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

{"title":"Scherma Bradamante: Fencing Programme for Victims of Violence and Individuals Affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder","authors":"A. Picchi,&nbsp;M. Caracciolo,&nbsp;P. Bussotti,&nbsp;V. Rapaccini,&nbsp;A. Metastasio","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scherma Bradamante APS-ASD is an Italian association that organises fencing workshops designed to promote growth, recovery, and personal reconstruction for individuals who have experienced abuse or violence in any form, including bullying and workplace bullying, or who are affected by body dysmorphic disorder. These workshops combine fencing and psychotherapy, with the support of both a fencing coach and a psychotherapist. The Association has developed a Protocol to help resolve issues relating to anxiety, stress management, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse in adults and children affected by violence or body dysmorphic disorder. The workshops offer personalised support and include different fencing practices that combine psychological and physical elements. These promote emotional regulation by teaching assertiveness, confidence, balance, control and commitment. Fencing is indeed a particularly effective physical activity for promoting emotional regulation. It is a high-intensity combat sport and martial art that does not involve direct physical contact, requiring the use of a mask (a powerful tool for introspection). By the end of the programme, users can remove their masks, having completed their introspective journey towards greater personal fulfilment. This process of inner growth, combining fencing and psychotherapy, helps overcome trauma caused by abuse and violence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789978","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":"Fungi or Shrooms? The Use of New types of Psychoactive Mushrooms and Their Active Substances in Eurasia for Recreational and Medical Purposes","authors":"M. Vishnevsky,&nbsp;E. Alexandrova","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>There are 10 Eurasian species of non-psilocybin psychoactive mushrooms (NPPM), containing styrylpyrones, gymnopilin, ergot alkaloids and isoxazoles, were identified. All these species have a recreational use expanding over the last decade. It makes sense to introduce legislative control over some species, but others have real medical potential for the psychological disorders treatment and assistance with many somatic problems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Based on available literature data, as well as field, laboratory, preclinical and clinical studies, various characteristics of NPPM were summarized.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A list of 10 wild Eurasian NPPM has been compiled. Many of them contain psychoactive substances, which are already widely used by the locals for recreational purposes and circulate in regional/international trade. A detailed description of each species has been compiled according to the following scheme: habitat, fruiting season; active ingredients, syndrome caused; recreational use status, dose and effect; proven medical properties.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>On one hand, recreational use of NPM can lead to psychological or even physical trauma. On the other hand, the correct use of NPM and their substances offers wide prospects for evidence-based medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100262"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790084","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":"Ketamine-Induced Uropathy in Young Adults: A Case Report Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges","authors":"E. Levari,&nbsp;L. Menapace,&nbsp;A. Coppola,&nbsp;M. Stefani,&nbsp;P. Dè Lutti,&nbsp;G. Esposito","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100236","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100236","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with abuse potential, poses significant public health risks—especially when use begins during adolescence. Chronic use rapidly leads to dependence (79% within one year) and severe complications, including ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) and ketamine-induced cholangiopathy. Despite its growing global prevalence, KIU remains underdiagnosed, often obscured by nonspecific urinary symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We present the case of a 21-year-old female with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abnormal liver function tests, bile duct dilation, and malnutrition, leading to a severe decline in quality of life—including urinary frequency (every 30 minutes, day and night) and depressive mood symptoms. These manifestations were ultimately attributed to chronic ketamine abuse.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Laboratory and imaging findings confirmed ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU), demonstrating ulcerative cystitis and hydronephrosis. Initially, the patient's failure to disclose ketamine use to urology and gynaecology specialists, combined with the clinical rarity of this presentation, delayed diagnosis. Despite antibiotic prophylaxis, symptoms persisted until complete ketamine cessation. No urological interventions were ultimately required.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case highlights the critical need to include ketamine abuse in the differential diagnosis of young patients presenting with unexplained urinary symptoms. Early identification demands: (1) heightened clinical suspicion, (2) systematic toxicological screening, and (3) coordinated multidisciplinary assessment. We recommend establishing standardized clinical protocols that mandate renal/hepatic function monitoring, diagnostic imaging, and prompt urological consultation for suspected cases. Concurrent public health initiatives should prioritize combating ketamine misuse, particularly among adolescents, to mitigate risks of permanent urological compromise.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790092","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":"A regional survey on Image and Performance Enhancing Drug Use and its psychological correlates in the Trentino-Alto Adige sports community","authors":"G. Penazzi,&nbsp;T. Zandonai,&nbsp;V. Barbati,&nbsp;S. Venturini,&nbsp;O. Corazza","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) has steadily increased in recent years, encompassing a spectrum from common nutritional supplements to potentially harmful pharmacological substances. This study was designed to investigate IPEDs use among sport and fitness practitioners, aiming to address relevant psychological factors which may contribute to potentially risky misconducts. Previous research has identified appearance-related anxiety and exercise addiction as significant risk markers for potentially harmful behaviours, while social media exposure and problematic internet use may further reinforce such tendencies. This study examined the prevalence of IPEDs use in Trentino-Alto Adige sport practitioners and its associations with appearance anxiety, exercise addiction, problematic internet use, and self-compassion as a potential protective factor.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Data were collected among adult participants through an anonymous online survey distributed between March and August 2025 in gyms, fitness centers, sports associations, stadiums, and public places such as libraries and universities, as well as online. Descriptive statistics (sex, education, occupation) as well as frequencies in the use of different products or related to sport preferences have been collected. Participants were categorized according to whether they reported using non-harmful (e.g., proteins, vitamins) or potentially harmful IPEDs (e.g., anabolic agents, hormones). Binary logistic regressions were conducted to test associations between harmful IPED use and appearance anxiety, exercise addiction, problematic internet use and self-compassion.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 291 respondents completed the survey. After excluding incomplete responses and failed attention checks, 267 participants were retained for analysis (M = 114, F = 151, Unspecified = 2). Most users engaged primarily in fitness or gym workouts (25.8%), followed by weight lifting (12.4%), running (8.2%), and mountain or outdoor sports (6.4%). Within this regional sample, 40.8% of respondents reported using supplements or performance-enhancing products. Specifically, 25.5% used at least one potentially risky IPED, 15.4% used only non-harmful products, and 59.2% reported no use. Among IPEDs or supplement users, online purchase was the most frequent method (27.7%), followed by pharmacies (17.2%). Preliminary analyses indicated that exercise addiction above the clinical cut-off score significantly increased the likelihood of potentially risky IPEDs consumption (p = .001, OR = 5.03), whereas self-compassion emerged as a protective factor (p = .005, OR = 0.59). Appearance anxiety and problematic internet use were positively, though not significantly, associated with potentially harmful misuse in this sample. Conclusion: These findings highlight a concerning prevalence of IPEDs use among sport and fitness practitioners in Trentin","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790177","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":"MDPHiP, the Synthetic Cathinone Associated to Intoxication Cases in Italy: Preclinical In Vivo Study, Comparison with Analogues and In Silico Approach","authors":"M. Bassi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100193","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100193","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>3,4-Methylendioxy-alpha-pyrrolidinoisohecanophenone (MDPHiP) is a synthetic cathinone structurally related to MDPHP and MDPV. It was recently seized by Italian authorities and its consumption, alone or in combination with other substances, was associated with human intoxications. Despite this, there is a lack of information on its pharmaco-toxicological effect and pharmacokinetic profile.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The acute effects of MDPHiP (0.01-20 mg/kg; i.p.) on sensorimotor responses, core temperature, spontaneous locomotion, aggressiveness, cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory parameters were investigated in male mice and compared to MDPV and MDPHP. The <em>in silico</em> ADMET profile of MDPHiP and its metabolic pathway was predicted by the ADMET Predictor.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In mice, MDPHiP induced sensorimotor and small temperature alterations, increased locomotion, and caused a strong increase of aggressiveness. High doses induced tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension and reduction of SpO₂ and pulse distension. Hydroxylation and opening of the pyrrolidin ring and demethylenylation were predicted for MDPHiP, estimated to inhibit CYP2D6.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The behavioural and cardiovascular effects of MDPHiP in mice align with its analogues and are reflected in the symptoms observed during intoxications, which confirms the risks associated with its consumption. Moreover, it appears crucial the preclinical research on the effects and the pharmacokinetic profile of newly emerged NPS to contribute to the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790185","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":"A systematic review on the effectiveness of anti-doping education for university students","authors":"Adam R. Nicholls ,&nbsp;Lambros Lazuras ,&nbsp;Michael Petrou ,&nbsp;Ornella Corazza ,&nbsp;Carlos Santos ,&nbsp;António Júlio Nunes ,&nbsp;Michał Rynkowski ,&nbsp;João F. Martins ,&nbsp;Thomas Zandonai ,&nbsp;Uta Kühn ,&nbsp;Łukasz Tota","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2024.100168","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2024.100168","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Doping poses a threat to the integrity of sport and the health of athletes who dope, including university students. In this systematic review, we identified the content of anti-doping education that universities provide, the disciplines mainly targeted by such education (e.g., sports science, medicine, physiotherapy, etc.), and the effectiveness of anti-doping education on university students’ anti-doping knowledge, attitudes, and other related constructs.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We systematically searched the literature using nine different search engines, manually searched relevant journals, and used pearl growing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This review included four studies comprising 1,410 university students. The content of the education programmes varied, although information about prohibited substances and rules was included in all interventions. Two studies targeted a specific cohort of students (e.g., medical and sports science students), whereas the other two recruited university students without specifying the subject discipline. All intervention programmes had a positive impact on doping knowledge, two studies had a positive effect on anti-doping attitudes, and one study impacted morality.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These four studies are essential, but methodological limitations mean that better-designed education interventions for university students are required. Researchers could assess the effectiveness of education interventions on anti-doping knowledge and key psycho-social variables among this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100168"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143155064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of opium poisoning compared to other opioids in a poisoning referral center: Registry based study","authors":"Rokhsareh Meamar ,&nbsp;Sami Ebrahimi ,&nbsp;Arman Otroshi ,&nbsp;Awat Feizi ,&nbsp;Nastaran Eizadi-Mood","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to compare the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of opium poisoning with other types of opioids and analyze factors associated with opium poisoning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross sectional study was conducted on patients with opioid poisoning from may 5, 2023 until may 5, 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those with opium poisoning and those with other types of opioid poisoning. Data related to epidemiological, toxicological and clinical examinations as well as outcomes were collected.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included a total of 762 patients with opioid poisoning over a one-year period, of whom 126 had ingested opium. Patients with opium poisoning were older, married, less educated and had a higher prevalence of underlying diseases compared to patients with other types of opioid poisoning. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of their level of consciousness (P &lt; 0.001). Confusion, stupor and coma were more prevalent among those with opium poisoning. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of intubation and outcome in both groups (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression in opium poisoning revealed that for every one-year increase in age, the odds of opium poisoning increased by up to 5 % (OR = 1.05, 95 %CI (1.03–1.07); <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) compared to other opioid poisoning. In total 10 patients died, with 2 of them ingesting opium.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings could be helpful for risk assessment, management of opium poisoning and prevention strategies for the high-risk group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685534","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":"The analysis and detection of synthetic cathinones in hair - state of the art, challenges, and future aspects","authors":"Gail Kennedy ,&nbsp;Joanna Czerwinska ,&nbsp;Dilek Battal ,&nbsp;Pascal Kintz ,&nbsp;Vincenzo Abbate","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100267","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Psychoactive and new psychoactive substance (NPS) analysis in hair has gained significant attention in clinical and forensic toxicology for assessing past and ongoing drug exposure. Synthetic cathinones (SCt), a prominent class of NPS, are widely abused globally and pose significant health risks due to their toxicity. The constant synthesis and marketing of new SCt compounds make their detection a growing challenge. This review summarises and evaluates analytical methods used for detecting SCt in human hair. It addresses (i) the background, prevalence, patterns of use, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicological effects of SCt on humans and (ii) highlights methods applied in post-mortem analysis, drug-facilitated sexual assault, and workplace drug testing.</div><div>A thorough search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified studies published since 2012, focusing on analytical methods for SCt detection. Most studies employed liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry, with attention to preanalytical steps such as decontamination, analyte extraction, and sample clean-up. SCt concentrations in hair were reported from the low pg/mg to ng/mg range. However, challenges persist, including external contamination, the absence of cut-off values for distinguishing occasional from chronic use, and interpretative difficulties.</div><div>Advances in analytical techniques are critical to address the dynamic NPS market and ensure new compounds are detected. Sensitive methods and robust extraction procedures are essential for accurate detection, enabling forensic toxicologists to determine patterns of abuse and assess SCt’s role in forensic investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617311","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":"Prevalence and predictors of drinking patterns among young and middle-aged men in Ghana","authors":"Christian Chukwuma Ndu ,&nbsp;Chioma Shallom Ndu ,&nbsp;Georgina Afoakwah ,&nbsp;Adusei Bofa","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Harmful use of alcohol is associated with noncommunicable diseases. Ghana reported that 46.8 % of deaths were due to noncommunicable diseases, which mostly affected men. In order to reduce the risk of harmful use of alcohol and its negative consequences, there is a need to understand the drinking patterns of young and middle-aged men. This study therefore sought to investigate the prevalence of various drinking patterns among young and middle-aged men in Ghana and their respective predictors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative study design that relied on dataset from Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, 2022, which consisted of background characteristics and patterns of alcohol use of 7, 044 men. Association and predictors of various drinking pattern among young and middle-aged men were identified using Pearson’s chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Prevalence of abstinence, moderate, “low-risk” (low intensity), heavy and high-intensity drinking were found to be 68.3 %, 20.4 %, 5.4 %, 2.9 % and 2.9 % respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed that all demographic characteristics of participants were significantly associated with drinking patterns. Predictors of moderate and low-risk drinking patterns were age, smoking of tobacco, and currently working. Age, region of residence and separation from partner were identified as predictors of heavy and high-intensity drinking. Protective factors which promoted abstinence were marriage and wealth index.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Harmful use of alcohol was prevalent among young and middle-aged men in Ghana. This study therefore recommends the formulation and implementation of alcohol consumption reducing policies that are tailored to target various high-risk groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519420","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":"Policies Aimed at Controlling Drugs and Other Psychoactive Substances in a Northern Region of Russia","authors":"A. Gil","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Regional drug control policy in the Russia’s Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra complements federal control policy and plays a significant role in reducing burden of disease associated with drug use.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The policy analysis was conducted based on a study of regional regulatory documents providing drug control policies in 2004.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>As part of the implementation of the regional state program “Life Safety and Crime Prevention”, the significant methodological support to detect psychoactive substances (PS) in biological objects was provided to all five psychiatric- and-neurological hospitals belonging to the regional addiction health service. It included an update of the PS mass spectra libraries with indication of retention times for GS-MS and HPLC MS/MS; providing rapid tests for detecting the state of intoxication with PS. Continuous upgrade of equipment for conducting GC-MS, LC-MS, LCMS-IT-TOF-MS, LC-QTOF-MS assays, implementation of a unified quality control system for chemical-toxicological assays with support of the leading research centers allowed for precise identification of PS in the majority of registered cases of drug poisonings. Other important implemented policies included, but were not limited to, the early identification of drug abuse among at risk populations and introduction of telemedicine counselling for laboratory specialists. Conclusion: The significant policy focus has been placed on the development of an expert-level regional chemical-toxicological service.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145789733","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}