Author(s):
Emerging drugs of abuse present a growing challenge to public health and law enforcement agencies worldwide. These substances, often synthetic analogs or novel formulations, are designed to mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs while circumventing legal restrictions. This review examines recent trends in emerging drugs of abuse, focusing on their pharmacological properties, mechanisms of action, and associated health risks. These substances interact with various neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, to produce euphoria, hallucinations, and other psychoactive effects. However, their unpredictable potency and composition pose significant risks of overdose, adverse reactions, and long-term health consequences. The review also discusses the challenges in detecting and regulating emerging drugs, which often evolve faster than legislative responses can adapt. Advances in analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, are essential for identifying new compounds and monitoring their prevalence in illicit drug markets.
