The Novel Psychoactive Substances in the UK Project: empirical and conceptual review work to produce research recommendations

Mdege N D, Meader N, Lloyd C, Parrott S & McCambridge J.
Record ID 32015001014
English
Authors' objectives: To inform the development of public health intervention research on novel psychoactive substances (NPS) by reviewing existing data on their use, associated problems and potential responses to such problems. Although illegal drug use has largely been declining in the UK over the past decade, this period has witnessed the emergence of a range of NPS ('legal highs'). These are new, mostly synthetic, substances that mimic the effects of existing drugs). Despite there being many causes for concern in relation to NPS, there has been little prior study of the burden associated with their use in public health terms. Clarity is lacking on research priorities in this rapidly developing literature.
Authors' recommendations: Key research recommendations build on those that have previously been made and offer more evidence-based justification and detail, as previous recommendations have not yet been acted on. The case for decision-making on commissioning new research based on these recommendations is both strong and urgent.
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/programmes/phr/1415302#/
Year Published: 2017
URL for published report: https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/phr/phr05040/#/abstract
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England, United Kingdom
MeSH Terms
  • Humans
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • Drug Discovery
Contact
Organisation Name: NIHR Public Health Research programme
Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK
Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk
Copyright: Queen's Printer and Controller of HMSO
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