Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Psychoactives
Special Issues
New Psychoactive Substances and Emerging Trends: Pharmacology, Neurotoxicity and Public...
share announcement

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 6192

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Daniel José Barbosa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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
Dr. Ana Filipa Sobral

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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
Dr. Renata Silva

E-Mail
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Dinis-Oliveira

E-Mail
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences—CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

15 pages, 461 KB  
Article
Effects of Cannabis on Multiple Visual Parameters and Self-Perceived Eyesight: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cannabis Users in Morocco
by Karima Raoui, Elmhedi Wakrim, Abdelmounaim Baslam, René Combe, Sarah Michaud, Hajar Gebrati, Mohamed Cherkaoui and Chait Abderrahman
Psychoactives 2026, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychoactives5010003 - 18 Jan 2026
Viewed by 854
Abstract
Cannabis is one of the most common intoxicants used worldwide. Cannabis is widely consumed worldwide and can lead to visual alterations. However, most of the available information on its effects comes from studies conducted in developed countries, while data remain limited in developing [...] Read more.
Cannabis is one of the most common intoxicants used worldwide. Cannabis is widely consumed worldwide and can lead to visual alterations. However, most of the available information on its effects comes from studies conducted in developed countries, while data remain limited in developing regions such as Morocco, despite its significant role in cannabis cultivation. The aim of this study was to explore multiple visual parameters and self-perceived eyesight in cannabis users in Morocco. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2022 and April 2023 in Marrakesh, Morocco, in cannabis consumers. Data collection was performed in two phases. First a hetero-administrated questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, intoxicant consumption habit information, and eye health information. Then, several visual acuity tests were performed, including a preliminary examination, a visual function assessment, and an eye health assessment. Ninety-five cannabis users participated in this study. The majority were single (62.1%) males (87.4%). All lived in the Marrakesh-Safi region (100%), and most had daily activities such as having a job or being a student (77.9%). Most had vision conditions like astigmatism or myopia (83.4%). The majority had multiple addictions (66.5%), mainly to tobacco (43.7%). Hashish was the main cannabis type used (57.9%), and smoked cannabis was the principal mode of consumption (94.7%). Many had a family history of cannabis addiction (58.9%). Day light sensitivity (66.3%) and appearance of eye symptoms after cannabis use (90.5%) were declared by the majority. In most cases, no impact on far or near vision or vision impairment due to cannabis use were declared. Our results showed that using cannabis could have significant adverse effects on visual functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Psychoactive Substances and Emerging Trends: Pharmacology, Neurotoxicity and Public Health Implications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

15 pages, 406 KB  
Review
From Adults to Adolescents: Bridging Scientific Potential and Evidence-Based Paths for Psychedelic-Assisted Interventions
by Mayank Gupta, Aaron Krasner and Priyal Khurana
Psychoactives 2026, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychoactives5010002 - 6 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 877
Abstract
Adolescent mental health conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression (TRD), represent a growing public health challenge associated with high morbidity, functional impairment, and elevated suicide risk. Psychedelic-assisted therapies have shown robust antidepressant and transdiagnostic effects in rigorously controlled adult trials. Extending this work to adolescents [...] Read more.
Adolescent mental health conditions, particularly treatment-resistant depression (TRD), represent a growing public health challenge associated with high morbidity, functional impairment, and elevated suicide risk. Psychedelic-assisted therapies have shown robust antidepressant and transdiagnostic effects in rigorously controlled adult trials. Extending this work to adolescents is scientifically compelling yet ethically complex, given neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities and the paucity of pediatric data. This review examines the historical context of psychedelic use, summarizes adult efficacy and mechanistic insights, explores adolescent-specific opportunities and risks, and considers applications in co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders. Conventional treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and psychotherapy, are often inadequate for a narrow but substantial subset of clinical phenotypes, prompting interest in novel and rapid-acting interventions. Psychedelic-assisted therapies have shown promising results in adults with refractory mood disorders, yet their applicability to adolescents remains uncertain due to ongoing neurodevelopment and ethical constraints. This review critically examines evidence from adult psychedelic and psychedelic-adjacent interventions, including esketamine, and evaluates their potential relevance to adolescent populations through a developmental, mechanistic, and ethical lens. Rather than advocating for premature clinical adoption, we highlight translational gaps, developmental risks, and research priorities paramount to responsibly assess these approaches in youth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Psychoactive Substances and Emerging Trends: Pharmacology, Neurotoxicity and Public Health Implications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

17 pages, 1031 KB  
Case Report
Profound Opioid and Medetomidine Withdrawal: A Case Series and Narrative Review of Available Literature
by Phil Durney, Elise Paquin, Gamal Fitzpatrick, Drew Lockstein, TaReva Warrick-Stone, Maeve Montesi, Sejal H. Patel-Francis, Jamal Rashid, Oluwarotimi Vaughan-Ogunlusi, Kelly Goodsell, Jennifer L. Kahoud, Christopher Martin, Keira Chism, Paul Goebel, Karen Alexander, Dennis Goodstein and Kory S. London
Psychoactives 2025, 4(4), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychoactives4040037 - 23 Oct 2025
Viewed by 3899
Abstract
Medetomidine, a potent central acting α2 agonist, has emerged as a fentanyl adulterant in the non-medical opioid supply. Its use has been linked to a novel withdrawal syndrome that is often resistant to conventional treatment protocols. Four cases are presented exemplifying extreme, but [...] Read more.
Medetomidine, a potent central acting α2 agonist, has emerged as a fentanyl adulterant in the non-medical opioid supply. Its use has been linked to a novel withdrawal syndrome that is often resistant to conventional treatment protocols. Four cases are presented exemplifying extreme, but increasingly common forms of this withdrawal syndrome. A literature review is provided demonstrating both the paucity of available literature as well as potential avenues for treatment and future research. As adulterants continue to proliferate in the illicit drug supply, clinicians should anticipate atypical withdrawal phenotypes and consider early intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Psychoactive Substances and Emerging Trends: Pharmacology, Neurotoxicity and Public Health Implications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-3
Back to TopTop