Addictive Substances Research Articles

Impact of Substance Use Disorder on Tryptophan Metabolism Through the Kynurenine Pathway: A Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: Substance use disorder is a crisis impacting many people in the United States. This review aimed to identify the effect addictive substances have on the kynurenine pathway. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid metabolized by the serotonin and kynurenine pathways. The metabolites of these pathways play a role in the biological reward system. Addictive substances have been shown to cause imbalances in the ratios of these metabolites. With current treatment and therapeutic options being suboptimal, identifying biochemical mechanisms that are impacted during the use of addictive substances can provide alternative options for treatment or drug discovery. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies evaluating the relationship between substance use disorder and tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway. A total of 32 articles meeting eligibility criteria were used to review the relationship between the kynurenine pathway, tryptophan breakdown, and addictive substances. Results: The use of addictive substances dysregulates tryptophan metabolism and kynurenine metabolite concentrations. This imbalance directly affects the dopamine reward system and is thought to promote continued substance use. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to fully evaluate the metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, along with other options for treatment to repair the metabolite imbalance. Several possible therapeutics have been identified; drugs that restore homeostasis, such as Ro 61-8048 and natural products like Tinospora cordifolia or Decaisnea insignis, are promising options for the treatment of substance use disorder.

Molecular and Environmental Determinants of Addictive Substances

Knowledge about determinants of addiction in people taking addictive substances is poor and needs to be supplemented. The novelty of this paper consists in the analysis of innovative aspects of current research about relationships between determinants of addiction in Polish patients taking addictive substances and rare available data regarding the relationships between these factors from studies from recent years from other environments, mainly in Europe, and on the development of genetic determinants of physiological responses. We try to explain the role of the microelements Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, Cr, Ni, Tl, Se, Al, B, Mo, V, Sn, Sb, Ag, Sr, and Ba, the toxic metals Cd, Hg, As, and Pb, and the rare earth elements Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Eu, Gd, and Nd as factors that may shape the development of addiction to addictive substances or drugs. The interactions between factors (gene polymorphism, especially ANKK1 (TaqI A), ANKK1 (Taq1 A-CT), DRD2 (TaqI B, DRD2 Taq1 B-GA, DRD2 Taq1 B-AA, DRD2-141C Ins/Del), and OPRM1 (A118G)) in patients addicted to addictive substances and consumption of vegetables, consumption of dairy products, exposure to harmful factors, and their relationships with physiological responses, which confirm the importance of internal factors as determinants of addiction, are analyzed, taking into account gender and region. The innovation of this review is to show that the homozygous TT mutant of the ANKK1 TaqI A polymorphism rs 1800497 may be a factor in increased risk of opioid dependence. We identify a variation in the functioning of the immune system in addicted patients from different environments as a result of the interaction of polymorphisms.

Alcohol consumption-none is better than alittle.

Alcohol is socially accepted and widely consumed as arecreational beverage. Furthermore, it is used as adisinfectant for medicinal purposes and as acultural asset it is also part of religious rituals. However, it is also an intoxicant and an addictive substance. The deleterious side of alcohol is reflected in the fact that around 3million people worldwide die every year as adirect or indirect result of alcohol consumption. For several decades, epidemiological studies suggested that drinking alcohol in moderate quantities was beneficial. This was referred to as the "French paradox," which described differences in mortality between France and Finland mainly, but also other countries, that were found in epidemiological studies. The difference in the levels of alcohol consumption was found to explain the differences in mortality in view of the otherwise similar risk factors. When alcoholic drinks per day were plotted against all-cause mortality this led to aJ-shaped curve. This finding represented awindow of benefit for moderate alcohol consumption. However, the recent publication by Zhao etal. in 2023 revisited the relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed and mortality risk and led to aparadigm change, which has influenced not only the recommendations of Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health but also the recommendations and guidelines of major health organizations: "No alcohol is better than alittle." The J‑shaped curve as an explanation of the French paradox became alinear relationship between the amount of alcohol consumption and the increasing mortality from tumors and cardiovascular diseases. The renewed review of several control groups in previous epidemiological studies revealed arecruitment error due to the inclusion of abstinent ex-drinkers. Taking this bias into account, the alcohol-friendly view of small amounts of alcohol being cardioprotective had to be revised. The combined misuse of alcohol and other risk factors for carcinogenesis and heart diseases still needs further attention. The misuse of both alcohol and cocaine led to the conclusion that when the two risky substances are consumed together, it is even more detrimental than the mere sum of the two.

Marketing or health promotion? A citizen science study of social media influencers’ health content

Abstract Background Social media influencers (SMI) became the dominant source of health information among adolescents, exerting influence through appealing content and para-social relationships. Personalized social media feeds of adolescents paired with latent platform algorithms result in myriads of individual information environments, which remain closed to researchers. Citizen science offers a solution to peek inside this black box and identify: What health content is disseminated by social media influencers and consumed by adolescents? Methods The citizen science study adopted a contributive approach, where adolescents collected and categorized SMI profiles and posts from their own feeds with a pre-tested survey tool which was available on Google Tabs. Data collection was conducted on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube between April and May 2023 and subsequently analyzed by the research team. Results The study involved 19 school classes, containing 326 students, aged 12 to 19 years. They documented 255 SMI profiles and 2147 posts, primarily on Instagram and TikTok. Key topics included fitness, beauty ideals, and nutrition, while mental and sexual health received less attention. Although 41.5% of the posts contained advertising, the citizen scientists classified 63.5% as health-promoting. Topics relating to dietary supplements (84.1%), addictive substances (55.6%), nutrition (53.8%) and sport (47.2%) were particularly ad-heavy. Despite mental and sexual health having the lowest advertising rates at 35.4% and 37.7% respectively, this still accounts for over one third of the documented posts. Conclusions SMI present a distorted image of health that emphasizes nutrition, fitness and beauty ideals, while topics such as mental and sexual health are neglected. The positive reception of posts containing ads indicates a lack of critical reflection. Policies for advertising practices and balanced health education, including media literacy, are necessary to address these trends. Key messages • Social media influencers propagate a distorted health image, defined by nutrition, fitness, and beauty ideals. • Adolescents lack the necessary skills to critically reflect on ad littered social media influencer health content.

Smoking, alcohol, substance, technology, and gambling addiction among university students

Abstract Background University students turn to addictive substances to cope with the anxiety and stress caused by separation from family, adaptation to a new environment, as well as many economic and social problems. This study aimed to examine smoking, alcohol, substance, technology, and gambling addiction among university students. Methods The data of this cross-sectional study were collected between February and March 2024. The study population consisted of 23,446 people studying at Ä°nonu University, and the sample size was calculated as 346 based on a smoking rate of 35.6% among university students. A stratified sampling method was adopted according to the faculty of study, and 366 people were approached regarding the study. The independent variables were age, gender, faculty of study, and smoking status, while the dependent variables were alcohol and substance use status. Descriptive data were expressed in numbers and percentages, and a Chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis. Results Of the students in the research group, 56.8% were female, 54.4% were 22 years of age or older, 30.1% reported smoking cigarettes, 7.7% reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days, 39.2% reported using the internet for five hours or more per day, 3% reported playing various casino games on the internet once a week or more, and 1.4% stated that they used substances. There was no statistically significant difference between alcohol and substance use according to smoking status (p > 0.05). Conclusions Approximately one-third of the students in the research group reported smoking cigarettes, and one-tenth reported alcohol use, which is quite high. The high percentage of students who use the internet for five hours or more per day and the low rate of online gambling should be considered in relation to these addictions. Key messages • Multidimensional interventions and intersectoral cooperation are required to prevent smoking, alcohol, substance use, technology, and gambling addictions among university students. • In addition, precautions should be taken to protect students against the risks associated with internet addiction and online gaming.

The Neurological Impact of Continuous Nicotine Exposure in Adolescents

Continuous nicotine exposure during adolescence can have profound implications on the development and well-being of individuals in this critical stage of life. As the prevalence of nicotine use among adolescents continues to be a significant public health concern, understanding the impact of this addictive substance on young minds and bodies is crucial. We explored the various dimensions of nicotine exposure in adolescents, from its effects on brain development and cognitive function to the social, emotional, and educational consequences. By looking into the complexities of adolescent nicotine addiction, we can better comprehend the challenges faced by this vulnerable population and develop potential strategies for prevention and intervention.

Smoking Behavior of High School Students in Jambi City

Cigarettes are addictive substances that, when used, can cause a number of adverse health effects. The objective of this study was to ascertain the proportion of schools that conduct eight assessments of smoke-free area indicators, gain insight into the role of officers, and evaluate the supervision of smoke-free area policies. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) as its primary methods of data collection. Purposive sampling strategy used for qualitative research, with a sample size of 17 informants. The qualitative analysis was conducted using the Open Code application. The findings of this study indicate that the majority of the school community is aware of the dangers of smoking and the No Smoking Area policy. However, the role of officers and supervision of the No Smoking Area is still not being carried out effectively. The study findings indicate that schools in Jambi City have not implemented the No Smoking Area policy.

Problematic Use of Video Games in Schooled Adolescents: The Role of Passion

The present study aims to determine the predictive value of sociodemographic, academic, educational clinical psychological variables—ADHD diagnosis, emotional self-regulation, passion and emotional and behavioural symptoms—and modality of use of video games in adolescents who either make potentially problematic or severely problematic use of video games. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which 2.533 Galician students (region located in the northwest of Spain) aged between 11 and 20 years participated, who were selected through multistage random sampling. The mean age was 14.78 years (SD = 1.76). The analysis of the data seems to indicate that in the prediction of the problematic use of video games, different variables are combined, among which passion plays a capital role. In addition, the problematic use of video games is related to poor parental control, poor academic performance, use of addictive substances or to an earlier onset, as well as with the diagnosis of ADHD and with greater negative emotional and behavioural symptoms. The results of this study may be of interest for the design and implementation of preventive and corrective actions aimed at reducing the problematic or addictive use of video games.

Addiction among high school students: determination of nicotine, substance, game, and internet addiction levels

ABSTRACT Aim The aims of this study were to determine the levels of cigarette smoking, psychoactive substances, game, and internet addiction among high school students and to examine whether addictions show a significant difference according to some socio-demographic variables and the relationships between addiction types. Method A total of 530 high school students studying in Turkey, agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire (which contains DSM-V categories of addictive substances), Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results Approximately 1.9% of the respondents were smokers and 0.8% were inhalant users. Respondents scored 7.43 ± 2.88 on FTND, 13.92 ± 5.57 on the GAS, and 43.44 ± 18.80 on the IAT. Male respondents received a higher average score on the GAS than female respondents, and female respondents received a higher average score on the IAT than male respondents. As body mass index increased, a statistically significant, positive and moderate correlation was found between GAS scores and IAT scores. Conclusion Addictions are becoming more and more widespread and measures, information, and research should be increased and young people should be educated about addictions.

Suicide deaths and substance use in Spain between 2010 and 2022.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects our entire country. The aim of this research was to study the variation in completed suicide rates between 2010 and 2022 in Spain and their relationship with the consumption of addictive substances. Completed suicide data from the Spanish Statistical Office (INE) were analyzed with a joinpoint regression model to determine time trends. The relationship between the variation in completed suicide rates with sociodemographic variables, including depression rates, obtained from the Spanish Statistical Office and variables related to the consumption of substances obtained from the survey on alcohol and other drugs in Spain (EDADES) of the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs (DGPNSD) was also studied using an exploratory analysis and also performing a Generalized Additive Model. The joinpoint regression model did reveal a point of significant change in the period studied for Spain showing a trend of increased suicide death rates for the studied period. The following variables correlated positively with the variation in completed suicide rates in the Generalized Additive Model: alcohol use in the past 12 months, alcohol use in the last 30 days, daily alcohol use in the last 30 days, binge drinking in the last 12 months, binge drinking in the last month, positive Alcohol Use Disorder Test for risky alcohol use, benzodiazepine use in the last 12 months, benzodiazepine use in the last month, daily benzodiazepine use in the last month, use of illegal substances in the last 12 months, use of illegal substances in the last month, mean age and depression rates. Applying preventive strategies on the risky consumption of alcohol, benzodiazepines and illegal substances would help reduce the rates of completed suicide in Spain.

Characteristic of High-Risk Behaviours Related to Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use and their Associated Factors among Adolescents in Middle and High School

<div class="WordSection1"><p><strong>Background:</strong> Use of narcotics, psychotropic and addictive substances (NPA) in adolescents has become one of the major social problems we are facing in society and it gives a negative impact. This study was done to determine the characteristics and factors that influence high-risk behaviour of NPA use in adolescents in middle and high school, also introducing CRAFFT questionnaire as an early screening tool for alcohol an illicit drugs use.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Quantitative study (validated questionnaire) was conducted among 514 subjects aged 12-18 years old. CRAFFT questionnaire was used to detect a high-risk behavior of alcohol and illicit drugs use and self-reported questionnaire used to determine the risk factors of NPA.</p><p><strong>Result:</strong> Most participants (19,6%) were involved in high-risk behaviour of alcohol and illicit drugs, with the majority was males (12,4%). This study showed smoking behaviour (23,8%), drinking alcohol (15,8%) and illicit drugs use (13,6%). The type of drugs being used were cannabis (52,7%), tramadol (15,2%), dextromethorphan (10,7%) and methamphetamine (6,3%). CRAFFT questionnaire has a good internal consistency with Cronbach’s α 0,73. Education level, authoritarian parenting style, unharmonious parents, peer pressure or threat, and extracurricular activities were factors that influenced high-risk behavior of alcohol and illicit drug use</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Early detection, comprehensive treatment, and intervention of risk factors of NPA use are needed. CRAFFT can be use as one of the screening tools for detection of alcohol and illicit drugs use in adolescents.</p></div>

Penyuluhan dan Sosialisasi Guna Meningkatkan Kesadaran Bahaya NAPZA bagi Remaja Desa Sumbersari

Abuse of Narcotics, Psychotropics and Addictive Substances (Drugs) among the younger generation is a crucial issue that threatens the future of the nation. This abuse has a significant negative impact on the mental and physical development of the younger generation. Therefore, prevention efforts through education, routine counseling and positive activities in the community are very important. The socialization program on the dangers of drugs was carried out at the Sumbersari Village Hall, Ngampel District, Kendal Regency. The targets for this activity are teenagers from Sumbersari Village. This activity is carried out using the ABCD method which includes identifying community strengths, asset mapping, community economic analysis, creating relationships and activity priorities, as well as monitoring and evaluation. The results of counseling regarding the abuse of narcotics, psychotropic substances and other addictive substances in Sumbersari village show significant benefits for the younger generation. Participants' responses emphasized the importance of the understanding provided. The suitability of participants' expectations with the reality of the activity can be seen from the appreciation for the presence of food and similarities with socialization at school. Participants' understanding also increased thanks to the material presented in an interesting way. Comfort during activities is an important factor in maintaining participant concentration. However, participant satisfaction was affected by schedule discrepancies.

Dopamine D2 receptors in the accumbal core region mediates the effects of fentanyl on sleep-wakefulness

Fentanyl, a potent analgesic and addictive substance, significantly impacts sleep-wakefulness (S-W). Acutely, it promotes wake, whereas chronic abuse leads to severe sleep disruptions, including insomnia, which contributes to opioid use disorders (OUD), a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive opioid use and harmful consequences. Although the critical association between sleep disruptions and fentanyl addiction is acknowledged, the precise mechanisms through which fentanyl influences sleep remain elusive. Recent studies highlight the role of the dopaminergic system of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in S-W regulation, but its specific involvement in mediating fentanyl’s effects on S-W remains unexplored. We hypothesized that dopamine D2 receptors mediate fentanyl-induced effects on S-W. To test this hypothesis, male C57BL/6J mice, instrumented with sleep recording electrodes and bilateral guide cannulas above the accumbal core region (NAcC), were utilized in this study. At dark onset, animals were bilaterally administered sulpiride (D2 receptors antagonist; 250 ng/side) in the NAcC followed by an intraperitoneal injection of fentanyl (1.2 mg/Kg). S-W was examined for the next 12 h. We found that systemic administration of fentanyl significantly increased wakefulness during the first 6 h of the dark which was followed by a significant increase in NREM and REM sleep during the second 6 h of the dark period. D2-receptor blockade significantly reduced this effect as evidenced by a significant reduction in fentanyl-induced wakefulness during first 6 h of dark period and sleep rebound during the second 6 h. Our findings suggest that D2 receptors in the NAcC plays a vital role in mediating the fentanyl-induced changes in S-W.

Evaluation of DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Betel-Quid Use Disorder Using the Addiction Characteristics Defined by American Society of Addiction Medicine

Background The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), categorizes betel-quid use disorder (BUD) under Other (Or Unknown) Substance Use Disorder, and the diagnostic criteria used are adapted from those of Substance Use Disorder. Because different substances have different characteristics, an improved set of diagnostic criteria is required to better detect BUD. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the different measures of accuracy for DSM-5 BUD by using the addiction characteristics defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Methods A certified psychiatrist conducted face-to-face diagnostic interviews. Questionnaires were administered to assess betel-quid use history, patterns of use, and dependence features. All betel-quid users were evaluated for BUD by using the DSM-5 criteria and addiction characteristics defined by the ASAM. Results One of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for BUD, namely large amount of time spent on obtaining and using betel quid and recovering from betel-quid use, showed the lowest sensitivity of 0.14, lowest diagnostic accuracy of 0.63, and lowest diagnostic odds ratio of 2.61. Another DSM-5 diagnostic criterion, namely continued betel-quid use despite knowledge of physical or psychological problems, had the lowest specificity of 0.49. The diagnostic threshold of five or more DSM-5 BUD criteria showed a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 0.97. Conclusions This study is the first to evaluate the different measures of accuracy for DSM-5 BUD. Given that each addictive substance has unique addictive characteristics, the composition and number of criteria for diagnosing DSM-5 BUD must be reconsidered.

The Impact of Potent Addictive Substances on Angiogenic Behavior: A Comprehensive Review.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new vasculature from preexisting vasculature, is involved in the development of several diseases as well as various physiological processes. Strict cooperation of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors mediates the control of angiogenesis. The fundamental steps in angiogenesis include endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Addictive substances, which are considered therapeutic candidates in research and medicine, are classified as natural substances, such as nicotine, or synthetic substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids. Addictive substances have been shown to either enhance or suppress angiogenesis. This review article provides an overview of recent studies concerning the effects of several addictive substances on the process of angiogenesis. Google Scholar and PubMed were used to collect the scientific literature used in this review. The addictive substances addressed in this review are nicotine, opioids such as morphine and heroin, alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids. An accurate assessment of the influence of these substances on the angiogenic process may help to construct a potentially effective therapeutic protocol to control and treat several angiogenesis-related diseases.

Education on the impact of drugs on adolescent reproductive health

According to WHO, reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity in all matters relating to the reproductive system and its functions and processes. Narcotics is an abbreviation for narcotics, psychotropic substances and other addictive substances. Narcotics are substances or drugs derived from plants or non-plants, either synthetic or semi-synthetic, which can cause a decrease or change in consciousness, loss of taste, reduce or eliminate pain, and cause dependence. This activity aims to implement health promotion and preventive efforts based on collaboration between professions regarding the provision of health education on the impact of drugs on adolescent reproductive health. The methods used are preparation stages, implementation stages, and activity evaluation. The result of implementing this activity was an increase in teenagers' knowledge and attitudes about the impact of drugs on reproductive health from not knowing to knowing. It was concluded that there is a need for regular outreach and involvement in many communities, health cadres, and schools. Through increasing this knowledge, it is hoped that teenagers can take preventive and proactive steps in preventing the dangers of drugs to health. This holistic approach involves collaboration with health workers, exploring local resources, and ensuring social support to support efforts to prevent and abuse drugs.

Predictors of abstinence maintenance after cocaine inpatient detoxification: A prospective study.

Cocaine is a highly addictive substance, and with no approved medication for cocaine use disorder (CUD), leading to a heavy burden. Despite validated psychosocial treatments, relapse rates after detoxification are very high in CUD. Few consistent factors can predict abstinence after detoxification. Our study, therefore, aimed at identifying factors predicting abstinence among CUD patients after inpatient detoxification. Eighty-one CUD inpatients were included during detoxification and characterized for clinical and sociodemographic data at baseline and at a follow-up of 3 months after discharge, including a standard measure of their abstinence duration from cocaine. We performed Cox univariate analyzes to determine the factors associated with abstinence maintenance, followed by a multivariate Cox regression to identify independent predictors. Abstinence maintenance was shorter in patients injecting cocaine (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.01-13.27, p < .001) and using cocaine heavily in the month before inclusion (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.06, p = .046). Conversely, abstinence maintenance was longer in patients with longer inpatient detoxification stays (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99, p = .015) and prescribed with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (HR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.16-0.56, p < .001). Patients with severe CUD may require longer inpatient stays to achieve abstinence. Regarding SSRI prescription, more specific studies are needed to provide stronger recommendations about their use in clinical practice. Our findings suggest several modifiable factors to improve inpatient treatment response in CUD. As there are no specific recommendations about the optimal duration of inpatient stay, our results could pave the way for evidence-based guidelines.

Developing a weblog-based additive and addictive substance teaching module to improve critical thinking skills

Developing a weblog-based additive and addictive substance teaching module to improve critical thinking skills

Experiences and perspectives of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Indigenous adults living in Manitoba

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are a health policy target. Indigenous populations are among the highest consumers of SSB in Canada. However, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls on governments to recognize health disparities among Indigenous populations as a consequence of colonialism and governmental policies. The purpose of this analysis was to explore emergent perspectives of Indigenous adults on experiences and perspectives of SSB consumption. We conducted a community-based participatory study in partnership with three Indigenous-led organizations. From 2019 to 2022, we completed qualitative interviews with Indigenous adults living in Island Lake Anisininew First Nation, Flin Flon, and Winnipeg's North End, a neighbourhood with high concentration of Indigenous people. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Seventy-four adults participated in interviews, including 46 women, 26 men, and two identifying as two-spirit. Many participants, across all three locations, repeatedly and consistently described SSB or sugar as an addiction, which formed the primary theme for this analysis: addictive-like consumption of SSB. Addictive-like SSB consumption included comparison to other addictive substances, loss of control, and physical symptoms resulting from SSB intake (both positive and adverse) or attempting to reduce SSB intake. We identified two other secondary themes, i) perceived drivers and contexts of SSB consumption, and ii) health outcomes as a motivator for change. Perceived drivers or contexts included consuming SSB as a means to cope with stress, boredom, and poverty; SSB intake as being intertwined with other addictions or addictive substances; and drinking alone. In conclusion, addictive-like SSB consumption was reported by Indigenous adults. To address SSB intake among Indigenous populations, trauma-informed approaches should be explored that consider the colonial context.

Online Illegal Cryptomarkets

Cryptomarkets—online markets for illegal goods—have revolutionized the illegal drug trade, constituting about 10% of all drug trades and attracting users to a greater variety of and more addictive substances than available in offline drug markets. This review introduces the burgeoning area of sociology research on illegal cryptomarkets, particularly in the realm of drug trade. We emphasize the expanding role of illicit online trade and its relevance for understanding broader exchange challenges encountered in all illegal trade settings. Examining the effects of online illegal trade on consumption and supply-side policing, we also discuss the harm and potential benefits of moving drug exchange from offline to online markets. We argue for a network perspective's efficacy in this research domain, emphasizing its relevance in assessing trade and discussion networks, technical innovation, and market evolution and vulnerabilities. Concluding, we outline future research areas, including market culture, failure, and the impact of online illegal trade on stratification.