Most people who are regular consumers of psychoactive drugs are not drug addicts, nor will they ever become addicts. In neurobiological theories, non-addictive drug consumption is acknowledged only as a "necessary" prerequisite for addiction, but not as a stable and widespread behavior in its own right. This target article proposes a new neurobiological framework theory for non-addictive psycho...

AIMS To determine the prevalence of non-prescribed drug use among subjects suspected of drug-impaired driving with a psychoactive prescription drug, and to identify associated factors. METHODS Subjects investigated for drug-impaired driving in Sweden during 2006-2009 with a confirmed intake of diazepam, flunitrazepam, tramadol, zolpidem or zopiclone were identified using the Swedish Forensic ...

BACKGROUND Studies have found a high prevalence of both alcohol and other impairing psychoactive drugs in injured patient populations. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of potentially impairing psychoactive substances in all patients admitted to a hospital emergency department with injuries from accidents, assault or deliberate self harm. METHODS A total of 1272 patients over...

The relationship between adolescent and parental drug use was assessed among 8,865 Toronto students. A positive association was found between parental use of psychoactive drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, as reported by students and student psychoactive and hallucinogenic drug use. The relationship was strongest when students and parents both used psychoactive drugs. A family pattern, characterized ...

Using a standard epidemiological survey instrument for psychoactive drug use, 215 medical students in three classes were studied. One third of all students reported non-medical drug use. The substances ever used were: betel nut 13%, smokeless tobacco 3%, cigarettes 12%, alcohol 12.5%, cannabis 0.9% and benzodiazepines 3.7%. Last month use was reported for four substances and daily use was repor...

Background: Adolescents are more prone to develop health risk behaviors. Among these, early consumption of psychoactive drugs is relevant.

BACKGROUND The features of acute classical recreational drugs or new psychoactive substances (NPS) toxicity fall into three broad groups: (i) stimulant; (ii) hallucinogenic and (iii) depressant. Currently, there is no information available on healthcare professionals knowledge/confidence in managing the acute toxicity related to NPS use. AIM We have compared knowledge and confidence of managi...

AIM To estimate the exposure of Zagreb University medical students to psychoactive substances in 2000 and compare it with data collected in 1989. METHODS Students were surveyed in 2000 (n=775) and 1989 (n=986) by means of a self-reporting questionnaire. The 2000 survey also included 136 non-medical students. General demographic data and data on experience with psychoactive substances were col...