Trends, Challenges and Prospects in Novel Psychoactive Substance Research and Policy

Guest Speaker: Dr Jessica Neicun

In this episode titled “Trends, Challenges, and Prospects in Novel Psychoactive Substance (NPS) Research and Policy,” Dr. Jessica Neicun, a researcher in public health and policy, delves into the intricate landscape of NPS’, which are often referred to as “legal highs” or “designer drugs”.

Dr. Neicun highlights the growing prevalence of NPS usage has created regulatory challenges due to limited understanding of their mechanisms and their dynamic nature. These challenges extend beyond policy, impacting healthcare delivery and compliance with international drug conventions.

Notably, Dr. Neicun emphasises the critical need to stay informed as NPS use rises across diverse demographics and geographic regions. Addressing structural racism, whilst promoting cultural competence and sensitivity – particularly beyond Western psychiatric perspectives – are crucial for effectively addressing not only NPS-related challenges, but within the entire research field.

The discussion underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration among policymakers, healthcare professionals and researchers to develop effective strategies for detecting, monitoring, and regulating NPS use.

Listen now on Spotify or Soundcloud

Resources:

• UNODC Early Warning Advisory on New Psychoactive Substances

• Biomedical analysis of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) of natural origin

• Legal Reponses to NPS

• Dr Jessica Neicun Thesis Defense: A three-level drug epidemiology of Novel Psychoactive Substances use and health-related harms from an international perspective

Having trouble accessing any of the papers? Contact us at cravingclaritygroup@gmail.com , and we will be happy to provide it for you!