Intracranial Self-Stimulation and the Abuse Potential of the Synthetic Cathinones: Methylone and α-PVP

In recent years the abuse of synthetic cathinones, "Bath Salts," has increased. The purpose of this study was to analyze two synthetic cathinones, methylone and α-pvp, for hedonic properties or the potential to be abused. This was tested using an intracranial self-stimulation paradigm, a robust measurement for reward. It was found methylone resulted in an abuse potential similar to MDMA, ecstasy, abuse. Moreover, the results for α-pvp showed a high liability for abuse.