Novel Psychoactive Substances: Classification, Pharmacology and Toxicology

Paul I. Dargan, David M. Wood

Academic Press, Aug 6, 2013 - Medical - 440 pages

Novel Psychoactive Substances: Classification, Pharmacology and Toxicology provides readers with background on the classification, detection, supply and availability of novel psychoactive substances, otherwise known as "legal highs." This book also covers individual classes of novel psychoactive substances that have recently emerged onto the recreational drug scene and provides an overview of the pharmacology of the substance followed by a discussion of the acute and chronic harm or toxicity associated with the substance. Written by international experts in the field, this multi-authored book is a valuable reference for scientists, clinicians, academics, and regulatory and law enforcement professionals. - Includes chapters written by international experts in the field. - Provides a comprehensive look at the classification, detection, availability and supply of novel psychoactive substances, in addition to the pharmacology and toxicology associated with the substance. - Offers a single source for all interested parties working in this area, including scientists, academics, clinicians, law enforcement and regulatory agencies. - Provides a full treatment of novel psychoactive substances that have recently emerged onto the recreational drug scene including mephedrone and the synthetic cannabinoid receptors in 'spice' / 'K2'.

About the author

Professor Dargan and Dr Wood are both expert advisors on novel psychoactive substances to expert bodies in the UK (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, ACMD), Europe (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, EMCDDA) and Worldwide (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC). They run a clinical service managing patients with acute drug toxicity, and have a clinical and research interest in novel psychoactive substances. They publish widely in this field and have both been invited to give keynote lectures at International meetings on this topic.

David Wood is a Consultant Physician and Clinical Toxicologist at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Novel Psychoactive Substances: Classification, Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Editors: Paul I. Dargan, David M. Wood
• Publisher: Academic Press, 2013
• ISBN: 0124159117, 9780124159112
• Length: 440 pages
• Subjects: Medical / Neuroscience; Medical / Pharmacology