Work

Ten Years of International Collaboration to Address the Challenge of New Psychoactive Substances

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Over the last ten years, the number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) reported to UNODC has increased significantly to over 1,200 individual substances, reported by 141 countries and territories worldwide. Countries have addressed the challenges they face with proactive and innovative responses including a variety of national legislative responses. While these measures have to a large extent contributed to a reduction of these harmful substances and an overall stabilization of the NPS market, significant challenges remain, such as the continued presence of synthetic opioids, as well as new types of benzodiazepines and synthetic cannabinoids. Therefore, strong international collaboration among all actors is needed to detect, identify, monitor, analyse and share information on the use and risks of these substances. The UNODC early warning advisory and national and regional early warning mechanisms are key to generating the scientific evidence necessary to identify emerging harmful substances and develop appropriate responses at the national and international level. Translating trends into a threat analysis to communicate potential risks and raise awareness is key to reducing risks to public health and for effective policy design and programme interventions.

Source: Emerging Trends in Drugs Addictions and Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2023.100125

Authors: J. Tettey, S. Levissianos

Institution: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Subfield: Toxicology

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Partnerships for the goals, Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000