There is limited research on how substance use impacts people's freedom to negotiate sexual activity with others, particularly in distinguishing between alcohol and drug use. This study addressed that gap by exploring how substance use can both extend and constrain sexual negotiation. A mixed-methods online survey of 354 UK adults aged 18-40 examined sexual consent across sober, alcohol-, and...
Recreational use and misuse of nitrous oxide (N2O) have increased in recent years among young people. The objective of present study was to assess the frequency and the clinical characteristics of N2O use disorder (NUD) in a sample of health professions students. An online survey was distributed to health professions students. Age; sex; frequency (day/week/month/year/lifetime) of N2O use, DSM-5...
Synthetic cannabinoids, particularly 5F-MDMB-PICA, have emerged as potent psychoactive substances, exhibiting a binding affinity to the CB1 receptor approximately 380 times greater than that of Δ9-THC, the principal psychoactive compound in cannabis. Their widespread abuse has been associated with severe intoxication and fatalities globally. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects...
Depersonalization (DP) and Derealization (DR) refer to perceptual changes of "as-if-character" where the self (→DP) or the surroundings (→DR) are experienced as unreal. These symptoms are highly prevalent in individuals with mental disorders. If these symptoms persist most of the day for months, the diagnosis of depersonalization-derealization-disorder (DDD) is likely. DDD is a common disorder...
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is a semi-synthetic hydrogenated derivative of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). HHC emerged within global markets in 2021and has been detected within unregulated cannabis products. A 32-year-old male presented to hospital 1.5 h following ingestion of a single gummy, which had been sold as a THC product. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, a...
Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a condition affecting 1-5% of psychedelic users, with higher prevalence observed among recurrentLSD consumers and synthetic cannabinoid users [1]. The disorder is characterised by persistent visual disturbances including palinopsia and visual snow, along with dissociative symptoms, which have been neurobiologically linked to 5-HT2A receptor...
Sleep disturbances are common in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs), often persisting beyond initial abstinence and hindering recovery. However, the underlying sleep abnormalities warrant further investigation, particularly given mixed findings regarding specific substances. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify sleep-related abnormalities associated with...
The cannabinoid 1-receptor (CB1R) is found in particularly high levels in the hippocampus (HPC). Increased CB1R density and binding are observed in patients with schizophrenia, and epidemiological studies suggest that regular cannabis use during adolescence is a risk factor for the disease. CB1R was shown to interfere with neuronal network oscillations and to impair sensory gating and memory...
Schizophrenia (SCZ), a chronic psychiatric disorder, is characterized by cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and delusions, with current antipsychotic treatments offering limited efficacy and considerable side effects. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from Cannabis sativa, has shown promise in treating neurological and psychiatric conditions, though its precise mechanisms in...
Objective: To scope the available literature on antipsychotic treatment in substance-induced psychotic disorders, summarize evidence across substance categories, and highlight priorities for future research. Methods: This scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library (January...