Adulterants in the Illicit Drug Supply

Course Description:

This course examines the toxicological and pharmacoepidemiological impact of adulterants in today’s illicit drug supply. Participants explore the shift from single-substance distribution to novel psychoactive substances (NPS), polysubstance mixtures, and rapidly emerging compounds, with a focus on adulterants that increase overdose risk, organ toxicity, and acute lethal outcomes. The course explains pharmacological mechanisms behind additive and synergistic interactions (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and synthetic analogs).

Emphasis is placed on unintentional exposure, fentanyl contamination in non-opioid drugs, and challenges for forensic, clinical, and public health professionals. Using surveillance, testing development, and case-based research, the course offers a practical framework for tracking emerging adulterant trends and applying insights to overdose investigation, laboratory testing, and harm reduction strategies.

Recommended Learners:

LEO
DRE
Toxicologist
Attorney

Donna Papsun

Donna Papsun is a forensic toxicologist at NMS Labs in Willow Grove, PA. She has dual Bachelor of Science degrees from West Virginia University in Chemistry and Forensic & Investigative Science and a Master of Science degree in Pharmacology from Thomas Jefferson University. She is also certified as a Diplomate in Forensic Toxicology through the American Board of Forensic Toxicology and is a member of both the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). Ms. Papsun has been with NMS Labs since 2008 and began employment in the laboratory as a bench analyst, before being promoted to a toxicologist in 2012. See full bio.

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Course Content

Course materials are available exclusively to enrolled students.

Enrollment includes access to downloadable handouts and a Course Information Packet designed to support your completion certificate and assist in applying for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from organizations that do not automatically pre-approve our courses.

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Course Materials

These downloadable resources support your training and assist with documentation for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit.