New drugs of abuse in North America

The term "drugs of abuse" usually brings to mind traditional street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. The drug scene, however, is constantly evolving. As various law enforcement agencies pursue and dismantle distribution and pro-duction organizations of the usual drugs of abuse, dealers and users are turning to less known, more accessible, and often currently licit substances. The widespread growth of the Internet with its vast distribution of information has increased the accessibility ofa host of substances and facilitated synthesis and production of various substances by individuals. This article discusses several new and emerging abused substances, including new synthetic variations, plants, and pharmaceuticals diverted for abuse.