Mephedrone-related fatalities in the United Kingdom: contextual, clinical and practical issues

The National Programme on substance abuse Deaths (np-SAD) currently has data on 60 deaths [this number is likely to increase] associated with the use of mephedrone that have occurred in the United Kingdom (UK). This chapter will explore the context(s) and evolution of mephedrone use in the UK, and the circumstances in which these fatalities occurred. Particular attention will be paid to the settings in which these incidents took place, their symptomatology and physical characteristics; intervention/treatment opportunities; and toxicological and pathological findings. These results will then be related to the known pharmacological facts regarding mephedrone, its possible interactions with alcohol and other psychoactive drugs, and suggested clinical interventions and treatment(s). These conclusions may well be applicable to other methcathinones and other emerging novel psychoactive substances, as these become more globally accessible through the use of the Internet.