Identification of novel psychoactive drug use in Sweden based on laboratory analysis – initial experiences from the STRIDA project
Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation May 22, 2013 Anders Helander, Olof Beck, Robert Hägerkvist et al. 82 citations
New psychoactive substances, sold online as 'legal highs' or disguised as 'bath salts' and 'plant food', are increasingly used by young people in Sweden. In a project monitoring these drugs, urine and blood samples from 103 emergency department cases of suspected recreational drug intoxication were analyzed. Psychoactive substances were detected in 82% of cases; 78% of subjects were 25 or younger, and 81% were male. Detected substances included synthetic cannabinoids, substituted cathinones, tryptamines, plant-based substances, and conventional drugs. In 44% of cases, more than one new or conventional drug was present. The findings document widespread use of diverse new psychoactive substances among Swedish youth.