Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health最新文献

{"title":"Synthesis and Characterization of Potentially Dangerous New Nitazene Analogues","authors":"D.F.R. Ferreira,&nbsp;N.R. Neng,&nbsp;A.L.M.B.C. Quintas,&nbsp;H.M.G.G. Gaspar","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are substances of abuse not controlled under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, as defined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Globally, over 1,350 NPS have been reported, including highly potent synthetic opioids. According to the European Union Drugs Agency, since 2009, 88 synthetic opioids have been detected on the European drug market. In 2024, seven new substances were reported, all belonging to the Nitazene class — highly potent compounds linked to overdose deaths. To date, 22 Nitazenes have been identified across Europe.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This research focuses on the synthesis of Nitazene derivatives based on the 2-benzylbenzimidazole scaffold. Structural diversity was achieved through substitutions at two key positions: (i) the ether moiety of the benzyl group and (ii) the benzimidazole core.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The synthesised compounds were structurally characterised using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry to confirm their molecular structure and purity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study introduces new analogues to the Nitazenes, enriching the structural diversity of this emerging class of opioid. The characterised compounds can serve as analytical reference standards to support identification and monitoring of these substances in forensic and toxicological settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100216"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Anticancer Potential of the Psychoactive Drug Sertraline: A Step Toward Repurposed Oncology Therapeutics","authors":"S. Fereydouni","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The search for novel anticancer therapies has led to the repurposing of psychoactive drugs. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is emerging as a candidate for cancer treatment beyond its psychiatric use. Objectives: To evaluate the anticancer potential of sertraline on pancreatic cancer cells (PANC 1) and assess its dose-dependent cytotoxic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PANC 1 cells were treated with sertraline at concentrations ranging from 15.625 to 500 µg/mL. Cell viability was measured using the MTT assay after 24 hours. The data were analyzed using ANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sertraline reduced PANC 1 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner: 500 µg/mL (≈10% viability), 250 µg/mL (≈25%), 125 µg/mL (≈40%), 62.5 µg/mL (≈50%), and 31.25 µg/mL (≈85% viability). No significant effect was observed at 15.625 µg/mL or in control samples.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings support the repositioning of sertraline as a novel psychoactive substance with anticancer properties. Its selective cytotoxicity toward PANC 1 cells highlights potential for therapeutic development in pancreatic cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100214"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating Naloxone's Efficacy in Reversing Cardiorespiratory Effects of Novel Synthetic Opioids","authors":"S. Bilel","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Novel synthetic opioids (NSOs), represent a growing public health concern due to their high potency and association with increasing cases of intoxication and fatal overdose. They include fentanyl analogs, non-fentanyl compounds, and emerging classes such as benzimidazole opioids and nitazenes. Naloxone remains the primary treatment for opioid overdose. However, the efficacy of naloxone can vary depending on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of each compound. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of naloxone pre-treatment in preventing cardio-respiratory impairment induced by a selection of NSOs, ranging from older to newly identified substances.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Male CD-1 mice were used to assess the acute cardiorespiratory effects of various NSOs. The tested compounds included MT-45 (15 mg/kg), fentanyl alone and with xylazine (1 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg), brorphine (15 mg/kg), etonitazene (0.3 mg/kg), and isotonitazene (0.3 mg/kg). To evaluate opioid receptor-mediated effects, naloxone (6 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered as a pre-treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All tested NSOs significantly reduced heart rate and respiratory rate in mice. The severity and reversibility of these effects varied across compound classes. Naloxone pre-treatment fully prevented the cardiorespiratory impairments of MT-45 but only partially the effects induced by all other opioids. Notably, nitazenes demonstrated the most potent and resistant profile to naloxone reversal.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These results underscore the high toxicity of NSOs, highlighting the need for Naloxone redosing in clinical settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“Emptiness Filled with Love”: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Chemsex Trajectories Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Almaty, Kazakhstan Using a Life Course Framework","authors":"N. Lunchenkov,&nbsp;N. Cherchenko,&nbsp;E. German,&nbsp;S. Rinne-Wolf","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chemsex (intentional psychoactive substance use to enhance sexual experiences) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is associated with HIV transmission and psychological distress. Limited research exists on chemsex trajectories in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where structural homophobia and restrictive policies uniquely shape risks. This study identified chemsex engagement stages and examined how social, psychological, and structural factors influence transitions among GBMSM in Kazakhstan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in Almaty, Kazakhstan (July-September 2023). Twenty-one GBMSM who engaged in chemsex within 12 months participated in 60-90 minute semi-structured interviews. All participants used mephedrone and/or alpha-PHP. Deductive reflexive thematic analysis, guided by Life Course Theory, reconstructed chemsex trajectories from retrospective accounts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four trajectory stages emerged: Initiation occurred through trusted networks in intimate settings, fulfilling emotional needs for connection. Maintenance involved self-imposed limits but declining satisfaction with sober sex. Escalation featured breakdown of protective boundaries and increased use despite consequences. Dependence involved loss of control, with substance use shifting from pleasure enhancement to withdrawal coping. Structural stigma constrained agency throughout all stages, while chemsex networks provided emotional safety unavailable elsewhere.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Chemsex trajectories represent dynamic processes where substance use functions as emotional regulation and social survival strategies in high-stigma contexts, shaped by interactions between individual agency and structural constraints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"One drug makes you larger, and one drug makes you small: GLP-1 Drug Misuse, Risk Beliefs, and Polypharmacy in Sport and Exercise Populations","authors":"L. Lazuras,&nbsp;L. Turnock,&nbsp;D. Martin","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>GLP-1 agonist drugs (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) are promising medicines for the treatment of obesity and weight management in at-risk populations. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that GLP-1 drugs are misused (i.e., used without medical prescription and supervision, for non-health reasons) by exercise populations. The current research presents novel findings about GLP-1 drug use trends, supply, and perceived health risks among UK-based exercisers (Study 1). It also presents findings from a netnographic analysis (Study 2) of online bodybuilding forums about health risk management and polydrug use trends, involving the concurrent use of GLP-1 drugs with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and other image and performance enhancement drugs (IPEDs).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Study 1 involved a cross-sectional survey with 681 exercisers in the UK, assessing access to GLP-1 agonist drugs, perceived health risk, experienced side effects, supply routes, mental health outcomes (symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance), and self-reported use of IPEDs and nutritional supplements. Study 2 involved qualitative analysis of 12,392 posts from 160 threads in two bodybuilding forums with regards to GLP-1 drug use trends, polypharmacy, and side effects and health risk-management approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Study 1 showed that past and intended GLP-1 use was associated with higher scores in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and body image disturbance; GLP-1 drugs were mostly accessed via informal supply networks, and their use continued even after users experienced adverse health effects. Study 2 further elucidated nuanced trends in off-label use of GLP-1 drugs across age groups, and highlighted risky polypharmacy patterns (e.g., experimental dosing; cycling or stacking different GLP-1 drugs, and combining AAS use with GLP-1 drugs to avoid muscle waste).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Taken together, the present findings indicate a worrying trend in GLP-1 misuse in exercise populations, signifying an emerging form of drug use in sport settings with important public health implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enantioseparation of Three Synthetic Cathinones: An Evaluation of CHIRALPAK® AD-3 Column Using HPLC","authors":"A.A. Aldubayyan","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100189","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100189","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>All new designer drugs derived from cathinone, the principal active ingredient present in the leaves of the catha edulis (Khat) plant, have a chiral center at their α-carbon yielding two stereoisomers. It is well known that one of the enantiomers is biologically active, whereas the other may be inactive or pose undesired effect. Owing to the novelty of these compounds, limited data about the pharmacological and toxicological, and consequently about the single enantiomers are available. Analytical methods are therefore required to discriminate between the two enantiomers of a new racemic drug.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three synthetic cathinones namely, mephedrone, N-Ethylpentylone and 4-Cl-alpha-PPP were used as model compounds. The chiral HPLC method is composed of CHIRALPAK® AD-3 column, methanol–ethanol–diethylamine as mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.1 ml/min and UV detection at 254 nm. The effects of different mobile phase ratios on the retention time and resolution were evaluated to achieve baseline separation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Under final conditions (methanol–ethanol–diethylamine [95:5:0.1 v/v]), mephedrone has transformed into a complete separation by increasing the methanol content from 80% to 95%. However, both 4-Cl-alpha-PPP and N-Ethylpentylone were only partially resolved although a remarkable resolution was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Nevertheless, the applicability of the developed chiral method could be expanded to a wider range of designer drugs to provide much more precise knowledge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Streamlining Analysis to Inform Management of Acute Recreational Drug Toxicity: Advances in Paper Spray Ionisation for Rapid Drug Detection","authors":"S. Boccuzzi,&nbsp;V. Abbate,&nbsp;D. Cowan,&nbsp;P. Dargan","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Acute recreational drug toxicity (ARDT) is a common reason for Emergency Department (ED) presentation. Currently clinicians rely on patient self-report, rapid and accurate drug screening has the potential to improve patient care by providing reliable information on the drug(s) involved to enable targeted and evidence-based patient management. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of paper spray ionisation (PSI), using the VeriSpray™ system, in patients with ARDT.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Plasma samples from patients presenting with ARDT were spiked with deuterated internal standards for 15 common drugs. 5 µL was applied to VeriSpray plates and dried for 15 minutes before quantitative analysis. Each sample was analysed and quantified in under two minutes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The method successfully detected at least one drug in 80% of 76 patient samples. Ten of the targeted drugs were identified, with methamphetamine (66% of samples) being the most common. Concentration ranges were provided for clinical interpretation. The study also showed that haemolysed samples could provide indicative results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>VeriSpray workflows show considerable potential to inform management of patients with ARDT. Their speed, broad-spectrum drug detection, and minimal sample preparation requirements make them a promising tool for rapid, on-site drug screening in the ED.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hair Analysis as an Epidemiological Indicator to Assess the NPS Situation in Europe","authors":"A. Salomone,&nbsp;J. Matias,&nbsp;P. Dugues,&nbsp;I-A. Larabi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are accumulating in the illicit market and are (un)consciously used in combination with common drugs of abuse (DoA), alcohol, and pharmaceuticals thus complexing their detection in biological samples, the understanding of (in)direct health effects, and interpretation of the analyses. The aim of this pioneer study was to evaluate hair testing as an effective tool for monitoring the consumption of DoA and NPS, in selected populations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This multicenter research took place in Italy, France, Portugal and Lithuania. People who use drugs were approached at drug-checking services, music festivals and raves, and were asked to donate a hair sample and to fill a web-survey to report information about the substances consumed in the previous months. In total, 432 samples were collected and analyzed for more than 150 substances.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the Italian territory, DoA were the most prevalent substances, while synthetic cathinones and synthetic opioids were less frequently identified. Mephedrone, buphedrone and eutylone were detected in people who declared either recent (n=3) or past use (n=9) of MDMA and amphetamines; two people tested positive for recent use of mephedrone even though they did not declare it. In France, NPS were detected in 62 individuals, encompassing 44 distinct NPS. Among these, the most commonly encountered were 3-MMC (21 cases), DCK (17), 2F-DCK (16), dimethylpentylone (10), and both 3-FPM and mephedrone appearing 8 times each. In Lithuania, mephedrone (n=6) was detected mainly in combination with cocaine but also alone and N-ethylpentylone in one sample together with cocaine and MDMA. 2-FDCK (n=4) was detected in three cases together with cocaine. An interesting aspect is noticed in Portugal: MDMA (60%) is by far the most prevalent substance followed by ketamine (47%), while amphetamine (18%) and mephedrone (2%) complete the detected panel.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The identification of substances in biological matrices in diverse populations is essential to obtain an overview of the diffusion of the substances around Europe, to understand which is the drug prevalence and trade patterns. While not being representative of the general population, this innovative approach based on two complementary methods provides valuable additional information about variations in use among different groups of people who use drugs. This study confirmed some of currently observed trends in drug use in Europe, with several stimulants (cocaine, MDMA) being prevalent in all participating countries, while highlighting the use of ketamine and synthetic cathinones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nitazenes: A Brazilian Regulatory Overview","authors":"L.S. Lopes,&nbsp;M.L.S. Macedo,&nbsp;R.M. Souza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In recent years, New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of the nitazene class have emerged in the illicit drug market as alternatives to controlled opioids. Although Brazil is not facing an opioid epidemic, there has been an increase in the seizure of these substances. This study presents the regulatory landscape of nitazenes in Brazil and the main challenges related to their control.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Anvisa is responsible for scheduling substances in the national drugs lists. Monitoring is carried out in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, which report seizures of both NPS and traditional drugs. To streamline this communication, an online form was developed specifically for NPS notifications.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Currently, 11 nitazene substances are under control in Brazil, eight of which are also listed internationally. Three substances — N-desethyl etonitazene, N-pyrrolidino metonitazene, and N,N-dimethylamino etonitazene — were added following notifications submitted through the online form between 2024 and 2025, with an average scheduling time of 90 days. In São Paulo, between July 2022 and April 2023, 95% of opioid seizures involved nitazenes, mainly metonitazene, frequently found in combination with synthetic cannabinoids in plant material.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The communication between Anvisa and law enforcement has proven effective, enabling rapid responses to control nitazene-class NPS. Moreover, there are signs of a shift in the profile of seized opioids in Brazil, with increased circulation of nitazenes, including those already controlled, often combined with other substances and in unusual presentations, increasing risks for users. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring strategies to support regulatory and enforcement actions, as well as more effective health policies, in response to this evolving scenario.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Malleability of Body Representation in Bodybuilders with and Without Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder. A Rubber Hand Illusion Study","authors":"M. Baysaloglu,&nbsp;O. Corazza,&nbsp;F. Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Whilst exercising is associated with a healthy lifestyle, recent evidence indicated that excessive physical activity may lead to exercise addiction, especially among gym-goers. This may be fuelled by the pursuit of an “ideal” body shape, which has closely been linked to Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD). Within the bodybuilding community, this condition is commonly referred to as Muscle Dysmorphia (MD), a subtype of BDD. It is characterised by an intense preoccupation with one’s own body as being smaller than it is. MD is linked with image- and performance-enhancing substances such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, which are used to boost muscle growth and enhance physical appearance. However, these substances pose significant physical and psychological health risks. To date, limited evidence on the behavioural and neural mechanisms of this condition exists, which may prevent further advances in rehabilitative protocols to ameliorate the condition.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study explores whether muscle dysmorphia symptoms and IPED use are linked with the malleability of body representation by using the Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) with bodybuilders and control participants. Each participant completed a classical RHI paradigm, with the experimenter stroking the rubber and real hand synchronously, asynchronously and in an incongruent (180° rotated hand) condition. Embodiment of the rubber hand was assessed using the RHI questionnaire and proprioceptive drift. Muscle dysmorphia was assessed by using the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Additional measures used were the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-8 (NPI-8), Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) and Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI). Data analysis will examine whether higher IPED use is associated with greater malleability of body representation and explore the relation to behavioural and personality traits through correlation analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Data collection and analysis are still ongoing. Results and conclusions from the study will be presented in the final poster.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100195"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}