Psychoactive substances: Position statement on harm reduction

POLICY POSITION Harm Reduction

Novel psychoactive substances.

There has been a significant increase in the number of new intoxicants on the illegal drugs market globally, also in Norway. The substances are given the name NPS: Novel Psychoactive Substances, and are mainly sold over the Internet. Uncertain dosage of potent substances entails a risk of accidental overdose, and therefore serious intoxication and death. In this article we provide an overview o...

effect of different psychoactive substances on serum biochemical parameters

conclusions in psychoactive substance dependents, serum routine biochemistry parameters can be used to predict the need for intensive monitoring and treatment programs. results there was a statistically significant difference in the gamma-glutamyl transferase (ggt), uric acid, creatinine, urea, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (ast) medians between the dependent and control groups (p < 0.05)...

Can new psychoactive substances be regulated effectively? An assessment of the British Psychoactive Substances Bill.

The regulation of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has confounded governments throughout the western world. In 2014 the UK government convened an NPS Review Expert Panel to consider a range of approaches. Ultimately the Panel recommended that the government ban all new psychoactive drugs and allow only psychoactive substances specifically exempted, such as alcohol, tobacco and those allowed as...

Position statement on cannabis.

There is an ongoing national debate around cannabis policy. This brief position statement by the Executive Committee of the Central Drug Authorityoutlines some of the factors that have contributed to this debate, delineates reduction strategies, summarises the harms and benefits ofmarijuana, and provides recommendations. These recommendations emphasise an integrated and evidence-based approach,...