Citation

Shafi A, Gallagher P, Stewart N, Martinotti G, Corazza O. Hum. Psychopharmacol. 2017; 32(3): e2606.

Affiliation

College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/hup.2606

PMID

28631373

Abstract

Novel psychoactive substance (NPS) availability is increasing at a phenomenal rate and so is their associated misuse. Currently, the harms associated with NPS misuse are unclear. This report presents the initial findings of a continuing study looking into the impact of NPS misuse on admissions to an acute mental health facility in London. Violence preadmission and violence during admission have been found to be significant in NPS misusers compared to non-NPS substance misusers. Our findings have important consequences for acute mental health, emergency, and public health services. NPS misusers require specific assessment and risk management to reduce the risk of violence towards others.

Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

harm; legal highs; novel psychoactive substances; synthetic cannabinoids; violence