Existem evidências da relação entre espiritualidade e saúde, e também de que o exercício da dimensão espiritual tem potencial para estimular mudanças positivas entre usuários de álcool ou de outras drogas em processo de reabilitação. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre espiritualidade e os níveis motivacionais (Modelo Transteórico) entre indivíduos que fazem uso nocivo ou são dependentes de substâncias psicoativas, em tratamento ou membros do grupo de mútua-ajuda e avaliar o desempenho da versão traduzida e adaptada da Spirituality Self Rating Scale (SSRS). O desenho metodológico do estudo é do tipo transversal. Um questionário foi elaborado contendo informações sociodemográficas e escalas de motivação e espiritualidade - URICA e SSRS, respectivamente. A amostra foi constituída de 138 (69%) indivíduos do sexo masculino. Participaram usuários vinculados a um grupo de AA, um serviço de CAPS-ad e três Comunidades Terapêuticas (evangélica, católica e sem vinculação religiosa). Dentre os resultados, foi encontrado que os entrevistados apresentaram idade média de 39 anos, católicos 71(51,4%), praticantes 83(60,1%). A maioria respondeu que a substância psicoativa consumida pela última vez foi o álcool 65(47,1%) e que 49(35,5%) usam ou usaram substâncias psicoativas por mais de 10 anos, todos ou quase todos os dias 90(60,2%). A escala SSRS apresentou bom índice de confiabilidade, com alfa de chronbach global de 0,8333, variando de 0,7028 a 0,8878. Não houve relação estatística significante entre espiritualidade e aspectos da vida religiosa dos indivíduos. A maioria 84(60,8%) considera espiritualidade diferente de religiosidade. Os estágios motivacionais que apresentaram relação com espiritualidade foram a pré-contemplação, a ação e a manutenção, mediante a análise de regressão linear múltipla. Os resultados nos fazem refletir que o exercício da dimensão espiritual em cada um dos estágios pode ser pensada no sentido de estimular o indivíduo a obter sucesso no processo de mudança de comportamento em relação ao uso de substância e na reabilitação em diversos contextos. A escala SSRS pode ser recomendada para uso, apesar de suas limitações. Concluímos que existe a necessidade de sucessivas avaliações dos processos que envolvem os aspectos da espiritualidade no contexto do tratamento e motivação na mudança de comportamentos em relação ao abuso e dependência de substâncias psicoativas. / There are evidences of the relationship between spirituality and health and also that the exercise of spiritual dimension has potential to stimulate positive changes among users of alcohol or other drugs, in the rehabilitation process. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between spirituality and motivational levels (Transtheorical Model) among individuals who make harmful use or are dependent on psychoactive substances, in treatment or members of a group of mutual-help, and evaluate the performance of translated and adapted version of Spirituality Self Rating Scale (SSRS). The methodological design of the study is made on transversal type. A questionnaire was drawn up, containing sociodemographic information and motivation and spirituality scales - URICA and SSRS, respectively. The sample consisted of 138 (69%) males. Participating users were linked to a group of AA, a service of CAPS-ad and three Therapeutic Communities (evangelical, catholic and without religious ties). Amidst the results, it was found that the respondents had an average age of 39 years, catholics 71 (51.4%) and practitioners 83 (60.1%). The majority answered that the consumed psycoative substance for the last time was alcohol 65 (47.1%) and 49 (35.5%) use or used psychoactive substances for over 10 years, all or almost all day 90 (60,2%). The SSRS scale showed good index of reliability, with overall alpha of chronbach 0.8333, ranging from 0.7028 to 0.8878. There was no statistically significant relationship between spirituality and religious aspects. Most 84 (60.8%) considers spirituality different from religiosity. The motivational stages that showed association with spirituality were pre-contemplation, action and maintenance, through linear multiple regression analysis. The results make us reflect that the exercise of spiritual dimension in each stage can be considered to stimulate the individual to succeed in the process of behavior changing, in relation to the use of substance and rehabilitation in various contexts. The scale SSRS can be recommended for use, despite its limitations. We conclude that there is a need of successive assessments of the processes involving the aspects of spirituality, in context of treatment and motivation in the behavior changing, in relation to abuse and dependence of psychoactive substances

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No. of bitstreams: 1 giseleaparecidafofano.pdf: 806382 bytes, checksum: 523732528c7058e9a6210c7d70819a50 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-28 / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Os objetivos deste estudo foram: a) descrever modificações no padrão de consumo atual (nos últimos 30 dias que antecederam as três fases da pesquisa) de substâncias psicoativas de uso lícito e ilícito em um grupo de estudantes da UFJF em diferentes momentos da vida universitária; e b) avaliar a associação entre consumo e período do curso, controlando-se por fatores estudantis, sociais e demográficos, pessoais e relacionados ao uso de psicoativos. Nos anos de 2005, 2007 e 2009 foram realizados três inquéritos (surveys) com estudantes da UFJF. O instrumento da investigação foi um questionário semiestruturado, autoaplicável e anônimo — contendo variáveis estudantis; sociais e demográficas; pessoais; sobre quantidade, frequência, modo de administração e circunstâncias ligadas ao uso de substâncias psicoativas. Incluiu também as quatro perguntas que compõem o questionário CAGE, utilizado para rastreamento do alcoolismo. As análises estatísticas foram, inicialmente, de natureza exploratória e descritiva e, posteriormente, realizaram-se procedimentos de estratificação dos resultados de consumo atual de substâncias lícitas e ilícitas pelas demais variáveis; e, finalmente, para verificar o peso relativo das variáveis sobre o consumo atual, utilizou-se a regressão logística binária. O primeiro inquérito, realizado em 2005, com a expectativa de se atingir 1.205 estudantes, foi concluído com 911 participantes. Do segundo levantamento, realizado no primeiro semestre de 2007, participaram efetivamente 582 alunos do quinto período, e a terceira fase da pesquisa — que abordou estudantes dos 13 cursos de graduação da UFJF que chegam ao 9° período — atingiu um total de 280 alunos. Os resultados indicam um aumento linear do padrão de consumo de psicoativos lícitos ao longo da vida universitária (p= 0,01) e, entre as seis variáveis que modularam o consumo atual de substâncias lícitas, apenas uma está diretamente relacionada ao ambiente estudantil: a autoavaliação de desempenho, a de menor influência na sobre a modificação do consumo atual. Por outro lado, o uso de substâncias ilícitas sofreu ligeira redução na prevalência de consumo entre os 3 anos estudados (p= 0,128). Entre as três variáveis que se associaram ao consumo de ilícitas, uma variável (“realizar atividades de lazer em casa”) indicou proteção quanto ao uso atual de psicoativos ilícitos (60% de redução); as maiores chances de consumo foram encontradas entre estudantes que se afirmaram bissexuais ou homossexuais (RC= 3,07) e daqueles que procuram outras pessoas que não a mãe para pedir ajuda na eventualidade de algum problema pessoal (RC= 2,00). Os resultados indicam a necessidade de pesquisas sobre este tema abordem a questão de forma a avaliar mais consistentemente a influência de aspectos específicos da vida universitária sobre o consumo de psicoativos antes de simplesmente admitir-se a necessidade do desenvolvimento de programas preventivos amplos. / The goal of this study were: a) to describe the changes in the patterns of the current consumption (in the past 30 days preceding the three phases of this study) of licit and illicit psychoactive substances by a group of students at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, at different moments of their university life; and b) to evaluate the associations between consumption and the semester attended, by controlling student, socio-demographic and personal variables related to the use of psychoactives. Three different surveys were conducted with the students from UFJF in the years of 2005, 2007 and 2009. The investigational instrument was a semistructured, self applied and anonymous questionnaire containing the following variables: student related, social and demographic, personal, about consumption quantities, frequency, mode of administration and circumstances related to the use of psychoactive substances. This survey also included the four questions listed in the CAGE questionnaire which is used for alcoholism tracking. The statistical analyses were, initially, exploratory and descriptive and subsequently evaluated by the stratification of the current consumption results for licit and illicit substances through the other variables; and lastly binary logistic regression was used to verify the significance of the variables. The first survey conducted in 2005 with the expectation of reaching 1,205 students, was completed with 911 participants. The second survey, conducted in the first semester of 2007, included 582 students attending the fifth semester who effectively participated. The third phase of this study reached a total of 280 students that reached the ninth semester and were enrolled in one of the 13 undergraduate courses at the UFJF. The results indicate a linear increase in the pattern of consumption of licit psychoactives during university life (p = 0.01). One out of the six studied variables that modulated the current consumption of licit substances is directly related to the student life environment: the performance selfassessment was still the variable that represented the reason influencing the least over changes in the current consumption. On the other hand, the use of illicit substances showed a slight reduction in the prevalence of consumption during the 3 years studied (p = 0.128). Among the three variables that were associated to the consumption of illicit substances, the variable "to perform leisure activities at home" indicated a level of protection towards the current use of illicit psychoactives (60% reduction); the greatest chances of consumption were observed among homosexual or bisexual students (RC = 3.07) and among students who seek for persons other than their mother to ask for help in the event of any personal problem (RC = 2.00). The results indicate the necessity of studies on this matter with more consistent assessment of the influence of specific aspects of the student life over the consumption of psychoactive substances before just accepting the need to develop broader preventive programs.

The physiological and behavioral responses can vary with the form of housing of the fish and the presence of anxiolytic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to acute stress in isolated and grouped fish and the effect of fluoxetine, diazepam and environmental enrichment on behavioral and endocrine parameters. Six experiments were performed: 1. Acute stress test in isolated and groups zebrafish; 2. Transfer of isolated or group zebrafish to a new environment; 3. Effect of introducing grouped stressed fish in a resident zebrafish shoal; 4. Effect of introducing one stressed fish in a resident zebrafish shoal; 5. Effect of acute exposure to fluoxetine and diazepam on behavioral responses after acute stress protocol; 6. Response to acute stress in isolated and grouped fish and the modulation by fluoxetine, diazepam and environmental enrichment. Based on the results we concluded that the group is able to potentiate stress response, however, that response is reduced by exposure to fluoxetine and diazepam in water and environmental enrichment; acute exposure to fluoxetine and diazepam modulates behavior in zebrafish after acute stress. / As respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais podem variar de acordo com a forma de alojamento dos peixes e pela presença de fármacos ansiolíticos. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a resposta ao estresse agudo em peixes isolados e agrupados e o efeito da fluoxetina, diazepam e enriquecimento ambiental sobre parâmetros comportamentais e endócrino. Foram realizados 6 experimentos: 1. Teste de estresse agudo em peixes-zebra isolados e em grupos; 2. Transferência de peixes-zebra isolados ou em grupo para um ambiente novo; 3. Efeito da introdução de peixes agrupados estressados em um cardume de peixe-zebra residente; 4. Efeito da introdução de um peixe estressado em um cardume de peixe-zebra residente; 5. Efeito da exposição aguda à fluoxetina e diazepam sobre as respostas comportamentais após o protocolo de estresse agudo; 6. Resposta ao estresse agudo em peixes isolados, agrupados e a modulação por fluoxetina, diazepam e enriquecimento ambiental. Com base nos resultados concluímos que grupo é capaz de potencializar a resposta ao estresse, porém, essa resposta é reduzida pela exposição à fluoxetina e diazepam na água e pelo enriquecimento ambiental; a exposição aguda à fluoxetina e diazepam modula comportamentos em peixes-zebra após estresse agudo.

Orientador: Marianne Ramos Feijó / Resumo: Existem poucos estudos sobre as dificuldades enfrentadas por mulheres com dependência de substâncias psicoativas (DSPA) e por familiares de mulheres em tratamento para DSPA. No presente trabalho, objetivou-se compreender dificuldades de apoio da família a mulheres com DSPA e a importância da relação de suporte durante o tratamento, segundo o olhar da mulher com DSPA e de familiares de mulheres com DSPA. Além dos dados bibliográficos sobre a participação da família no cuidado com pessoas com DSPA, foram feitas entrevistas semiestruturadas com 15 mulheres adultas, em tratamento para DSPA e com 16 familiares. Após análise de conteúdo dos dados coletados, foi proposta discussão embasada no levantamento bibliográfico atual, o que permitiu salientar a relevância da assunção de um novo olhar para essas pessoas, que possibilite a atenção integral e o cuidado, tanto para a mulher com DSPA, quanto para a sua família. Concluiu-se que compreensão, apoio, aproximação sem julgamento e facilitação do acesso aos direitos e aos recursos de saúde, podem inclusive contribuir para a redução de estigmas e de preconceitos relatados pelos participantes dos dois grupos entrevistados, mulheres e familiares. A pesquisa de mestrado resultou na produção de um artigo cientifico sobre o apoio familiar às mulheres com DSPA e na publicação de um capítulo sobre famílias em contexto de vulnerabilidade e dependência de substâncias. / Abstract: There are few studies on the difficulties faced by women with psychoactive substance dependence (PASD) and by family members of women undergoing treatment for PASD. In the present study, the objective was to understand difficulties in supporting women with PASD by the family and the importance of the support relationship during treatment, according to the perspective of the woman with PASD and the family members of women with PASD. In addition to the bibliographic data on family participation in caring for people with PASD, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adult women, undergoing treatment for PASD and with 16 family members. After analyzing the content of the collected data, a discussion was proposed based on the current bibliographic survey, which allowed to highlight the relevance of taking a new look at these people, which enables comprehensive care and care, both for women with PASD, as well as for your family. It was concluded that understanding, support, approach without judgment and facilitating access to health rights and resources, can even contribute to the reduction of stigma and prejudice reported by the participants of the two groups interviewed, women and family members. The master's research resulted in the production of a scientific article on family support for women with PASD and the publication of a chapter on families in the context of vulnerability and substance dependence / Mestre

Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a great challenge to toxicologists due to the ability of illicit drug manufacturers to alter NPS chemical structures quickly and with ease to circumvent legislation regulating their use. Each time a new structure is introduced, there is a possibility that it has not been previously recorded in law enforcement or scientific databases. Many toxicology laboratories use targeted analytical methods that rely on libraries of known compounds to identify drugs in samples. However, these libraries do not include large numbers of NPS which could result in non-identification or detection. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has been suggested as a method for screening a wide variety of analytes due to its higher sensitivity and mass accuracy as compared to some other forms of mass spectrometry. This technique can generate characteristic MS/MS spectral data for use in compound identification. The main goal of this research was to create a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) library of NPS and metabolites, as well as validate a method for screening and confirmation of these substances. The study consisted of three main tasks which included; the development of a large high-resolution MS/MS spectral library and database, validation of a method for screening and confirmation of over 800 NPS and metabolites, and screening of blind-spiked and authentic urine specimens to determine real-world applicability of the HRMS library and method. During validation, several isomeric and structurally related NPS were observed which could not be adequately separated using traditional LC methods. A fourth task was therefore added to investigate improved separation using two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC). Increased resolving power is achieved in 2D-LC through the coupling of multiple orthogonal separation systems. Ultimately, an on-line, comprehensive method was developed using orthogonal reversed-phase columns in each dimension (RP x RP) for improved separation of co-eluting and isomeric synthetic cannabinoids. This work can aid laboratories in the identification of NPS through the use of a validated LC-QTOF-MS method for screening and confirmation and HRMS spectral library. In instances where isomeric and structurally related NPS are not sufficiently separated, RP x RP methods can be explored.

Despite efforts to control synthetic cannabinoids, clandestine manufacturers continue to modify their structures to avoid legal consequences, creating an ever-changing analytical target for forensic laboratories (1). Forensic toxicology laboratories often lack the needed resources or do not have the capabilities to test for these compounds and metabolites, requiring specimens to be submitted to reference laboratories (2). Drug stability can be affected by long storage times, temperature and preservatives (3). Although these factors can be controlled, systematic research is necessary to identify their impacts on the stability of these new synthetic cannabinoids that are continually emerging. The purpose of this research is to assess the stability of 17 synthetic cannabinoids in human whole blood and 10 synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in human urine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) over thirty-five weeks. The analysis methods were validated in accordance to the Academy Standards Board (ASB) method validation guidelines for quantitative analysis and stability evaluation of the following analytes in blood: 4-cyano CUMYL-BUTINACA, ADB-PINACA, EMB-FUBINACA, JWH-250, MO-CHMINACA, 5-fluoro-3,5-ABPFUPPYCA, 5-fluoro ADB-PINACA, APP-PICA, CUMYL-THPINACA, PB-22, XLR11, 5-fluoro PY-PINACA, MDMB-FUBICA, MEP-CHMICA, NM2201, RCS-8, and UR144. The stability analysis in urine includes the following metabolites: 5-fluoro MDMB-PICA metabolite 7, 5-fluoro PB-22 3-carboxyindole, AB-FUBINACA metabolite 3, ADB-PINACA N-(4-hydroxypentyl), ADB-PINACA pentanoic acid, UR-144 Degradant N-pentanoic acid, PB-22 N-(5-hydroxypentyl), MDMB-FUBICA metabolite 3, UR-144 N-(5-hydroxypentyl), and JWH-250 N-pentanoic acid. Research samples were prepared by spiking with certified reference standards (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) of each select synthetic cannabinoid in certified drug-free human whole blood (Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Biological Specialty Corporation, Colmar, PA) and drug-free urine that was received as donations following the approved Institutional Review Board guidelines (Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA). Blood samples were aliquoted into 6 mL BD Vacutainer Plastic Collection Tubes (Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and urine samples were stored in 15 mL Falcon Conical Centrifuge Tubes (Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Stability under room temperature (20ºC), refrigerator (4ºC), and freezer (-20ºC) at low and high concentrations were evaluated at select time points. A 5% solution of potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was added to the preserved blood samples by the manufacturer prior to storage. The anticoagulant, potassium oxalate, was only added in solution to the preserved samples whereas none was added to the nonpreserved samples. Short-term urine samples were preserved with 1% of sodium fluoride prior to storage. Extraction of analytes was conducted using supported-liquid extraction (SLE) ISOLUTE 1 mL cartridges (Biotage, Charlotte, NC, USA) and reconstituted in 100 μL of 50:50 mixture of 0.1% formic acid in millipore deionized water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Analysis was performed in triplicate using a reverse-phase C18 column (Waters XBridge C18 3.5 μM, 2.1 x 50 mm, Milford, MA, USA) on the Shimadzu Prominence Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography (UFLC, Kyoto, Japan) with SCIEX 4000 Q-Trap Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS, Waltham, MA, USA) in positive ionization mode. The total run time was 8 minutes with a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min and injection volume of 10 μL. Linear calibration curves for each analyte with the exception of a quadratic regression for PB-22, all had acceptable R2 values > 0.99 using a weighting factor of 1/x. A linear dynamic range of 0.5 – 25 ng/mL was used for all analytes in blood except for NM2201 and APP-PICA with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.1 ng/mL and MO-CHMINACA with a working range of 0.5 – 15 ng/mL. A linear working range of 5 – 40 ng/mL was utilized for all metabolites in urine. No signs of carryover were observed. In general, analytes were considered stable if the average area ratio between the analyte and internal standard at the time point was within ± 20% of the average area ratio response at time point zero. In some cases, it was necessary to evaluate the complete picture of the stability data by reviewing analyte area, concentration, and overall stability data trend between timepoints at the low and high concentrations. In certain situations, an analyte was considered stable even if specific timepoints for a concentration were outside the ±20% range. For example, in cases where one concentration at a timepoint was within the ±20% range and the other concentration fell within ±30% range the analyte was considered stable overall. Long-term stability results revealed that all synthetic cannabinoids were stable at 21 to 35 weeks in frozen blood preserved with sodium fluoride except for APP-PICA. The preservatives are recommended to be added to blood to reduce the possibility of matrix inferences and minimize detrimental impacts on the stability of synthetic cannabinoids. Analytes experienced lower degradation in the order of samples that were kept frozen, refrigerated, and then at room temperature. Blood analytes that were stable up to 35 weeks in freezer generally had a core structure of a carbonyl substituent on a pyrazole or pyrrole with surrounding nonpolar groups; whereas compounds with two polar carbonyl functional groups present were found to experience degradation much earlier at 1 week or less in room temperature and refrigerator storage conditions. 5-fluoropentyl analogs, like XLR11 and 5-fluoro ADB-PINACA, in comparison to their counterpart analyte, UR144 and ADB-PINACA, were unstable at earlier time points under all storage conditions. Instability in the majority of the urine metabolites was not observed until after 9 weeks and was generally consistent across all storage conditions. The validated methods demonstrate a sensitive and reliable way to positively identify 17 different synthetic cannabinoids in human whole blood and 10 synthetic cannabinoid metabolites in urine for rapid time stability analysis at various storage conditions. The use of SLE improved sample preparation efficiency by decreasing the extraction time from 1 hour to 30 minutes compared to traditional extraction methods, such as solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). Further studies into additional matrices, such as oral fluid, longer storage times, and other emerging synthetic cannabinoid analytes would expand the scope of this research.

This thesis deals with the attitudes of students of two secondary schools to marihuana, alcohol use and their users. Attitudes to alcohol, marihuana and to their users are topics frequently discussed in connection with changing perception of these two substances. This trend can be best seen in adolescents during the period of late adolescence which is the period of secondary school studies. The main aim of the thesis is to find out which factors influence the attitudes of students to alcohol and drug use and if there are any differences concerning those factors between the observed schools. These factors come from theoretical considerations which are subsequently tested in research. As the research showed, the students' attitudes to marihuana and alcohol use, and also to alcohol users are primarily influenced by significant others, among which belong mainly peers and their parents or their own experience. While the individuals form their attitudes to alcohol primarily according to their parents, in case of marihuana, the individuals, who have experience with it, follow mainly their peers and their own experience. Those individuals also tend to be more positive towards other marihuana users. There have not been found out any significant differences concerning the attitudes to marihuana and alcohol...

The dissertation summarizes the drug-related death phenomenon in the UK emphasizing England and Wales and compares the figures with international development, particularly in the EU. Legal regulation, in particular the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 and its amendments strive for classifying drugs and label illicit drugs or their exceptional use. Moreover, legislation gives us a bundle of measures to investigate drugs misuse and especially drug-related deaths, allocating the duties of the police, coroner and judiciary. Opiates, especially heroin, cocaine and stimulants are still the major drugs involved in the UK, which largely – with the exception of cocaine – reflects the situation on the continent. The distribution of age of death shows a tendency from the range of 20 to 30 years towards men in their forties during the last decades. Overall, the UK, Scandinavia and the Baltic states have leading numbers drug-related deaths. New Psychoactive Substances are a new challenge in Europe but the UK may be especially affected by this unfortunate wave. All authorities world-wide have to deal with this 'hydra' of new psychoactive substances (NPS) due to infinite chemical variations and unlimited supply. Nevertheless, heroin and cocaine still belong to the most noxious drugs with regard to the fatal outcome. The problem of drug-related deaths starts with the neurobiology of addiction including cerebral reward cycles which disinhibit prefrontal control, leading to craving and drug intake, even if severe somatic damage occurred. This fatal course does not depend on a particular drug but may be concerned as the final part the fatal reward pathway. In general, noradrenalin, serotonin and dopamine are involved, although some drugs may act on specific receptors such as opiates or cannabinoids. Unfortunately, the pharmacology of the NPSs is often not well known, and this lack of information will increase the risk of drug-related deaths or delinquency in future. Autonomy, paternalism and liberty form a field of tension in democracy, so that preventive measures must respect individual rights. Restrictive strategies alone show a limited success. It will be the concerted action of law, judiciary, police, science, educators, social work and medicine among others to strengthen future generations. We struggle hard against drugs and the sequelae but we should never give up.:Abstract 7 1 Introduction 8 2 Definitions and Epidemiology 9 3 Legal Aspects 13 4 Psychology and neurobiology of drug abuse 16 5 Toxicology and drug-effect relation 18 6 Pharmacokinetics and routes of administration 19 7 Some notes concerning drug detection 22 8 Drugs and mechanisms of action 24 9 New Psychoactive Drugs 33 10 Legal compounds for illegal use 37 11 Dying from drugs – a clinical view 39 12 Prevention strategies 40 References 42 Appendix 56 Figures and Tables Abbreviations

"Benzo Fury" compounds and derivatives are enactogens similar to 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in various aspects. These compounds are similar in structure to MDMA and MDA, as well as, elicit similar effects such as elevated mood, euphoria and hallucinations. This similarity in effect increases the potential for abuse as MDMA has become less prevalent in some regions as the use of these new psychoactive substances (NPSs) has increased. The benzofury compounds are used as legal alternatives to MDMA because of their marketing as “not for human consumption”. With the relative ease in obtaining NPSs via the Internet, it is possible that these drugs may soon be prevalent in the United States. The project’s goal was to separate, detect, and quantitate the benzofury compounds and derivatives as well as MDA and MDMA in one method of analysis using ultra fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS). The project also examined which method of sample preparation is more effective for these compounds. Six benzofury compounds were researched: 5-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran) (5-APB), 6-(2-aminopropyl)benzofuran) (6-APB), 5-(2-aminopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (5-APDB), 6-(2-aminopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (6-APDB), 1-(benzofuran-5-yl)-N-methylpropan-2-amine (5-MAPB) and 1-(benzofuran-6-yl)-N-methylpropan-2-amine (6-MAPB) as well as MDMA and MDA. These drugs were analyzed in blood. A liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method and solid phase extraction (SPE) method were examined to determine which would be better for the separation, detection and quantitation of the benzofury compounds. For the development of the overall method, accuracy, precision, calibration curve, carryover, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, analyte stability, and recovery were examined. The accuracy of the methods examined was greater than +/- 20%. For most analytes, the precision within-run and between-run did not exceed 20%, regardless of the sample preparation method used. A weighting of 1/x was applied to the calibration curve regardless of sample preparation method utilized. The carryover was less than 2% with the SPE method having less carryover (0.02% to 0.50%) than the LLE method (0.05% to 1.56%). The limit of quantitation was determined to be greater than 10 ng/mL. While this was unexpected, the limit of detection calculations determined that this was correct. Using the LLE method in combination with the UFLC-MS/MS method developed, the limit of detection was determined to be at least 9.98 ng/mL. Compared to the LLE method, the SPE limit of detection was lower and calculated to be 3.75 ng/mL. The percent recovery was examined for each of the analytes. It was determined that the SPE was capable of recovering 80% or more of the benzofury compounds and derivatives regardless of the concentration level. The LLE was not as successful in the recovering the benzofury compounds, the best recovery occurred at the 200 ng/mL level with only 65% or less recovered. Analyte stability exhibited a general decrease with variation prior to day 7 and then remains relatively stable until day 14. It was anticipated that the quantitation of the drugs might be complicated due to the similarity in structure between the isomers as well as the similarity of structure between all of the compounds. While this may still be the case, the difficult separation resulted in a re-evaluation and alterations to the UFLC-MS/MS method to correct for these issues. With the change in the UFLC-MS/MS method, further method optimization is required to achieve the appropriate accuracy and limit of quantitation. It was found that the best combination of sample preparation and detection of the benzofury compounds and derivatives is to use SPE followed by an UFLC-MS/MS method.

The intent of this study was to compare life value differences using the Life Values Inventory. Differences among non-psychedelic users and psychedelic users were examined. Participants, ranging from age 18 to 48 from the University of Central Florida (UCF), a large state university, were recruited on a voluntarily basis. This was primarily done through online message board, the Sona System, and classroom announcements. The study was presented through the Sona System provided by UCF. In addition, all participants were students of the university. Results indicated significant differences among three out of 14 life values measured. The three life values that were shown to be significantly different among the non-psychedelic users and psychedelic users were: 1) concern for others, 2) loyalty to family or group, and 3) responsibility. In addition, the life value of spirituality was only found to be marginally significant.