Gas Station Drugs: Emerging Threats in Addiction and Public Health

Session Description: This session examines the increasing use and clinical implications of unregulated substances commonly referred to as “gas station drugs,” a broad category of over-the-counter compounds including tianeptine, kratom, phenibut, synthetic cannabinoids, and other poorly regulated psychoactive products. Despite being legally sold at convenience stores, smoke shops, and online, many of these substances pose significant risks for dependency, adverse physical effects, and interactions with other drugs, especially in vulnerable populations such as adolescents, individuals in recovery, and those with limited access to healthcare.

In addition to exploring the pharmacology of these substances and the current usage trends, this session will also focus on the importance of community awareness and intervention strategies. Participants will discuss how to effectively raise awareness in communities about the risks associated with these substances and encourage proactive engagement among community members to support those affected.

Moreover, the session will address public health issues arising from the legal uncertainty surrounding these substances, emphasizing strategies for screening, clinical intervention, client education, and policy advocacy. By equipping professionals with the tools needed to foster community engagement and awareness, we can better identify and tackle these emerging challenges within addiction treatment and prevention contexts, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to addressing the issues at hand.