Problems of Forensic Sciences 2009 Vol. 80 (LXXX) 450-458
ACUTE INTOXICATIONS WITH "LEGAL HIGHS" AND RECREATIONAL DRUGS – CHALLENGES FOR TOXICOLOGISTS
Dorota KLIMASZYK, Katarzyna NAWROCKA
Department of Toxicology and Internal Diseases, F. Raszeja Hospital, Poznań, Polska
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Polska
Streszczenie
The paper presents challenges for toxicologists associated with the use of so-called dopalacze (“legal highs”): legally and commonly available synthetic and herbal psychoactive substances that are sold under the pretext of being “collectors’ items”. Currently, clinical toxicologists in Poland are observing an increasing number of acute intoxications with both legal and illegal drugs used for recreational purposes. A lack of toxicology tests which would make it possible to identify these substances in routine hospital diagnostic procedures is a matter of concern for clinical toxicologists, especially in cases where a reliable toxicology history is difficult to obtain.
Słowa kluczowe
Dopalacze (legal highs); Psychoactive substances; Recreational drugs; Acute intoxication