Update on critical issues and current challenges with “newer psychoactive substances: An narrative review”

In recent years, new psychoactive substances (NPS) (”legal highs” or “designer drugs”) are increasing worldwide. An increase in NPS is a cause for concern for drug-regulatory authorities and health-care professionals as it poses a threat to public health. Because of their novelty, these drugs go undetected by traditional detection methods, hampering adverse reaction assessment, and increasing challenges for laboratories and the regulatory system. This review aims to provide an update on the current state of NPS at the global level. The article addresses important issues and challenges in the clinical and forensic toxicology laboratories, which deals with testing for substances of abuse, the unclear legal status of NPS, and the limited knowledge of the public about their side effect. These issues and challenges would be important for health-care professionals, toxicologists, law enforcement authorities, and policymakers to take into account an effective response to control the use of NPS.