Understanding the Toxic and Lethal effects of New Psychoactive Substances from Social Media

Abstract

NPS or Novel Psychoactive Substances (legal highs) are compounds designed to mimic existing recreational drugs. The lethal and toxic effects associated from the use of these compounds on discussion forums, has not yet been explored. A total of 207 threads were analysed from eight discussion forums, which were then exported to NVivo software. The threads were read to categorise themes and sub themes for the study. Six NPS classes that contained six main themes were identified and explored during the study relating to NPS use: Popular derivatives, demography, route of administration, motivation for intake, toxicity and fatalities. This study shows in-depth information from discussion forums about NPS in regard to demography, ROA, MOI, toxicity and fatalities that is not found in literature. The results can provide a guidance to an in-depth education about NPS to possibly help those trying to assist in addiction or treatment.