Work

Distribution patterns of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and new psychoactive substances among reported drug users in china (2014–2026): A systematic review and Meta-Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: • Psychotropic substances had the highest share, followed by narcotic drugs and NPS. • Significant geographic differences were observed for all types of substances. • Significant differences in population groups were observed only for NPS. • No significant differences were observed for any substance during the pandemic. • Limited data on NPS underscore gaps in monitoring and regulation. This study aims to examine the distribution of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and new psychoactive substances (NPS) among reported drug users in China. This study searched peer-reviewed literature databases (i.e., CNKI and WANFANG for studies in Chinese, and Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO for studies in English) for studies reporting drug use in China published between 2014 and 2026. Meta-regression was used to estimate pooled proportions of drug use, stratified by pandemic period, age group, and geographic region. The pooled proportions of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances among reported drug users were estimated to be 6.87% and 86.32%; 5.50% and 91.46% in 2014–2019, 7.96% and 71.62% in 2020–2026; 9.42% and 71.19% among adolescents, 6.50% and 83.81% among adults; 7.08% and 78.35% in eastern areas, 4.84% and 89.99% in central areas, 7.20% and 85.21% in western areas. NPS accounted for less than 0.001%, with similarly low proportions in all subgroups. Significant geographic differences were observed for all substance types ( P < 0.05), differences across population groups were observed for NPS ( P < 0.001), and no statistically significant differences were detected across pandemic periods ( P > 0.05). Psychotropic substances accounted for the largest proportion, underscoring the need to prioritize their prevention and control. Geographic variations highlight the importance for region-specific strategies, targeting narcotic drugs in western areas, psychotropic substances and NPS in central areas. Population-specific interventions may also be warranted, particularly for adolescents, who exhibit higher proportions of NPS use.

Source: Addictive Behaviors Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2026.100688