Multiple Drug Abuse and Medicines
Multiple Drug Abuse and Medicines - U-FOLD at Uppsala University Conference on May 7-8, 2012, Uppsala, Sweden. The conference is Co-sponsored by EUFEPS
Venue: Uppsala universitetshus, sal X
Programme: May 7th 1.30 p.m – May 8th 3.00 p.m.
Multiple Drug Abuse and Medicines
Polydrug addiction is a common phenomenon in drug abuse. In many cases two, three or more psychoactive substances are used at a time. It is known to include a variety of combinations of drugs from different classes. Among the most frequent combinations are, however, those of heroin and cocaine; cocaine and alcohol; heroin and ecstasy; heroin and cannabis (THC). Also, alcohol combined with amphetamines, ecstasy and cannabinoids. Furthermore, medicinal products as sedatives, for example benzodiazepines, are present in most abuse combinations. During the past decade, it has become obvious that individuals taking anabolic androgenic steroids often combine these hormones with other drugs of abuse.
When taken in combination, the narcotic effects of the drugs are often potentiated by each other. As a result we can see an increase in the detrimental effects drugs have on the body. In addition, the withdrawal symptoms become more severe and remain over a longer period of time. Processes of physical and mental degradation are seen to be accelerated and harmful health consequences of multiple addictions appear irreversible after abusing drugs for a number of years. Further, although the apparent frequency of polydrug use is evident, most studies on drug addiction have been focused on single substance abuse. Also, in the clinics most treatment plans are designed for the treatment of individuals considered to be addicted to a single drug, as reflected by the concepts alcoholic, heroinist, cocainist, etc.
Given the above, this conference will focus on polydrug addiction in a broad scientific perspective. It includes aspects on genetic factors influencing the drug response as well as drug absorption and metabolism. Polydrug abuse in relation to ageing, pregnancy and a variety of pathology will also be addressed. Drug interaction with the blood-brain barrier and with monoaminergic and peptidergic circuits in the brain will also be highlighted. Presentations of studies on brain damage, toxicity and death as a consequence of interaction between addictive drugs and doping agents are also in the programme. We will also look at aspects on relevant techniques to detect agents in various body fluids.
Additional Information
For more information about this timely event, contact Professor Fred Nyberg, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 UPPSALA, Sweden (tel. +46 18 4714166). Email: fred.nyberg@farmbio.uu.se or consult the Conference Website at the U-FOLD website, at www.ufold.uu.se