Reviewer: Thomas L. Pazdernik, PhD (University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: Written by international experts, this book provides up to date information on the classification, pharmacology, and toxicology of novel psychoactive substances often referred to as "legal highs" or "bath salts." The recreational abuse of these substances, driven by the twin engines of globalization and technology, has markedly expanded during the past decade via the use of the Internet to share information on their preparation and use, as well as their marketing and distribution.
Purpose: The goal of the editors was to collect in a single compendium the most current information available about the increased international abuse of novel psychoactive substances. Since the Internet has enabled such rapid dissemination of information on the preparation, distribution, and use of illicit substances, the editors have selected international experts to discuss this topic to provide a global perspective and the most current information. The outcome is a valuable and readable resource on novel psychoactive agents.
Audience: This is an authoritative reference for scientists, academicians, healthcare professionals, and regulatory and law enforcement professionals who are seeking cutting-edge information on novel psychoactive substances.
Features: The first section provides background information on the legal classification, global monitoring, availability, epidemiology, and impact on social issues of novel psychoactive substances. The word novel refers to the new misuse of these agents, even though some have been known for many years. Terminology frequently used to describe these substances of abuse include "legal highs," "research chemicals," "party pills," and "incense" or phrases such as "plant food" and "bath salts." The next section deals with analytical techniques used for the detection of these substances and their metabolites. The last section deals with the pharmacological actions followed by a discussion, when known, of the acute and chronic toxicity of individual classes of novel psychoactive substances in animals and humans. Individual chapters are devoted to novel psychoactive substances that can be classified as synthetic amphetamine derivatives, piperazine-based derivatives, mephedrone, pipradrol-based derivatives, aminoindane analogs, ketamine, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, fungal and herbal psychoactive substances, tryptamines, benzofurans, and a last chapter that discusses methoxetamine, dimethyl amyl amine, and synthetic cocaine. Each chapter discusses relevant chemistry, metabolism, pharmacological actions, animal and human toxicology, as well as impact on human health as understood at this time.
Assessment: I highly recommend this book to anyone who is involved in investigating, treating, monitoring, or regulating the abuse of novel psychoactive substances.
"…this book provides up to date information on the classification, pharmacology, and toxicology of novel psychoactive substances often referred to as "legal highs" or "bath salts." The recreational abuse of these substances, driven by the twin engines of globalization and technology, has markedly expanded during the past decade…I highly recommend this book to anyone who is involved in investigating, treating, monitoring, or regulating the abuse of novel psychoactive substances." Rating: 4 Stars —Doody.com, January 17, 2014
"The background, analytical techniques, and individual novel psychoactive substances are discussed by researchers in pharmaceuticals, law, public health, and various medical specialties. The topics include a global perspective on monitoring them, analytical techniques for detecting them and their metabolites, synthetic amphetamine derivatives, aminoindane analogues, ketamine, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, natural fungal and herbal substances, and benzofurans and benzodifurans." —Reference & Research Book News, December 2013
"This reference book comprehensively collates a vast range of facts and details about the recently much debated topic of novel psychoactive substances, including the much talked about ‘legal highs’…This book would be a useful reference source for those with a keen interest in novel psychoactive substances internationally, and appeal to those working in this specialist area whether in the field of research or academics, or clinically." —PJonline.com, December 4, 2013
