New Psychoactive Substances among People Who Use Drugs Heavily -Towards Effective and Comprehensive Health Responses in Europe
Developing innovative methodologies to identify and monitor new trends and patterns in the consumption and adverse consequences of – in particular - new psychoactive substances, and the development of targeted approaches in prevention, harm reduction and treatment
Reports from harm reduction services across the EU, the EU Early Warning System, EMCDDA data and different surveys suggest that use of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) is no longer limited to “drug experimenters” or recreational drug users, but moving into populations of problem drug users as well.
Public health, treatment and harm reduction services across Europe are unprepared for the rapidly expanding use of NPS and lack capacity and tools for addressing the rising use of these substances among marginalized, often young, drug consumers, nor for addressing the risks and potential harms associated with these substances.
Action is required on different levels:
Research and policy level:
- understanding the current dynamics, trends and harmful patterns of NPS use among Problem Drug Users (PDUs) in Europe
Practical level:
- the development and implementation of effective and innovative health and harm reduction responses targeting NPS use among PDUs
- capacity building among health service providers on recent development in drug markets, health risks and ways to address these risks
NPS in Europe is contributing to these requirements by analysing the extend and patterns of NPS use in europe, by developing tailored interventions and by preparing best practice guidelines for harm reduction services.
Check out more on this website, get involved in our surveys and trainings.
