Use and knowledge of novel synthetic opioids: An Italian survey

Abstract

The recreational use of novel synthetic opioids (NSOs) is increasing, especially among the youngest part of the population. We conducted a naturalistic observational survey. The main outcome was to assess the use and the knowledge of NSOs among the youngest population in Italy. A sociodemographic questionnaire was also administrated. Nine hundred twenty questionnaires were completed. Fentanyl was the most used NSO (1.63% of the subjects). In all, 14.3% of the sample revealed awareness of NSOs. Although the diffusion in Italy is small, the large knowledge of NSOs requires future monitoring of this phenomenon.

Keywords:

• Opioids
• opiate abuses
• fentanyl
• surveys

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Giacomo d’Andrea, Dr. Maria Chiara Santovito, and Dr. Alessio Mosca for their suggestions and precious help for the data collection of this survey.

Conflict of interest

There are no conflicts of interest in this manuscript.