New Psychoactive Substances and Emerging Trends: Pharmacology, Neurotoxicity and Public Health Implications
A special issue of Psychoactives (ISSN 2813-1851).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 58
Special Issue Editors
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
Interests: intracellular transport; cell biology; molecular biology; drugs of abuse; new psychoactive substances; neurotoxicity; neurodegeneration; pharmacology; toxicology; forensic toxicology; forensic sciences
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Toxicologic Pathology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
Interests: cell biology; molecular biology; toxicology; psychoactive substances; neurodegeneration; genetics; oncobiology; pharmacology; cytoskeleton
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
Interests: toxicology; pharmacology; ADME/toxicokinetics; membrane transporters; P-glycoprotein; neurodegeneration; drugs of abuse; drug discovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
3. Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
4. FOREN—Forensic Science Experts, Dr. Mário Moutinho Avenue, No. 33-A, 1400-136 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: toxicology; psychoactive substances; forensic sciences; drugs; opioids; biomedical research; scientometrics; scientific medical writing; pedagogical innovation; real-world evidence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The illicit drug market is rapidly advancing with the emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs), which pose significant challenges to neuroscience, toxicology, clinical management, and public health. These compounds, which include synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic opioids, phenethylamines, dissociative drugs (e.g., ketamine), and tryptamines, among others, often mimic the effects of classical drugs of abuse. Despite growing concern over their potential for neurotoxicity, addiction, and long-term cognitive impairments, our understanding of their mechanisms of action remains limited, which may lead to unpredictable effects.
This Special Issue aims to compile original research and review articles focusing on pharmacodynamics, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying NPS-induced neurotoxicity, as well as their role in promoting behavioral alterations and cognitive effects, using in vivo or in vitro models. We also welcome studies using preclinical models, clinical data, and forensic or epidemiological approaches. Contributions addressing trends in the recreational and non-medical use of NPS, emerging therapeutic applications (e.g., ketamine for depression), analytical methods, and challenges in detection, regulatory responses, and harm reduction strategies are also encouraged.
By bringing together multidisciplinary insights on these substances, this Special Issue aims to provide a deeper understanding of how NPS affect brain function and behavior and to explore their broader implications for human health.
Dr. Daniel José Barbosa
Dr. Ana Filipa Sobral
Dr. Renata Silva
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Dinis-Oliveira
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Psychoactives is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- new psychoactive substances (NPSs)
- synthetic cathinones
- synthetic cannabinoids
- synthetic opioids
- phenethylamines
- dissociative drugs
- ketamine
- tryptamines
- aminoindanes
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