Novel Psychoactive Substances in the United States: Q2 2023 Trends
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation has released a comprehensive report detailing the prevalence and positivity of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in the United States for the second quarter of 2023. This initiative, supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), aims to provide near real-time information on the use of these substances across the country.
NPS Benzodiazepines
The report highlights the increasing challenges posed by NPS benzodiazepines. These substances have been implicated in a growing number of adverse health events, particularly when ingested in combination with opioids. The report provides up-to-date information on the prevalence and positivity of NPS benzodiazepines in the United States.
NPS Opioids
NPS opioids continue to be a significant concern, with an increasing number of emergency room admissions, death investigations, and mass intoxication events linked to their use. The report provides a current overview of NPS opioid prevalence and positivity in the United States.
NPS Stimulants and Hallucinogens
The report also covers the prevalence and positivity of NPS stimulants and hallucinogens. These substances have been implicated in emergency room admissions, death investigations, and intoxication events associated with night clubs and music festivals.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids pose significant challenges for forensic scientists, clinicians, and public health and safety personnel. These substances have been implicated in an increasing number of emergency room admissions, death investigations, and intoxication events in corrections populations.
The CFSRE's NPS Discovery program utilizes novel approaches for the analysis of drugs in biological samples and seized materials. This comprehensive non-targeted data acquisition allows for real-time identification of new substances and further data analysis of important trends.
The Q2 2023 report represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the prevalence and positivity of NPS in the United States. It underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and research in this area to inform public health and safety strategies.
