The new psychoactive substance phenomenon: current and future challenges for drug surveillance, control, and public health responses

Cocaine and amphetamines are among the most commonly used illicit drugs, and there is concern over potential harms related to such use. Yet for both substances, medicinal uses exist. This paper seeks to summarise evidence for medicinal uses of cocaine and amphetamines, and issues related to the extra-medical use of these drugs. We also summarise the evidence for a wide range of interventions to address harms related to their extra-medical use.