- United Kingdom
John Corkery
University of Hertfordshire, School of Life Sciences, Department Member
- Drug epidemiologist and researcher, specialist knowledge of drug-related mortality. Thirty years of working with a ra... moreDrug epidemiologist and researcher, specialist knowledge of drug-related mortality. Thirty years of working with a range of drug statistics indicators in the UK Home Office, St George's University of London, and the University of Hertfordshire. Co-opted member of several committees and working groups of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. Author of several book chapters and many peer-reviewed journal articles. Lead for several research project modules across various life science disciplines.edit
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Background: 4-Fluoroethylphenidate (4F-EPH) is a psychoactive substance, sold primarily over the Internet as a `research chemical'. Recreational and `functional' use of this drug has been reported by online user fora.... more
Background: 4-Fluoroethylphenidate (4F-EPH) is a psychoactive substance, sold primarily over the Internet as a `research chemical'. Recreational and `functional' use of this drug has been reported by online user fora. Scientifically-based data on the pharmacological, physiological, psychopharmacological, toxicological, and epidemiological characteristics of this molecule is non-existent. The aim of this paper is to remedy this situation. Methods: Recent literature (including ’grey‘) was searched to update what is known about 4F-EPH, especially its toxicity. This was supplemented by netnographic examinations of internet sites. Results: The resultant information is presented, including details of the first reported death involving 4F-EPH use in 2016. There are no international controls imposed on 4F-EPH. However, it has been made a controlled drug in several European countries, including the United Kingdom since 31 May 2017, as well as Canada. Conclusions: It is vital that any other cases, including non-fatal overdoses, are documented so that a firmer scientific evidence-base can be established for this molecule. This will then help inform clinical practice.
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Addiction medicine/psychiatry, a medical subspecialty founded on October 1991 by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, was granted as subspecialty within psychiatry. It mainly deals with medical assessment, diagnosis and... more
Addiction medicine/psychiatry, a medical subspecialty founded on October 1991 by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, was granted as subspecialty within psychiatry. It mainly deals with medical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of subjects who suffer from an addiction (i.e. drug and/or alcohol addiction; gambling; sexual addiction; game addiction; and so on). Addiction psychiatry also deals with subjects in dual diagnosis, i.e. individuals with addiction issues along with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. However, despite its well established “dignity” to be part of psychiatry, most mental health's professionals believe that it is not a primarily psychiatric field due to the frequent co-occurrence of internistic/medical issues. In addition, the situation of psychiatric training specifically addressed to addiction is widely diversified across the European countries. Therefore, most psychiatrists do not possess specific qualifications and formation on this increasing field of psychiatry. The present lecture aims at providing an insight into the issues related to the diatribe between psychiatry and medicine on addiction medicine/psychiatry, specifically focusing on differences across European countries.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Over the last decade, the “traditional” drug scene has been supplemented – but not replaced – by the emergence of a range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which are either newly created or existing drugs, including medications, now... more
Over the last decade, the “traditional” drug scene has been supplemented – but not replaced – by the emergence of a range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), which are either newly created or existing drugs, including medications, now being used in novel ways. By the end of 2015, in excess of 700 NPS had been reported by a large number of countries in the world. Most recent data show however that synthetic cathinones; synthetic cannabinoids; and psychedelics/phenethylamines; account for the largest number of NPS. Given the vast range of medical and psychopathological issues associated with the molecules here described, it is crucial for health professionals to be aware of the effects and toxicity of NPS. The “Drugs 2.0.” revolution facilitated the birth and growth of an “Online Drug Culture” which finds its main expression in chats/fora/blogs as well as the diffusion of online drug marketplaces (both in the surface and deep web). The web has progressively modified the drug market from a “street” into a “virtual” one, so by increasing the availability of new drugs/NPS/“legal highs” (“legal alternatives” to the traditional illegal drugs). The rapid pace of change in the NPS online market constitutes a major challenge to the provision of current and reliable scientific knowledge on these substances. The present lecture aims at providing an overview of the NPS phenomenon, also giving an overview of the main clinical and pharmacological issues relating to these most popular NPS categories.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Legal highs: safe and legal heavens? : A study on the diffusion, knowledge and risk awareness of novel psychoactive drugs among students in the UK. ["Legal highs": paradisi sicuri e legali? Uno studio sulla diffusione, conoscenza e consapevolezza del rischio delle nuove droghe psicoattive tra gli...more
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Objective: Psychoactive substance use (including alcohol) can affect risk perception, leading to accidents and deaths. There is little detailed or up-to-date information on the role of drugs in drownings in the United Kingdom (UK). This... more
Objective: Psychoactive substance use (including alcohol) can affect risk perception, leading to accidents and deaths. There is little detailed or up-to-date information on the role of drugs in drownings in the United Kingdom (UK). This Scottish case-study aimed to fill this knowledge gap Methods: Anonymised data for individual drug-poisoning-related drowning registered from 1996 to 2020 were provided by the National Records of Scotland. Statistical analyses were performed for socio-demographics, ICD coding, cause of death, and substances implicated. Results: It has been reported that death registrations increased from 7 in 2017 to over 20 during 2019-20. These deaths (n=160) accounted for <1% of all drug-related poisoning deaths; this proportion rose to record levels (c.1.5%) during 2019-20. Most deaths (69%) involved males. The mean age was 39.8 (range 16-81, SD 15.0) years. The main drug classes implicated were: opiates/opioids (41%), benzodiazepines (31%), stimulants (19%), and antidepressants (14%). Moreover, 57% of benzodiazepines were ‘designer’ drugs. Conclusions: Scottish drownings associated with drug consumption are increasing rapidly. It has been observed that central nervous system depressant drugs (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol) are often involved in drowning. ‘Designer’ benzodiazepines are a principal factor in increasing Scottish drug-related poisoning deaths; they may be partially responsible for increasing numbers of related drownings. Evidence-based strategies to further reduce the number of preventable drownings should include reference to the dangers of drugs.
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Introduction: The risk of potential harms prompted the UK government to introduce The Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) in 2016 banning the production, supply, importation and exportation of NPS 1. Here we investigate UK NPS awareness,... more
Introduction: The risk of potential harms prompted the UK government to introduce The Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) in 2016 banning the production, supply, importation and exportation of NPS 1. Here we investigate UK NPS awareness, use and knowledge of potential associated health risks prior to and following the 2016 PSA. Methods: The Bristol Online Survey was in English and advertised on the drug forum Bluelight and social media Facebook pages and University email between 7 January and 7 February 2015 (168 responses) and 9 March to 9 June 2017 (479 responses). UK country of residence responses were extracted for analysis. Results: Similar trends in UK NPS use, motivations and risk perception in 2015 and 2017 are seen despite the difference in number of survey responses and the recent ‘illegal’ status of NPS in the UK, although a 14% increase in UK NPS awareness is noted in 2017 (Table 1). The main motivation for UK NPS use remains to be the influence of friends and the preferred drug combination is NPS + alcohol. The effect of gender, age, sexual orientation, education level and employment status on NPS awareness and use (p<0.05, Chi squared test) will be presented. Conclusion: Despite the recent introduction of the UK 2016 PSA our 2017 survey indicates that UK NPS use remains higher than the rest of Europe (8%)2 and in line with UK NPS use in 2015. UK user and non-user perception of NPS safety has so far not altered, indicating a need for enhanced targeted prevention interventions, alongside regulation. 1Home Office (2016). Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, Home Office, London, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/psychoactive-substances-bill-2015 2Global Drugs Survey. (2016) available at: https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com/past-findings/the-global-drug-survey-2016-findings/Peer reviewedFinal Published versio
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This chapter considers the emerging issues and challenges faced by those trying to make sense of the ever-changing scene of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A range of inter-connected aspects require investigation and continual... more
This chapter considers the emerging issues and challenges faced by those trying to make sense of the ever-changing scene of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A range of inter-connected aspects require investigation and continual monitoring to achieve this goal. Here the focus is on epidemiological, anthropological and clinical pharmacological issues. Whilst such aspects are more relevant to understanding the NPS phenomenon, practical issues associated with doing so need to be appreciated. Those generating or using information on NPS need to comprehend what data are available, their limitations and uses. In that way, objective information can be fed into decision- and policy-making in relevant disciplines and arenas. A multi-disciplinary approach is advocated for understanding NPS. This chapter demonstrates how such inputs can be brought together and integrated successfully. Traditional investigatory approaches have a role to play, but the development of new and innovative techniques can complement them. Timely design and evolution of both epidemiological and scientific knowledge-bases can assist in casting new light on NPS, using a spectrum of lenses through which to view them.
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Laura Orsolini et al, "Gli Psiconauti: navigatori della mente o sperimentatori chimici?", Medicina delle Dipendenze, Vol. 6 Issue 22, June 2016. Available online at:... more
Laura Orsolini et al, "Gli Psiconauti: navigatori della mente o sperimentatori chimici?", Medicina delle Dipendenze, Vol. 6 Issue 22, June 2016. Available online at: http://www.medicinadelledipendenze.it/rivista/tutti-i-numeri/le-nuove-sostanze-psicoattive/gli-psiconauti-navigatori-della-mente-o-sperimentatori-chimici.html © 2010-2016 Publishday Srl , P.IVA 03316280928 Via Nazario Sauro 10, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Research Interests: Geography and Humanities
Background: During the past decade, the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has become a global public health concern, especially among young people. In this study, we aimed to explore the OTC consumption and related misuse in... more
Background: During the past decade, the misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has become a global public health concern, especially among young people. In this study, we aimed to explore the OTC consumption and related misuse in Italy and identify the demographic characteristics of people/individuals involved in this phenomenon, understanding eventual risk factors. Methods: The study consisted of an anonymous online survey distributed by direct contact and via the Internet between June-November 2021 to the general population living in Italy. Descriptive statistics were reported, and binary regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for lifetime misuse of OTC. The University of Hertfordshire approved the study (aLMS/SF/UH/02951). Results: The final sample size was composed of 717 respondents. The sample was mainly represented by female (69.3%) students (39.9%) in the 20-25 years age group (30.0%). Based on the survey responses, study participants were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of OTC abuse/misuse (127 versus 590), which were compared for possible predictors of OTC diversion. Multivariate regression showed that OTC abuse/misuse was associated with the knowledge of the effects of OTC [odds ratio/OR = 2.711, 95%Confidence Interval/CI 1.794-4.097, p &lt;0.001]. On the contrary, the educational level appeared to be a protective factor [OR = 0.695, 95%CI 0.58–0.94, p = 0.016]. Conclusion: Although, according to our data, the phenomenon of OTC abuse appeared to be limited, increasing attention is needed because of possible underestimation and high-risk outcomes. Preventive strategies, including simplified access to information, may play a key role in limiting OTC misuse.
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Background: The benzodiazepine drug alprazolam, a fast-acting tranquiliser, cannot be prescribed on the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Illicit alprazolam supply and consumption have increased. Concern about increasing... more
Background: The benzodiazepine drug alprazolam, a fast-acting tranquiliser, cannot be prescribed on the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Illicit alprazolam supply and consumption have increased. Concern about increasing numbers of alprazolam-related fatalities started circulating in 2018. However, statistics on this issue are very limited. This study examined patterns in such mortality in Scotland. Methods: Statistics on deaths where alprazolam was mentioned in the ‘cause of death’ were obtained from official mortality registers. Anonymised Scottish case-level data were obtained. Data were examined in respect of the characteristics of decedents and deaths using descriptive statistics. Results: Scotland registered 370 deaths in 2004–2020; 366 of these occurred in 2015–2020: most involved males (77.1%); mean age 39.0 (SD 12.6) years. The principal underlying cause of death was accidental poisoning: opiates/opioids (77.9%); sedatives/hypnotics (15.0%). Two deaths involved alprazolam alone. Main drug groups implicated: opiates/opioids (94.8%), ‘other benzodiazepines’ (67.2%), gabapentinoids (42.9%), stimulants (30.1%), antidepressants (15.0%). Two-thirds (64.2%) involved combinations of central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Discussion: Alprazolam-related deaths are likely due to an increasing illicit supply. The fall in deaths in 2019–2020 is partially due to increased use of designer benzodiazepines. Treatment for alprazolam dependence is growing. Clinicians need to be aware of continuing recreational alprazolam use. When such consumption occurs with CNS depressants, overdose and death risks increase. Conclusions: More awareness of alprazolam contributing to deaths, especially in conjunction with other CNS depressants, is needed by consumers and clinicians. Improved monitoring of illicit supplies could identify emerging issues of medicines’ abuse.
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Recent media reports commented about a possible antidiabetics’ misuse issue related to molecules promoted as a weight-loss treatment in non-obese people. We here evaluated available pharmacovigilance misuse/abuse signals related to... more
Recent media reports commented about a possible antidiabetics’ misuse issue related to molecules promoted as a weight-loss treatment in non-obese people. We here evaluated available pharmacovigilance misuse/abuse signals related to semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, in comparison to other GLP-1 receptor agonists (albiglutide; dulaglutide; exenatide; liraglutide; lixisenatide; tirzepatide) and the phentermine-topiramate combination. To that aim, we analysed the Food and Drug Administration-FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) dataset, performing a descriptive analysis of adverse event reports (AER) and calculating related pharmacovigilance measures, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the proportional reporting ratio (PRR). During January 2018-December 2022, a total of 31,542 AER involving the selected molecules were submitted to FAERS; most involved dulaglutide (n=11,858; 37.6%) and semaglutide (n=8,249; 26.1%). In comparing semaglutide vs the remaining antidiabetics, the AER ‘drug abuse’, ‘drug withdrawal syndrome’, ‘prescription drug used without a prescription’ and ‘intentional product use issue’ respective PRR values were 4.05, 4.05, 3.60 and 1.80 (all&lt;0.01). The same comparisons of semaglutide vs the phentermine-topiramate combination were not associated with any significant differences. To our best, this is the first study documenting the misusing/abusing potential of semaglutide in comparison with other novel antidiabetics and the phentermine-topiramate combination. Current findings will need to be confirmed by further empirical investigations to fully understand the safety profile of those molecules.
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Reports are published which analyse drug-related deaths that have occurred in a calendar year and cover trends and data on drug-related deaths including accidental or intentional deaths from prescription medications, recreational drugs... more
Reports are published which analyse drug-related deaths that have occurred in a calendar year and cover trends and data on drug-related deaths including accidental or intentional deaths from prescription medications, recreational drugs such as cocaine and MDMA, deaths resulting from long-term drug use including complications as a result of intravenous heroin use, and novel psychoactive substances or ’legal highs
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Reports are published which analyse drug-related deaths that have occurred in a calendar year and cover trends and data on drug-related deaths including accidental or intentional deaths from prescription medications, recreational drugs... more
Reports are published which analyse drug-related deaths that have occurred in a calendar year and cover trends and data on drug-related deaths including accidental or intentional deaths from prescription medications, recreational drugs such as cocaine and MDMA, deaths resulting from long-term drug use including complications as a result of intravenous heroin use, and novel psychoactive substances or ’legal highs’
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Currently, increasing availability and popularity of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) constitutes a primary threat to public health. To assess this threat, the biological activity/potency of DBZDs was investigated using in silico studies.... more
Currently, increasing availability and popularity of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) constitutes a primary threat to public health. To assess this threat, the biological activity/potency of DBZDs was investigated using in silico studies. Specific Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models were developed in Forge™ for the prediction of biological activity (IC50) on the γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABA‐AR) of previously identified classified and unclassified DBDZs. A set of new potential ligands resulting from scaffold hopping studies conducted with MOE® was also evaluated. Two generated QSAR models (i.e. 3D‐field QSAR and RVM) returned very good performance statistics (r2 = 0.98 [both] and q2 = 0.75 and 0.72, respectively). The DBZDs predicted to be the most active were flubrotizolam, clonazolam, pynazolam and flucotizolam, consistently with what reported in literature and/or drug discussion fora. The scaffold hopping studies strongly suggest that replacement of ...
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Background: Previous studies have reported that benzodiazepines (BZDs) seem to enhance euphoric and reinforcing properties of opioids in opioid users so that a direct effect on opioid receptors has been postulated together with possible... more
Background: Previous studies have reported that benzodiazepines (BZDs) seem to enhance euphoric and reinforcing properties of opioids in opioid users so that a direct effect on opioid receptors has been postulated together with possible synergistic induction of severe side-effects due to their co-use. This is particularly worrisome given the appearance on the market of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs), whose activity/toxicity profiles are scarcely known. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate, through computational studies, the binding affinity (or lack thereof) of 101 DBZDs identified online on the kappa, mu, and delta opioid receptors (K, M, DOR); and to assess whether their mechanism of action could include activity on t of the latter Methods: MOE® was used for the computational studies. Pharmacophore mapping based on strong opioids agonist binder’s 3D chemical features was used to filter the DBZDs. Resultant DBZDs were docked into the crystallised 3D active conformation of KOR...
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‘Smart drugs’ (also known as ‘nootropics’ and ‘cognitive enhancers’ [CEs]) are being used by healthy subjects (i.e. students and workers) typically to improve memory, attention, learning, executive functions and vigilance, hence the... more
‘Smart drugs’ (also known as ‘nootropics’ and ‘cognitive enhancers’ [CEs]) are being used by healthy subjects (i.e. students and workers) typically to improve memory, attention, learning, executive functions and vigilance, hence the reference to a ‘pharmaceutical cognitive doping behaviour’. While the efficacy of known CEs in individuals with memory or learning deficits is well known, their effect on non-impaired brains is still to be fully assessed. This paper aims to provide an overview on the prevalence of use; putative neuroenhancement benefits and possible harms relating to the intake of the most popular CEs (e.g. amphetamine-type stimulants, methylphenidate, donepezil, selegiline, modafinil, piracetam, benzodiazepine inverse agonists, and unifiram analogues) in healthy individuals. CEs are generally perceived by the users as effective, with related enthusiastic anecdotal reports; however, their efficacy in healthy individuals is uncertain and any reported improvement temporary. Conversely, since most CEs are stimulants, the related modulation of central noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine levels may lead to cardiovascular, neurological and psychopathological complications. Furthermore, use of CEs can be associated with paradoxical short- and long-term cognitive decline; decreased potential for plastic learning; and addictive behaviour. Finally, the non-medical use of any potent psychotropic raises serious ethical and legal issues, with nootropics having the potential to become a major public health concern. Further studies investigating CE-associated social, psychological, and biological outcomes are urgently needed to allow firm conclusions to be drawn on the appropriateness of CE use in healthy individuals.
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Introduction: misuse of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma butyrolactone (GBL) increased in Western countries from the early 1990s. The period since has seen a rising numbers of deaths. This presentation outlines the evolution and... more
Introduction: misuse of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma butyrolactone (GBL) increased in Western countries from the early 1990s. The period since has seen a rising numbers of deaths. This presentation outlines the evolution and principal characteristics of United Kingdom (UK) fatalities. Methods: analysis of trends and principal characteristics in such deaths using information mainly extracted from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths database, which receives information voluntarily from coroners and other sources on drug-related deaths in the UK and the Islands. Relevant cases associated with use of GHB, GBL and 1,4- BD were identified by searching the database with the following terms - 'GHB', 'GBH', ‘GBL’, ‘1,4-BD’, ‘BDO’, 'gamma hydroxybutyrate', ‘gamma butyrolactone’ and 'sodium oxybate'. The exact number of GHB-related fatalities is unknown due to its endogenous nature and rapid elimination, limiting toxicological detection. Results: by September 2013, 159 relevant fatalities were reported; rising from 1 in 1995 to peak at 25 in 2009. Principal characteristics: White; young (mean age: 32 years); male (82%); drug misuse history (70%). Most deaths (79%) were accidental or related to drug use, the remainder being (potential) suicides. GHB/GBL alone was implicated in 37% of cases. Commonest co-ingested substances were alcohol, diazepam, stimulants, opioids, and ketamine. Post mortem blood levels tend to be twice that of deaths involving GHB/GBL on its own compared with co-ingestion. Conclusions: the data suggest a significant level of caution when ingesting GHB/GBL, particularly with CNS depressants and/or stimulants. Deaths still occur despite legal controls on GHB and its analogues.Peer reviewe
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John Corkery, et al, 'The characteristics of deaths involving kratom in the United Kingdom and elsewhere', presented at the 4th International Conference on Novel Psychoactive Substances, 30- 31 May 2016, Budapest, Hungary.
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Research Interests: Pharmacology, Neurology, Psychedelics, Medicine, Biological Psychiatry, and 10 moreClinical Neurology, Crawling, Medical Pharmacology, Mental Health and Psychiatry Nursing, Web Crawler, New Psychoactive Substances, Phenethylamines, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, and Psychonauts
COVID-19-related disruptions of people and goods' circulation can affect drug markets, especially for new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Drug shortages could cause a change in available NPS, with the introduction of new, unknown,... more
COVID-19-related disruptions of people and goods' circulation can affect drug markets, especially for new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Drug shortages could cause a change in available NPS, with the introduction of new, unknown, substances. The aims of the current research were to use a web crawler, NPSfinder®, to identify and categorize emerging NPS discussed on a range of drug enthusiasts/psychonauts' websites/fora at the time of the pandemic; social media for these identified NPS were screened as well. The NPSfinder® was used here to automatically scan 24/7 a list of psychonaut websites and NPS online resources. The NPSs identified in the time frame between January and August 2020 were searched in both the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addictions (EMCDDA)/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) databases and on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube) as well, with a content qualitative analysis having been carried out...
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Background: Promethazine is a medicinal product, available on its own or in combination with other ingredients including dextromethorphan, paracetamol and/or expectorants. Anecdotal reports have however indicated that promethazine may... more
Background: Promethazine is a medicinal product, available on its own or in combination with other ingredients including dextromethorphan, paracetamol and/or expectorants. Anecdotal reports have however indicated that promethazine may have a misuse potential, especially in adolescents. Objective: We here aimed at studying how this phenomenon has been reported to the European Monitoring Agency Adverse Drug Reactions database. Methods: After a formal request to the European Monitoring Agency, the promethazine-specific dataset has been studied, performing a descriptive analysis of misuse/abuse/dependence-related adverse drug reaction reports. The study was approved by the University of Hertfordshire (LMS/PGR/UH/03234). Results: The analysis of promethazine data showed increasing levels of misuse/abuse/ dependence issues over time (2003–2019). Out of a total number of 1543 cases of adverse drug reactions, the abuse/misuse/dependence-related cases reported were 557, with ‘drug abuse’ (30...
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Drug-related deaths reported by Coroners in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man; Police forces in Scotland; & the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agenc
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine pharmacists’ knowledge of legal highs (novel psychoactive substances (NPS)). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was handed out at two London pharmacist continuing education... more
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine pharmacists’ knowledge of legal highs (novel psychoactive substances (NPS)). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was handed out at two London pharmacist continuing education events in mid-2014. These events update pharmacists about developments of interest/relevance to the profession and to improve their practice. A total of 54 forms were returned; a response rate of 26 percent. Findings – Most pharmacists had poor knowledge of NPS and many considered that NPS were not important to their work, with few having had to advise customers in this area. Despite this, the majority thought that they had insufficient information about NPS. There was a negative correlation between the age of the pharmacist and knowledge of NPS. Research limitations/implications – The sample is a self-selected one drawn from registered pharmacists working in community pharmacies in northwest London, and thus does not include hospital pharmacies. Self...
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BackgroundThe present paper provides an updated review of both the large number of new/novel/emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) and their associated psychopathological consequences. Focus was here given on identification of those NPS... more
BackgroundThe present paper provides an updated review of both the large number of new/novel/emerging psychoactive substances (NPS) and their associated psychopathological consequences. Focus was here given on identification of those NPS being commented in specialised online sources and the related short-/long-term psychopathological and medical ill-health effects.MethodsNPS have been identified through an innovative crawling/navigating software, called the ‘NPS.Finder®’, created in order to facilitate the process of early recognition of NPS online. A range of information regarding NPS, including chemical and street names; chemical formula; three-dimensional image and anecdotally reported clinical/psychoactive effects, were here made available.ResultsUsing the ‘NPS.Finder®’ approach, a few thousand NPS were here preliminarily identified, a number which is about 4-fold higher than those figures suggested by European and international drug agencies. NPS most commonly associated with t...
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Background: Ibogaine and noribogaine are psychedelic substances with dissociative properties naturally occurring in plants of the Apocynaceae family. Research has shown their efficacy in treating substance use disorders (SUD),... more
Background: Ibogaine and noribogaine are psychedelic substances with dissociative properties naturally occurring in plants of the Apocynaceae family. Research has shown their efficacy in treating substance use disorders (SUD), particularly in opiate detoxification, but their efficacy and toxicity are still unclear. Objective: This review aims to assess the anti-addictive role of ibogaine and evaluate its side effects. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted on the 29th of November 2021 using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases through the following search strategy: ("Ibogaine" OR "Noribogaine") AND ("SUD" OR "substance use disorder" OR "craving" OR "abstinence" OR "withdrawal" OR "addiction" OR "detoxification") NOT animal NOT review NOT "vitro." The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was followed for data gathering purpos...
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