Parachuting: a dangerous trend in recreational psychoactive substance delivery

Abstract

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.

Usages de substances de synthèse en France et en Europe

“…On trouve également, comme autrefois, de la MDMA sous forme de poudre ou de cristaux ; la prise se fait le plus souvent par voie orale (88 %) mais elle est parfois sniffée, fumée ou injectée. Les comprimés sont généralement consommés à l'unité, plus rarement à raison de 2 ou 3 comprimés par prise ou sous forme de parachute [13,14] Un des risques majeurs lié à la consommation de MDMA est le syndrome sérotoninergique, qui peut survenir rapidement après la prise et qui associe au moins 3 symptômes de catégories différentes : psychiques (confusion, agitation, coma), moteurs (myoclonies, tremblements rigidité), végétatifs (frissons, hyperthermie, sueurs, HTA, tachycardie) et digestifs (diarrhée).…”