The Evolving Market of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS)

In recent years, the market for amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) has seen an influx of new substances, many of which share chemical and pharmacological properties with internationally controlled drugs. The variety of these substances is now greater than ever before.

What Are NPS?

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have been referred to as ‘designer drugs,’ ‘legal highs,’ ‘herbal highs,’ ‘bath salts,’ ‘research chemicals,’ and ‘laboratory reagents.’ To ensure clarity, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) uses the term “new psychoactive substances (NPS)” to describe “substances of abuse, either in pure form or in a preparation, that are not controlled under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances but may pose a public health risk.” The term ‘new’ does not necessarily mean recent inventions—some NPS were synthesized decades ago—but rather refers to substances that have recently emerged on the market and remain unscheduled under these Conventions.

Categories of NPS Available on the Market

• Synthetic Cannabinoids – These are cannabinoid receptor agonists that mimic the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Often infused onto herbal materials, they are sold under names like Spice, K2, and Kronic.
• Synthetic Cathinones – These derivatives of cathinone, a stimulant found in the khat plant, have effects similar to amphetamines. Frequently reported examples include mephedrone and MDPV.
• Ketamine – A widely used anesthetic in both human and veterinary medicine, ketamine acts as a stimulant at low doses and a hallucinogen at higher doses. It is particularly prevalent in Asia.
• Phenethylamines – This class includes compounds structurally related to amphetamine and methamphetamine, with stimulant effects. Some variations, such as Bromo-Dragonfly, have potent hallucinogenic properties.
• Piperazines – Often misrepresented as ‘ecstasy,’ these substances act as central nervous system stimulants. Common examples include benzylpiperazine (BZP) and mCPP (1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine).
• Plant-Based Substances – Some plants have psychoactive properties, including:
  • Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) – Native to Southeast Asia, it contains mitragynine, which acts as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at high doses.
  • Salvia divinorum – Indigenous to Oaxaca, Mexico, this plant contains salvinorin A, a hallucinogenic compound.
  • Khat (Catha edulis) – Native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, its leaves are chewed to release stimulant compounds cathinone and cathine.
• Other Substances – These include aminoindanes (stimulants), phencyclidine-type substances (hallucinogens), and tryptamines (hallucinogens).

Risks of NPS

The use of NPS is often associated with severe health risks. Many users have been hospitalized due to severe intoxication, and some cases have led to unexplained suicides linked to synthetic cannabinoids like Spice. Substances such as mephedrone, MDPV, and 4-methylamphetamine (4-MA) have been implicated in fatalities.

Global Spread of NPS

According to the UNODC report “The Challenge of New Psychoactive Substances,” NPS have become a worldwide issue, affecting every region. In a survey sent to 80 countries and territories, 70 (88%) reported the emergence of NPS in their markets.

How Many NPS Exist?

UNODC research has identified 251 different NPS, including ketamine, reported by governments and laboratories globally—outnumbering the 234 substances controlled under the 1961 and 1971 Conventions. The number of potential derivatives is unlimited, and without a global monitoring system, tracking new substances remains inconsistent.

Legal Status of NPS

NPS are not under international control, though some countries have enacted permanent controls or temporary bans on certain substances. Only a small number of NPS have been reviewed under the 1961 and 1971 Conventions. Effective responses require international coordination, along with evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies that educate young people and experienced drug users alike.

Finding More Information on NPS

In 2012, following Commission on Narcotic Drugs resolution 55/1, UNODC conducted a global review of NPS markets, leading to the first comprehensive report on their prevalence and associated risks. Future plans include developing an online knowledge hub where policymakers and experts can access up-to-date information on NPS.

UNODC’s Role in Assisting Governments

To support member states in identifying NPS, UNODC is establishing an Early Warning Advisory. Forensic analysis is crucial, and laboratories play a key role in identifying these substances. Given the challenges of detection, UNODC has been working on identification manuals for synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, and piperazines, with publications expected in 2013.