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. 

Prescription drugs regulations

 - 
Online

Adfam organises forum events for practitioners and professionals with an interest in supporting families affected by substance use or gambling.

At each forum we focus on a unique topic relating to families and substance use, inviting a guest speaker with expertise in that topic, followed by a Q&A and wider discussion.

"The Science of Addiction"

Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster
 - 
Understanding how addiction works in the mind helps emphasize how addiction isn't just a choice; it's a brain disease. Substances alter brain chemistry, causing habits immensely hard to break. Recognizing that addiction isn't just a simple...
This infographic showcases what happens mentally when enduring addiction, helping to reduce stigma in society.

EUDA webinar: International drug checking day

 - 
Online

Objective: Taking place on the eve of International Drug Checking Day, this webinar offers a timely opportunity to highlight the role drug-checking services play across three domains: harm reduction, drug market monitoring and public health alerts. The session will demonstrate the benefits of drug checking for a variety of stakeholders, including consumers, public health authorities and monitoring bodies.   

Addiction Health Services Research (AHSR) conference 2026

 - 
Utah
, 
United States

The Addiction Health Services Research (AHSR) conference brings together researchers, policymakers, and treatment providers to solve the problems of inequity, access, effectiveness, and implementation of addiction services.

The 14th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users

 - 
Prague
, 
Czechia

Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, Czech Republic

If you’re working to improve the health or rights of people who use drugs, INHSU 2026 is a must-attend event. A vibrant space where research, practice, policy, and lived experience come together on equal footing.