What's New on the Street? An Update on New Opioids, Psychoactive Drugs, and Synthetic Marijuana

Substance abuse is a widespread problem in the United States and worldwide. This use within the pregnant population is thought to reflect a pattern similar to the general population, with estimates of 10% to 15% of pregnant women experiencing substance abuse. Illicit substance use during pregnancy has increased substantially during the past decade in the United States. During the past decade, novel or atypical substances have emerged and become increasingly popular. Occurrences of toxicity and untoward fetal effects from designer drug use must be kept high on the watch list for all who practice in maternal-fetal, newborn, and emergency departments.