Information on Novel Drugs of Abuse

Novel Synthetic Drugs of Abuse Frequently Asked Questions

When did novel synthetic drugs of abuse become popular?

These drugs began appearing in the United States around 2009. The first outbreak occurred in WV in the early months of 2011 when 139 cases of "bath salt" exposure were reported to the WV Poison Center.

What are the types of novel synthetic drugs of abuse available for purchase?

  • Novel Synthetic Cathinones (commonly called "bath salts")

  • Novel Synthetic Cannabinoids (commonly called "Spice," "K2," "synthetic marijuana")

  • Novel Synthetic Phenethylamines (i.e., 2C-series, 5-Me MDA, DOB, DOI)

  • Novel Synthetic Typtamines (i.e., 5-MeO DiPT, DPT)

  • Novel Synthetic Benzodiazepines (i.e., etizolam, diclazepam)

  • Novel Synthetic Opiods (non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, U-47700)

  • Novel Synthetic Piperazines (i.e., DBZP, MEOPP)

  • Novel PCP Homologs/Analogs

  • GHB Analogs (GHV, GVL)

  • Novel Synthetic Pipradols (methylnaphthidate)

There are hundreds of these drugs coming in and out of circulation. As controlled substances are changed to make a specific drug illegal, alterations of the drugs are made to make a new substance not yet considered to be illegal.

Is each drug of the same type equally toxic?

No. While some have similar toxic effects on the body, some will have completely different toxic effects and different durations of toxicity. The WV Poison Center keeps track of known toxicity patterns for these drugs of abuse.

Can these drugs be easily identified as being present in WV?

No. Tests to identify many of these drugs have not been invented yet.