An epidemiological overview of new psychoactive substances use in Europe

Since the early 2000s, 730 (until 2018) new psychoactive substances (NPS) have been identified in Europe. This phenomenon has been considered a major drug problem during the last 10 years. However, there is very limited epidemiological information regarding NPS prevalence (number of users, their characteristics, patterns and setting of use) and health consequences (deaths, intoxications, dependence and treatment demands).

This session presents, to our knowledge, the first attempt of a European overview of prevalence and patterns of NPS use. Several methods and populations are included. Health consequences are not included in this session as more work is still needed. Hopefully, this will be possible for the next Lisbon Addictions conference.