md-medicaldata

Authors

 

Marko Antunović, Snežana Djordjević, Vesna Kilibarda, Jasmina Jovic-Stošić, Slavica Vučinić
Nacionalni Centar za kontrolu trovanja, Vojnomedicinska akademija, Beograd

 

• Rad je primljen 13.09.2016. Revidiran 02.12.2016./ Prihvaćen 08.12.2016

 

 

Correspondence to:
Marko Antunović,
e-mail: antunovic.marko87@gmail.com

 

 

Abstract

 

Stimulants are a group of compounds which potentiate the psychophysical performance of an individual. The effects of these compounds are increased levels of alertness, attention, energy, a feeling of euphoria, as well as high blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. They were used in the treatment of different diseases, but because of the obvious abuse potential, nowadays they are used in only a few conditions. Although psychoactive substances are strictly controlled in most countries, their abuse is still very present, which is confirmed by centers from around the world. According to the National Poison Control Center of Serbia (NCCP), in the last five years there has been a significant rise in the abuse of psychoactive substances. The number of patients examined because of suspicion of usage of these compounds rose from 162 in 2011 to 312 in 2014. Abuse of psychostimulants (cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine) represented a significant percentage of total number of examinations. In 2011 there were 26 patients admitted to the NPCC infirmary as a consequence of taking some of the psychostimulants, while in 2014 there were 42 cases. Adverse effects of misuse of these substances are numerous, and mostly dose dependent (hypertension, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, tolerance and addiction, anxiety) and some of them could lead to death. Comparing 2013 and 2014 there is a significant growth in psychostimulants abuse among young population (15-24 years). Abuse of psychoactive substances is a growing problem, which is why it is necessary to invest more resources in its resolution.

 

Key words

psyhostimulants, substances of abuse, poisoning, National Poison Control Centre

 

 

References

 

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PDF Antunović M. et al •MD-Medical Data 2016;8(4): 257- 259