Psychoactive Substances

Psychoactive substances are natural or synthetic substances that act on the central nervous system and alter mental processes such as mood, perception, cognition, consciousness, and behaviour. These substances may be legally prescribed medications (e.g., pain medications or sedatives), legally available substances such as alcohol or caffeine, or controlled or illicit drugs. Psychoactive substances can be used for medical, social, cultural, or recreational purposes, but some carry risks of misuse, dependence, and health or social harms when used in harmful ways. 

VNGOC Asia-Pacific Working Group

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Online
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The Ad-Hoc Asia-Pacific Working Group of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs is pleased to invite you to participate in the Asia-Pacific regional civil society 

New Synthetic Drugs Increase Overdose Risks in Scotland

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Scotland’s illicit drug market is becoming increasingly complex with the emergence of highly potent synthetic substances, including synthetic cannabinoids and opioids such as nitazenes. Some of these substances can be considerably more...

Recent U.S. drug alerts: Turning emerging evidence into workforce preparedness

Community update
Recent United States alerts on fentanyl analogues, medetomidine, cychlorphine, drug mixtures and concentrated 7-OH products highlight evolving challenges across the substance use workforce. They invite us to review local preparedness, understand testing limitations and strengthen links between frontline services, laboratories and public-health partners. A useful response brings together clinical, prevention, recovery and peer perspectives, with clear responsibilities for turning relevant findings into action. For the global ISSUP community, these alerts offer lessons in preparedness while requiring careful consideration of local evidence, resources and service arrangements. Staying informed through trusted sources and sharing practical responses through ISSUP can help translate emerging knowledge into safer care and more responsive support for individuals, families and communities.
non-specific individuals observing alert documentation

Synthetic cannabinoids: Reflections from Mauritius

Community update
During a recent engagement in Mauritius, I had the opportunity to hear the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) present the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030 and to share the suite of resources available through ISSUP. This...
Mauritius National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) present the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030

Carfentanil Detected in Counterfeit Tablets and Powders: What the Substance Use Workforce Should Know

Community update
A new health alert reports carfentanil in counterfeit “M30” tablets and powders seized at the United States Southwest border. Carfentanil is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and some tablets contained it without any fentanyl. The findings highlight how the appearance of an illicit tablet or powder cannot reliably indicate its contents or strength. Prevention, treatment and recovery professionals should reinforce overdose awareness, naloxone access and timely connections to care. Law enforcement, laboratories and public health partners should follow safe handling protocols, test comprehensively and share emerging drug market information quickly.
CFSRE NPS Discovery programme April 2026 Synthetic Opioid Alert