Novel, or new psychoactive substances, are a group of drugs that have risen to prominence in recent years and have been manufactured and synthesised to imitate established substances. They fall under three major groups: synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists, synthetic stimulants or hallucinogens, and depressants. In this lecture, we examine their potency, toxicity, mortality, their effects upon each of the major organ systems, and mental health.

‘Drugs and the Body’ is a nine-part video series being released in 2023 by NDARC featuring Professor Shane Darke. The video series will be covering material found in the following books The Clinician‘s Guide to Illicit Drugs and Health  and The Pocket Guide to Drugs and Health, Co-Authored by NDARC’s Director, Professor Michael Farrell, Professor Shane Darke, and Associate Professor Julia Lappin.