Handle it!: Strategies for Addiction Treatment in New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in Europe

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) create an ongoing challenge concerning demand reduction strategies, but also for the professional skills and approaches in the addiction care and treatment. The Erasmus+ project „Handle it!' has connected some of these approaches and strategies in a European exchange of good practice to find ways to „handle' uprising problems and conflicts with these both different and well-known user groups. In this way, the project has highlighted impacts on the work of professionals in the related fields of prevention treatment and reduction of drug related harm. Possible strategies and necessities to adapt to key dynamics of the involving psychosocial changes and consumption patterns have been discussed, best practice shared and multiplied through the mutual exchange of the project partners and further dissemination.

The presentation will discuss the European Drug strategy and early warning system connected to the involving market of NPS and reflect the results of the „Handle it!' project under this European perspective. A typical case study will significantly demonstrate the necessity of specific training for professionals, who support users. Additionally, some results of a staff and a NPS-consumer survey carried out in 6 European countries will be presented.

Disclosure of interest statement: The project 'Handle it!' was supported by Erasmus+ program of the European Union. All project members are non profit (NGO). No additional funds were received.