Journal of Forensic Medicine ›› 2021, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (6): 788-795.DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.310403

Special Issue: 合成毒品的法医毒理学研究

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Abuse of Pharmaceutical Drugs and Its Prevention

Shi-qiu MENG(), Jie SHI()   

  1. National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing 100191
  • Received:2021-04-09 Online:2021-12-25 Published:2021-12-28
  • Contact: Jie SHI

Abstract:

Abuse of pharmaceutical drugs is a major public health and social problem worldwide. Mostly abused drugs mainly include opioids such as morphine, tramadol, methadone and fentanyl, sedative-hypnotics such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, and central stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and modafinil. Abuse of pharmaceutical drugs not only causes direct damage to multiple systems of the body, but also significantly increases risks of mental and physical diseases, imposing a heavy burden on individuals, families and society. Therefore, the prevention and control of pharmaceutical drug abuse are of vital importance. The Chinese government has taken strict administration measures for pharmaceutical drugs with abuse risk. However, confronting endless new drugs and changing abuse trends, it is necessary to further strengthen management and prevention of pharmaceutical drugs, monitor the trend of abuse, establish rapid response mechanisms, popularize relevant knowledge, and develop specific therapeutic drugs and intervention means, in order to promote prevention and treatment of pharmaceutical drug abuse.

Key words: forensic toxicology, drug abuse, pharmaceutical drugs, opioids, sedative-hypnotics, central stimulants, review

CLC Number: