Cathinone-related mortality: khat, mephedrone and related novel psychoactive substances and their role in deaths – the UK experience

Abstract

This paper will present an overview of the work undertaken in the UK to establish a solid evidence base on the relationships between khat, mephedrone, and related novel psychoactive substances to mortality. The processes of case criteria and classifi cation, case identifi cation and verifi cation, data sources and collection activities will be explained, emphasising the ethical and practical considerations that have to be met. Up to date information from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths will be presented showing what is currently known about these substances with regard to their associations with fatalities, and the gaps in knowledge that remain. The implications of the lack of information about these substances, especially in a period of increasingly rapid changes in drug supply and consumption patterns, will be outlined in respect of approaches to treatment, education, prevention, and regulation.