diagnosis.

Suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts and the use of psychoactive substances by adolescents

Introduction: Suicidal behavior and substance abuse constitute a serious public health problem. Aim: The study was to analyze the relationships between suicidal behaviors (ideation, plans, attempts) and substance abuse in adolescents. The authors also took into account the respondents’ motivation to attempt suicide and use psychoactive substances, as well as some demographic variables. Participants: The study involved 3493 secondary school students aged 16-17 years. The group included 69.41% girls and 30.59% boys. Methods: The participants were surveyed with a self-report questionnaire designed by one of the authors. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the respondents’ suicidal behaviors and the risky use of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, and designer drugs. Conclusions: 1. The use of psychoactive substances increases the risk of suicidal ideation and plans, as well as suicidal attempts in adolescents and young adults. 2. Significantly more respondents who report suicidal ideation, plans and attempts, in comparison to those who do not report such thoughts and behaviours, abuse alcohol and consumer cannabis, amphetamine and designer drugs to cope with problems and olster self-confidence. 3. In the group of respondents who report suicidal behaviour, psychoactive substances are consumed by significantly more men than women and by significantly more city inhabitants than people living in the country. 4. Young people, who report suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, are initiated into alcohol consumption at an earlier age than their non-suicidal peers.

Risk factors of early psychoactive substances dependence among youth

The article considers a number of factors that influence the use of psychoactive substances by young people in Russia: psychological, social, economic, medico-biological, spiritual and moral and others. The main reasons for psychoactive substance use among this age group are: neglect by parents, psychoactive substance use by parents and other relatives, abuse by parents and guardians, low family income, conflicts and lack of understanding of the age-specific characteristics of adolescents by parents, low motivation to study, low status among peer groups, youth informal groups. In addition to risk factors, protection factors – circumstances that reduce the likelihood of a person becoming involved with psychoactive substances have also been identified: a strong family, with a healthy and supportive psychological atmosphere, success in educational activities, parental involvement in the life of their children, etc.

Biology of increased tolerance and validation of the psychoactive substance dependence

The article shows that the current level of physiology does not disclose the biological mechanisms of the organism transition from one range to adapt to a higher with an increase in the regular forces of the stimulus above sub-extreme. A new trend in the physiology of adaptation - proqredient adaptation, explains the mechanism of increasing the tolerance of the organism, with dependence on psychoactive substances (PAS ). It is scientifically proved, that dependences of the organism on PAS are the states of progredient adaptation.

Crystallographic characterization of three cathinone hydrochlorides new on the NPS market: 1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexan-1-one (4-MPHP), 4-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (α-PiHP) and 2-(methylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl)pentan-1-one (4-MPD)

Cathinones belong to a group of compounds of great interest in the new psychoactive substances (NPS) market. Constant changes to the chemical structure made by the producers of these compounds require a quick reaction from analytical laboratories in ascertaining their characteristics. In this article, three cathinone derivatives were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The investigated compounds were confirmed as: 1-[1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-oxohexan-2-yl]pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride (1, C17H26NO+·Cl−, the hydrochloride of 4-MPHP), 1-(4-methyl-1-oxo-1-phenylpentan-2-yl)pyrrolidin-1-ium chloride (2; C16H24NO+·Cl−, the hydrochloride of α-PiHP) and methyl[1-(4-methylphenyl)-1-oxopentan-2-yl]azanium chloride (3; C13H20NO+·Cl−, the hydrochloride of 4-MPD). All the salts crystallize in a monoclinic space group: 1 and 2 in P21/c, and 3 in P21/n. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first detailed and comprehensive crystallographic data on salts 1–3.