Drug testing and analysis
January 1, 2014
Claudio Vidal Giné, Iván Fornís Espinosa, Mireia Ventura Vilamala
135 citations
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are increasingly used as adulterants in controlled drugs, a phenomenon that has received little attention. Analysis of 173 samples submitted to a drug checking service from 2009 to 2012 identified 24 different NPS—including phenethylamines, substituted cathinones, tryptamines, and methoxetamine—in products believed to be MDMA, amphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, mescaline, or methamphetamine. The most common NPS adulterant was 2C-B, followed by 4-FA. Sixty-nine distinct substance combinations were found: 20 involved a controlled drug mixed with an NPS, and 49 involved one or more NPS replacing the intended drug entirely. These combinations pose substantial risks to users, highlighting the need for better knowledge of their toxicity and the dangers of NPS entering illegal markets. Drug checking services and early-warning systems can help reduce harm.
Health and Addictions/Salud y Drogas
July 29, 2025
Diego Fernández Piedra, Claudio Vidal Giné, Berta de la Vega Moreno
2 citations
Tusi or tusibí is a psychoactive substance of variable composition that has been mistakenly associated with 2C-B and called 'pink cocaine' in police and media reports. Its use has spread from Colombia to Latin America, Europe, and Spain, especially in recreational settings. Although overall prevalence is low, studies from 2020 to 2024 show notable consumption in specific populations, with annual prevalence of 15–20% among recreational substance users. Analysis of 470 samples reveals tusi mainly contains ketamine (93.2%) and MDMA (92.1%), with residual presence of 2C-B (3.6%) and cocaine (0.2%). Consumption is mostly intranasal and often combined with other substances like alcohol or MDMA, increasing risks.
Escritos de Psicología / Psychological Writings
June 29, 2026
Diego Fernández Piedra, A. López, Enrique Gallego-Granero et al.
MDMA use among young people in Spain is common in recreational settings, with 80.6% of survey respondents reporting past-year use. Although many users adopt self-care strategies, only 27.5% follow the recommended dosing interval, and use often involves combining MDMA with alcohol and cannabis. Information about risks is validated within peer networks, which shapes both risk perception and consumption patterns. The findings suggest that effective risk-reduction strategies should integrate scientific evidence with user experiences and be tailored to the social and consumption dynamics of young people.