This volume is designed to feature the pharmacology of new psychoactive substances, legislative aspects, information exchange including epidemiology, and clinical, forensic, and analytical toxicology in order to facilitate the understanding of this complex and rapidly developing phenomenon.

In light of the recent emergence of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) on a global scale, this book provides a timely analysis of the social and economic impact of the NPS phenomenon, and of the global policy and regulatory responses to it. It presents the first comprehensive overview of the international regulation, policy and market structure of the NPS phenomenon, offering a guide to inform legislative discussions and demonstrating from a comparative perspective the different approaches used to address the rise of NPS to date. It covers topics such as organized crime, drug markets, clinical evidence on NPS, and different regulatory approaches also in less explored settings such as prisons and sport environments. Overall, this highly informative and well-structured repository of different experiences with NPS policy, law and regulation offers an essential primary source of evidence for anyone interested in the area of drug and NPS policy, health economics and p ublic health.

Novel Psychoactive Substances: Classification, Pharmacology and Toxicology provides readers with background on the classification, detection, supply and availability of novel psychoactive substances, otherwise known as "legal highs." This book also covers individual classes of novel psychoactive substances that have recently emerged onto the recreational drug scene and provides an overview of the pharmacology of the substance followed by a discussion of the acute and chronic harm or toxicity associated with the substance. Written by international experts in the field, this multi-authored book is a valuable reference for scientists, clinicians, academics, and regulatory and law enforcement professionals. - Includes chapters written by international experts in the field. - Provides a comprehensive look at the classification, detection, availability and supply of novel psychoactive substances, in addition to the pharmacology and toxicology associated with the substance. - Offers a single source for all interested parties working in this area, including scientists, academics, clinicians, law enforcement and regulatory agencies. - Provides a full treatment of novel psychoactive substances that have recently emerged onto the recreational drug scene including mephedrone and the synthetic cannabinoid receptors in 'spice' / 'K2'.

Handbook of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges that clinicians face when dealing with NPS and discusses how the profile of patients and their socio-demographic characteristics frame the serious public health concern that NPS pose. It presents various clinical cases, as well as detailed accounts of symptoms, psychopathology, toxicity, and overall clinical management that NPS require. This handbook brings together a unique collection of chapters written by leading experts in the field, who have felt the need to share their knowledge and experience to improve the clinical practice on NPS and the wellbeing of their patients.

Over the last decade, and particularly during the recent five years, a rapidly increasing number of novel psychoactive substance (NPSs), often marketed as “designer drugs”, “legal highs”, “herbal highs”, “research or intermediate chemicals” and “laboratory reagents”, has appeared on the drug market in an effort to bypass controlled substance legislation. NPSs encompass a wide range of different compounds and drug classes but had been dominated by synthetic cannabinomimetics and psychostimulatory synthetic cathinones, so-called β-keto amphetamines. Compounds from the later class were first detected in Europe in 2004, and since then 103 new cathinones have been identified and reported to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, with 57 during the last two years. Synthetic cathinones – novel addictive and stimulatory psychoactive substances is the first publication of this kind that provides readers with background on chemical structures, detection, prevalence and motivation of use of the very popular group of NPSs. This book also presents comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of action, pharmacological activity, and main metabolic pathways of synthetic cathinones, followed by a detailed discussion of the acute and chronic toxicity associated with the use of these substances. Written by international experts in the field, this multi-authored book is a valuable reference not only for scientists, clinicians and academics, but also for readers representing different professional background who are involved in educational-prophylactic activities directed to harm reduction of psychoactive compounds.

Designer drugs, or new psychoactive substances (NPS), are synthetic chemicals that mimic the effects of classic drugs of abuse. There has been an alarming worldwide increase in the abuse of NPS in recent years. NPS are cheap, easy to obtain, and often legally available. In this volume, leading experts summarize the latest studies regarding the molecular mechanisms of action, behavioral effects, and adverse consequences of popular NPS. Specific chapters clarify the differences between various types of NPS, namely: stimulants, cannabinoids and hallucinogens. Thus, this volume broadens our understanding of NPS and provides insight into the rapidly evolving “new drug” phenomenon.

Addictive Substances and Neurological Disease: Alcohol, Tobacco, Caffeine, and Drugs of Abuse in Everyday Lifestyles is a complete guide to the manifold effects of addictive substances on the brain, providing readers with the latest developing research on how these substances are implicated in neurological development and dysfunction. Cannabis, cocaine, and other illicit drugs can have substantial negative effects on the structure and functioning of the brain. However, other common habituating and addictive substances often used as part of an individual’s lifestyle, i.e., alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, painkillers can also compromise brain health and effect or accentuate neurological disease. This book provides broad coverage of the effects of addictive substances on the brain, beginning with an overview of how the substances lead to dysfunction before examining each substance in depth. It discusses the pathology of addiction, the structural damage resulting from abuse of various substances, and covers the neurobiological, neurodegenerative, behavioral, and cognitive implications of use across the lifespan, from prenatal exposure, to adolescence and old age. This book aids researchers seeking an understanding of the neurological changes that these substances induce, and is also extremely useful for those seeking potential treatments and therapies for individuals suffering from chronic abuse of these substances. Integrates current research on the actions of addictive substances in neurological disease Includes functional foods, such as caffeine beverages, that have habituating effects on the brain Provides a synopsis of key ideas associated with the consequences of addictive and habituating lifestyle substances

Emerging illicit drugs pose a significant clinical challenge. This handbook offers an engaging, concise guide to managing these challenges.

Thoroughly updated and expanded, the book focuses on the clinical implications of beginning substance use and the pathways to substance use disorders (SUDs) and coexisting disorders among adolescents and college-age emerging adults (ages 12--25 years). This new manual not only captures the advances made in the youth substance use and SUD domains covered in the previous manual, but also includes new and critically important topics that have emerged.

No other text available today offers what The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment can: completely updated treatment information on a broad range of substance use disorders that is consistent with the new DSM-5 classification and thus reflective of how psychiatry is practiced today. Designed for researchers and mental health professionals ranging from trainee to licensed practitioner, the book is also appropriate for a diverse array of rehabilitation settings, from inpatient to community-based treatment. Full coverage is provided on 12-step programs, as well, including the latest outcomes research. Much of the material is new to this edition: A chapter has been added on science in the treatment of substance abuse, in which the authors discuss the history of scientific intervention in substance abuse and explore what happens to the brain when addicting drugs are consumed, review animal models and imaging techniques, and discuss current progress in the science of addiction. Chapters have been added on screening and brief intervention, reflecting the development of brief screening tools and research on the efficacy of interventions, and the role of "recovery" in chronic care disease management -- specifically what the treatment models for alcohol dependence and for diabetes can effectively borrow from each other. A new chapter focuses on the treatment of alcohol intoxication and withdrawal -- the first steps in treatment of alcohol use disorder. Two chapters on marijuana -- one on the neurobiology and one addressing treatment have been added. Given the accelerating trend toward decriminalization and legalization of this substance, clinicians will find this information of increasing importance. The section on substance use issues among gay men and lesbians has been expanded to include bisexual and transgender people in recognition of increased diversity among the population. Well-structured, with topics that follow logically and many practical, treatment-oriented features, such as quick reference tables and lists of recommended readings, The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Substance Abuse Treatment is a classic that will enhance the education and practice of clinicians.