Drug-checking technology – FuturiZe discussion and demo

online registration required
In programme
Thursday, 24 October, 2019 - 18:30 to 19:30

About

On-site and drop-in drug testing are relevant strategies to minimize the negative effects of drugs, especially in nightlife environments. Drug-testing for people who use drugs is growing in availability, yet still poses some regulatory and public health challenges that require attention and future work. The equipment for drug-checking and related harm-prevention activities in will be exhibited by an active organisation in the field throughout the duration of Lisbon Addictions 2019 in the Terrace Room, Futures Zone.

In this activity, participants will get a chance to see first-hand an example of on-site drug testing, conducted by an organisation currently working in the field (Kosmicare, Portugal). Common and trending drug samples will be analyzed with two different methods: thin layer chromotography (qualitative analysis) and spectrophotometry (quantitative analysis). The analysis will be preceded by a thought-provoking talk from a well-known scientists in the drug-testing field (Anton Luf, Medical University of Vienna, Austria) about harm reduction strategies, public health considerations and the different impacts of on-site drug testing. The session is intended to be as interactive as possible, with opportunities for discussion with all participants. Pros and cons, as well as implementation barriers and policy context will be discussed. The workshop is organised as part of the EC co-funded project FuturiZe (http://www.lx-futurize.eu).

Places in the workshop are limited and registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/futurize-26821812555

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