Parachuting: a dangerous trend in recreational psychoactive substance delivery

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Medicine diversion for recreational use is a constant concern for health authorities. Parachuting, also refered to as bombing, is used in order to increase the expected effect, to accelerate time-to-onset and to create mixtures of medicines and substances.

Aeras covered: Firstly, we analyzed all available scientific literature (PRISMA) and internet forums without any limiting timeframe. Secondly, we collected cases of parachuting reported in the west of France by the addictovigilance and poison control centres. Our study confirms the reality of this emerging issue associated with a higher medical risk (60% of intoxication cases were moderate-to-severe in our study). The substances involved in parachuting were primarily stimulants, with a majority of MDMA, although the use of diverted medication and psychotropes is also of concern.

Expert opinion: Parachuting is a dangerous way of using substances and of diverting medicines. This type of administration gives users a certain pharmacokinetic latitude to ‘play’ with respect to substances and medicines. Medicine abuse deterrent formulations do not seem to be sufficient in preventing diversions. This dangerous method of using substances and of diverting medicines should drive pharmaceutical companies to innovate in the interest of public health and safety.

KEYWORDS:

• Parachuting
• bombing
• tampering
• abuse
• drug formulation
• diversion

Article highlights

• Parachuting is a dangerous and growing trend in substance and/or medicine administration.

• Parachuting gives users a certain degree of latitude to modify pharmacokinetic parameters in order to obtain a desired effect.

• Parachuting is associated with a high health risk.

• Health professionals, especially those working in emergency wards, addictology or pharmacology must be aware of this technique of administration.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. Writing assistance was utilised in the preparation of this manuscript, it was funded by The University of Nantes and carried out by SYNAPSE – English language specialists.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.