Bruce R. Talbot Associates LLC

03/21/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/21/world/deadly-drugs-paper.html?smid=url-share

Lab-made drugs soaked into the pages of letters, books and even legal documents are being smuggled behind bars, killing inmates and frustrating investigators.

02/13/2026

The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) reports In vitro pharmacology data shows the new designer synthetic narcotic drug N-Propionitrile chlorphine
to be approximately 10-times more potent than fentanyl! This new drug is the latest analogue of brorphine which first hit the street-drug market in 2020.

N-Propionitrile chlorphine has been identified in 25 blood specimens from fatal overdoses tested at the CFSRE, the vast majority submitted in late-2025 and early-2026. In addition, N-propionitrile chlorphine has been tentatively identified in more than 100 toxicology cases at NMS Labs. Toxicology specimens originated from nine states across the United States, as well as three provinces in Canada.

Standard workplace urine drugs tests do not screen for these novel synthetic opioids.

02/09/2026

The article "Can Ozempic Cure Addiction?" by Sarah Stillman (published in the February, 2026, issue of The New Yorker) explores the emerging scientific frontier of using GLP-1 receptor agonists—the class of drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy—to treat substance use disorders.

Here is a summary of the key points:

1. The "Quiet Mind" Phenomenon
The article begins with anecdotal evidence that has been mounting since Ozempic became mainstream. Patients prescribed the drug for diabetes or obesity frequently reported a sudden disappearance of "food noise," but many also noticed a secondary effect: a loss of interest in alcohol, ni****ne, gambling, and even compulsive shopping. Stillman describes this as a "rewiring" of the brain’s reward circuitry.

2. The Science of Reward
The piece explains how GLP-1 receptors aren't just in the gut; they are also prevalent in the brain's dopamine system (specifically the ventral tegmental area).
• Dampening the "High": Researchers believe these drugs may dull the dopamine spike associated with addictive substances or behaviors.
• Breaking the Cycle: By stabilizing the brain's response to triggers, the drug may help prevent the intense cravings that lead to relapse.

3. Clinical Trials and Early Results
Stillman highlights several ongoing clinical trials testing semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) specifically for alcohol and opioid use disorders. Early data suggests a significant reduction in consumption among participants, though researchers caution that "curing" addiction is a more complex psychological process than simply suppressing a physiological urge.

4. Societal and Medical Implications
The article addresses the potential for a paradigm shift in how addiction is treated:
• Medicalization vs. Morality: Using a weekly injection to treat addiction further pushes the field toward a medical model rather than a "willpower" or moral-failing model.
• Access and Equity: A major theme is the cost. With Ozempic costs $199 per month on the new Trump RX but increases to $350 a month for higher doses. This innovative treatment may only be available only to the wealthy, while the poor, hit hardest by the opioid crisis, will remain without access unless Medicare decides to pick up the cost.

5. Risks and Caveats
Stillman does not ignore the downsides. The "anhedonia" (the inability to feel pleasure) that some users report is a concern. If the drug dulls the "high" of alcohol, it might also dull the joy of food, s*x, or hobbies. There is also the question of "forever use"—whether patients would need to stay on these drugs indefinitely to prevent a return of addictive cravings.

GLP-1s currently represent the most promising pharmacological development in addiction medicine in decades. However, the author emphasizes that chemical intervention must be paired with structural social support to truly address the roots of the addiction crisis.

https://www.newyorker.com

01/30/2026

Drug Deaths Drop Sharply: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), via their Vital Statistics Rapid Release program the largest one-year decline in drug overdose death rates ever recorded!

The January 29, 2026 report noted the declines occurred across all age groups, racial/ethnic groups, and s*xes.

Notably, deaths involving synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl and it's many analogs) decreased by 35.6 percent.

Analysts relate the change is partly do to "fentanyl saturation" and potential reductions. Recent analyses suggest a "negative supply shock," where fentanyl became less potent or less available (e.g., DEA data shows street fentanyl purity falling about 50% alongside deaths from mid-2023 to late 2024).

A leading theory from a 2026 Science paper links declines to China's 2023 crackdown on fentanyl precursor chemicals and online sales platforms (following US-China diplomacy), creating a temporary "drought" in high-purity supply. Producers may have adapted somewhat by 2025, contributing to the slowing decline.

12/27/2025

New research from Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that any cannabis use in teens could impact emotional health and academic performance. The study, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, found a correlation between even low-level cannabis use and increased anxiety, depression, and poorer grades. Prioritizing teen well-being means understanding these potential risks. Read more here: https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/teens-any-cannabis-use-may-have-impact-emotional-health-academic-performance
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07/16/2025

FDA Issues Warning to Distributors of 7-OH

The FDA has sent warning letters to companies illegally selling 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid-like substance found in trace amounts in kratom but often sold in concentrated forms like tablets, gummies, or shots.

7-OH is a psychoactive compound found naturally in Kratom that acts on opioid receptors in the brain, similar to narcotics like he**in. It’s much stronger than plant based kratom’s other components, making it highly addictive and dangerous when concentrated.

7-OH produces rapid euphoria, pain relief, and sedation, but it can also cause severe opioid-like effects, including respiratory depression and intense withdrawal symptoms.

Serious Side Effects associated with 7-OH use include liver damage, seizures, heart failure, and addiction.

Users report cravings, irritability, and physical dependence when trying to stop using the drug.

One death has been linked to a 7-OH product, plus numerous hospitalizations due to seizures, liver issues, and substance use disorders.

7-OH is often abused by adults seeking a replacement to opioid pills, he**in or fentanyl abuse, or to manage opioid withdrawal. However, it’s increasingly popular in smoke shops and online, attracting a wide range of users, including those unaware of its risks.

The FDA has reported multiple emergency room visits tied to 7-OH products, including cases of severe sedation and respiratory issues. One confirmed death was linked to a product containing 7-OH.

Several states have banned or restricted 7-OH and kratom including; Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin.
Other states, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah have specific restrictions: (bans on synthetic 7-OH exceeding 2% alkaloid content), plus nine other states with specific regulations.

Stay safe and avoid unapproved 7-OH products! The FDA warns these are not safe or legal for medical use.

05/29/2025

Fact Over Media Myth

A "new synthetic drug" made from ground "human bones" that kills "a dozen people a week". Fact or myth?

On May 25, 2025 the NY Post reported a 21 year old from the UK was arrested at the Bandaranaike Airport in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on drug smuggling charges.

The article claims the new synthetic drug involved is "Kush", invented in West Africa and made from human bones, that has killed over 4,000 people. The only problem is, the drug claim is not based on any facts.

Drug experts, like Ian Hamilton, have stated there is no chemical evidence supporting this wild claim. The “dozen deaths weekly” claim, reported by sources like The Telegraph, also lacks any official data.

Is this a "new drug invented in West Africa"? No.

Drug testing shows "Kush" sold in Africa is a mixture of nitazenes and synthetic cannabinoids (think "K2" & "Spice"). Nitazenes are a type of synthetic opioid developed in the 1950s by a Swiss pharmaceutical company that never brought the drug to market. Despite the news report of this being a new synthetic drug, the first report of illicit nitazene as a street drug was in Europe in the mid 1960's. It first appeared as a street drug in the U.S. in the early 2000's. The abuse of nitazene peaked in the U.S. in 2019 as a fentanyl alternative.

No, human bones are not being converted into a new street drug.

01/26/2025

The Race for All-Powerful Pot

At Stiiizy, the best-selling cannabis brand in America, the goal is explicit: producing powerful and cheap marijuana.Inside its Los Angeles headquarters, crews dust joints with concentrated THC, the intoxicating component of cannabis. They package pocket-size v**e cartridges that promise “the …

12/19/2024

"Pink Co***ne": Another Trendy Street Drug Emerging in Florida

In recent months, reports have surfaced about a street drug known as "pink co***ne" gaining traction in parts of Florida. Despite its name, this substance is not related to traditional co***ne but is often linked to synthetic drugs with potentially dangerous effects. Here's what you need to know about this growing phenomenon.

What is Pink Co***ne?

Pink co***ne, also referred to as "tusi" or "tucibi," is a synthetic drug that usually appears as a brightly colored powder, sometimes pink, hence the name. Its composition varies significantly, as it is often a mixture of substances, which may include M**A (ecstasy), ketamine, amphetamines, or other chemicals. This inconsistency makes it highly unpredictable and dangerous.

Origins and Appeal

The drug's origins can be traced back to Colombia, where it was initially marketed as a designer drug for affluent partygoers. Its colorful appearance and association with nightlife have contributed to its appeal, especially among younger populations. However, its spread to the United States, including Florida, has brought increased risks due to limited regulation and unknown ingredients.

The Risks

The primary danger of pink co***ne lies in its unpredictability. Users often do not know what they are consuming, as the drug can be laced with highly potent and harmful substances such as fentanyl. Reported side effects include hallucinations, rapid heart rate, confusion, anxiety, and, in severe cases, respiratory distress or overdose.

The dangers of pink co***ne were highlighted in the tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne in October 2024. Toxicology reports indicated multiple substances in his system, including pink co***ne, shedding light on the unpredictable and hazardous nature of this synthetic drug.

Law Enforcement and Public Health Concerns

Law enforcement agencies in Florida have expressed concern about the rising availability of pink co***ne. Its popularity at parties and festivals makes it difficult to monitor and regulate. Public health experts are urging awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with using synthetic drugs.

Prevention and Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, resources are available to provide help and guidance. Contact organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential support.

As awareness of pink co***ne grows, it’s crucial to approach the issue with education and prevention efforts to reduce harm and save lives.
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03/22/2024

Very interesting news on the effect of the new class of weight loss drugs, commonly known as "GLP-1 drugs" on substance abuse addiction.

Very early research studies have shown that GLP-1 drugs may reduce cravings and relapse rates for alcohol, co***ne, and ni****ne. Although more research is needed, these early findings are very exciting for the field of addiction treatment.
Citation:

Drug, alcohol and to***co use disorders are a global burden affecting millions of people. Despite decades of research, treatment options are sparse or missing, and relapse rates are high. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is released in the small intestine, promotes blood glucose homeostasis, slows ga...

07/16/2023

Scientific review of new designer synthetic drug 3,4-Pr-PipVP. Chemically, this new street drug falls into the "synthetic cathinone" category of stimulant drugs and can be passed off as M**A "ecstasy' or street amphetamine. This new street drug is closely related to the better known drug a-PVP "flakka".

The new synthetic cathinone 3,4-Pr-PipVP is investigated regarding its phase I metabolism and its activity as an inhibitor of the norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin re-uptake.