Final+Psychoactive+substances+draft+20170724+%282%29.pdf (406.18 kB)
Download fileThe Phantom Menace: Novel Psychoactive Substances and the UK Armed Forces
journal contribution
posted on 2018-05-15, 08:23 authored by Alys H. Hunter, Tammy C. Ayres, N. Moreland, A. T. CoxNovel psychoactive substances (NPS) encompass a large group of synthesised compounds specifically designed to mimic traditional recreational drugs. Current UK Armed Forces compulsory drug testing does not screen for these substances, making them tempting to the small proportion of UK Armed Forces personnel who indulge in recreational drug use. The acute and chronic sequelae of NPS misuse are widely variable and associated with high morbidity. In this paper, we discuss NPS pharmacology and clinical presentation. We describe toxidromes and management of patients who have misused NPS.Finally, we reflect on the legal, ethical and military consequences of NPS misuse for both the service person misusing NPS and the Military Physician providing their care.
History
Citation
Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps, 2018Author affiliation
/Organisation/COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, ARTS AND HUMANITIES/Department of CriminologyVersion
- AM (Accepted Manuscript)