Ecstasy and other synthetic drugs in France: situation portrayed by the SINTES information system, 1999-2002

Set up in 1999, as a part of the implementation of the three-years plan for the fight against drugs and to prevent dependence, SINTES (the national poison/substance identification system) has made up for the lack of data on synthetic drugs consumed in France. 

It was set up in response to two requirements: on the one hand, to provide information on these substances (form, composition, dosage) and on the users and the contexts of use; on the other hand, to provide the French response to the obligations under the European Joint Action of 16 June 1997 to create a mechanism for rapid exchange of information on new synthetic drugs.

The term "synthetic drugs" is a generic designation, related to the more colloquial term “designer drugs”. It covers substances that vary as much in their chemical composition as in their effects. The two compounds most frequently encountered are methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy and amphetamine. 

This issue of Tendances presents the main results of the report "Regards sur l'ecstasy" published in 2003.

Publication type
Tendances
No.
32
Publication date
Language
French
English
Author(s)
GIRAUDON
Isabelle
Edited by
OFDT
Number of pages
4
Products & addictions
MDMA/ecstasy and amphetamine
New Psychoactive Substances
Themes
Supply and markets
Territories
France
Dispositif d'enquête et d'observation
Health alert system