NPS_Academic_Presentationpsychiatrt.pptx

Nps

1. New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Emerging Trends, Risks, and Regulations Academic Presentation

2. Definition of NPS • New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are substances of abuse not controlled by the 1961 or 1971 UN Conventions. • Mimic effects of cannabis, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, opioids. • Marketed as 'legal highs', 'designer drugs', 'bath salts'.

3. Historical Background & Terminology • Emerged in late 20th century as 'designer drugs'. • Internet proliferation → rapid distribution. • Constantly evolving chemical structures to evade law.

4. Why NPS Are Important • Reported in >150 countries. • Increasing use among adolescents & young adults. • Linked to hospitalizations, poisonings, fatalities. • Pose challenges to healthcare, forensic science, and policy.

5. Global Trends in NPS

6. Epidemiology – Key Points • Reported in >150 countries worldwide. • Use increasing among adolescents, young adults, partygoers, prisoners. • Easy online access via smartphone apps. • Global seizure data shows rise in synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones.

7. Classification – Structural • Synthetic Cannabinoids (e.g., Spice, K2) • Synthetic Cathinones (e.g., Mephedrone, Flakka) • Phenethylamines (2C series, NBOMe) • Dissociatives (MXE, Ketamine analogues) • Tryptamines (e.g., DMT derivatives) • Opioid analogues (Fentanyl derivatives) • Sedatives/Hypnotics (designer benzodiazepines)

8. Classification – Effect-based • Stimulants • Hallucinogens (classic, dissociative) • Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists • Opioid receptor agonists • Sedatives / Hypnotics • Novel dissociatives

9. Acute Health Risks • Cardiovascular: hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias. • Neurological: seizures, agitation, cognitive impairment. • Psychiatric: hallucinations, paranoia, aggression, suicide risk. • Fatalities from synthetic opioids & cathinones.

10. Long-term Risks • Dependence & withdrawal syndromes. • Psychosis, depression, anxiety. • Organ toxicity (hepatic, renal). • Cognitive decline and social dysfunction.

11. Detection Challenges • Constant structural modifications evade laws. • Routine toxicology often fails. • Unknown purity and potency. • Clinicians often unaware → delayed treatment.

12. Regulatory Landscape • 65+ countries have enacted laws. • Approaches: analogue laws, generic scheduling, temporary bans. • 79 NPS under international control. • Challenge: rapid evolution outpaces regulation.

13. UNODC Early Warning Advisory (EWA) • Global monitoring system for NPS. • Collects data on harms, trends, distribution. • Supports countries in prioritizing substances. • Enhances preparedness and response.

14. Management – Clinical Approach • Supportive care: ABCs. • Benzodiazepines for agitation/seizures. • Antipsychotics for psychosis/hallucinations. • Correct electrolyte imbalances. • Harm reduction & patient education.

15. Key Takeaways • NPS are an evolving global challenge. • Increasingly used by youth worldwide. • Multiple classes: cannabinoids, cathinones, opioids, hallucinogens. • High risk: unpredictable potency, serious toxicity. • Need for regulation, awareness, and research.