QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
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There has been significant media interest in the use of novel psychoactive substances (also known as 'legal highs') and reports in the medical literature of toxicity associated with their use. However, most surveys of recreational drug use focus on classical drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, and there is limited information on how commonly emerging novel psychoactive substances are used. ⋯ Although a significant proportion of individuals report previous use of novel psychoactive substances, it seems that only mephedrone has become an established part of the recreational drug scene. It is important that there is a considered approach to determining the utilization of drug prevention/education and enforcement budgets to ensure that this is appropriately targeted to drugs that are used recreationally.