Emerging drugs of abuse in Connecticut

During the past decade, several new drugs of abuse have emerged as public health concerns in Connecticut. These include ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, methylphenidate (Ritalin), and "Illy." Two trends stand out when one looks at these new drugs of abuse. First, drugs that have legitimate medical indications are being increasingly diverted for illicit purposes. Second, much of the information needed to acquire, synthesize, and use these drugs can be found on the Internet. While none of these newer agents is abused to the extent of heroin or cocaine, all of them have the potential to cause serious morbidity, and occasionally death. The goal of this article is to make Connecticut physicians aware of these emerging drugs of abuse. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the signs and symptoms produced by these drugs and on managing the complications that are associated with their use.