European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 45 (2012) 725

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European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ejps

U-FOLD at Uppsala University Conference on Multiple Drug Abuse and Medicines May 78, 2012, Uppsala, Sweden Co-sponsored by EUFEPS
Scope & Aim Polydrug addiction is a common phenomenon in drug abuse. In many cases, two or three and even more psychoactive substances are used at a time. It is known to include a variety of combinations of drugs from different classes. Among the most frequent combinations are, however, those of heroin and cocaine; cocaine and alcohol; heroin and ecstasy; heroin and cannabis (THC). Also, alcohol combined with amphetamines, ecstasy, and cannabinoids. Furthermore, medicinal products as sedatives, for example benzodiazepines, are present in most abuse combinations. During the past decade, it has become obvious that individuals taking anabolic androgenic steroids often combine these hormones with other drugs for abuse. When taken in combination, potentiated narcotic effects of each other are common, and detrimental effects on the body of these combinations are increased. In addition, the expression of withdrawal become more severe and remains over a longer period of time. Processes of physical and mental degradation are seen to be accelerated and harmful health consequences of multiple addiction appear irreversible after abusing these drugs for a number of years. However, although the apparent frequency of polydrug use is evident, most studies on drug addiction have been focused on single substance abuse. Also in the clinic, most treatment regimens are designed for the treatment of individuals considered to be addicted to a single drug, as reected by the concepts alcoholics, heroinists, cocainists etc. So, it is essential to highlight the concept of multiple drug abuse as well. This conference will focus on polydrug addiction in a broad scientic perspective. It includes aspects on genetic factors inuencing the drug response but also drug absorption and metabolism. Polydrug abuse in relation to aging, pregnancy and a variety of pathology will also be addressed. Drug interaction with the blood-brain barrier and with monoaminergic and peptidergic circuits in the brain will also be presented. Presentations of studies on brain damages, toxicity and deaths as consequences of interaction with addictive drugs and doping agents are also in the programme. The same applies to aspects on relevant techniques to detect agents in various body uids. Additional Information For more information about this timely event, contact Professor Fred Nyberg, Fred Nyberg, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 UPPSALA, Sweden (tel +46 18 4714166). Email: fred.nyberg@farmbio.uu.se or consult the Conference Website at the U-FOLD website, at www.ufold.uu.se

doi:10.1016/S0928-0987(12)00086-3