NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES: a challenge for public security in Brazil

um desafio para a segurança pública no Brasil

Abstract

New psychoactive substances (NSPs) have spread rapidly in different social contexts, representing a threat to public health due to the toxic effects of these substances, which often have greater toxicity than classic drugs. This article aims to address the main classes of NPSs, their effects on the human body and the challenges faced by public security forces. Bibliographic sources were used that covered scientific publications between 2010 and 2025, institutional and legal datas, consulted in Scielo databases, Google Scholar and ANVISA and federal government websites. The main classes of NSPs include stimulants, such as phenethylamines and synthetic cannabinoids; hallucinogens, such as trypatamines and some phenethylamines; hypnotics and sedatives, such as new benzodiazepines and synthetic opioids. The effects may vary depending on the dose and type of substance, and may range from mild gastrointestinal manifestations to psychotic symptoms, seizures and deaths.  The constant structural modification of NPSs, the difficulty in acquisition of certified reference materials, the need to invest in sophisticated equipment and constant updating of police officers are difficulties that must be managed by public security professionals.