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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.
Assessment of the threat posed by highly potent synthetic opioids in Europe
This threat assessment examines the potential risks posed by highly potent synthetic opioids (HPSOs) in Europe over the next two years. Drawing on early warning data, forensic and clinical evidence, and expert input, the report explores how...
Heroin Trafficking Along the Northern and Southern Routes: Emerging Trends and Strategic Implications
This paper examines how heroin trafficking routes from Afghanistan into Europe have evolved following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. It explores the changing dynamics of the northern and southern trafficking routes, highlighting how...
The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Substance Use and Crime – Reading List (Part 2)
In this second reading list, we continue exploring the growing evidence on the role and contribution of faith communities and faith-based organisations in addressing substance use and crime, with a particular focus on treatment engagement...
Spirituality and Harmful or Hazardous Alcohol and Other Drug Use
This meta-analysis synthesises evidence from 55 longitudinal studies involving more than 540,000 participants to examine the relationship between spirituality and harmful or hazardous alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. The findings...
Association Between Religiosity and Spirituality and Cocaine Use: A Systematic Review
This systematic review examines the association between religiosity, spirituality, and cocaine use by analysing findings from 20 observational studies involving adults and adolescents. Most studies found that higher levels of religiosity...
Suboxone, Kratom, and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH): A Guide to Withdrawal Risks, Buprenorphine Treatment, and Clinical Considerations
Kratom, 7-OH, and Suboxone: Withdrawal, Blocking Effects, and Treatment Options
Quick answer: Yes, Suboxone can block the effects of kratom because buprenorphine binds strongly to the brain’s opioid receptors. However, taking Suboxone too...
Drug production and precursors — EUDA ongoing activities
The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) continues to monitor illicit drug production and precursor chemicals across Europe to improve understanding of how drug markets are evolving. Production within the European Union is primarily focused...
European Drug Report 2026: Trends and Developments
The European Drug Report 2026: Trends and Developments provides the latest overview of the drug situation across Europe, drawing on data from EU Member States, Türkiye, and Norway. The report examines patterns of drug use, drug-related...
Problematic Pornography Use as a Predictor of Depressive and Apathetic Symptoms in Slovak Young Adults
INTRODUCTION: Problematic pornography use (PPU) has been increasingly recognized as a relevant factor in mental health research, mainly in relation to depression and apathy. Its association with apathy, reflecting diminished motivation and...
AddictologyIssue 1/2026
Online Gambling In Europe: Prevalence, Risk and Regulatory Challenges In The Digital Era
INTRODUCTION: Digital transformation and market liberalisation have intensified the growth of online gambling and related risks, underscoring the need for targeted research, regulation, and prevention. This study synthesises evidence on the...
AddictologyIssue 1/2026
Online time of Slovak and Czech adults and its relation to Big Five
INTRODUCTION: In the present article, we focused on the relationship between time spent online and factors of Big Five in the population of adults. We assume that there exist the specifics of time spent online in the relation to age, sex...
AddictologyIssue 1/2026
The shame and stigma among people with comorbid hepatitis C virus and substance use disorder: a narrative review
The presence of dual diagnosis of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and substance use disorder (SUD) creates a significant medical and psychological burden, frequently intensifying feelings of Stigma and shame in an individual. Individuals...
AddictologyIssue 1/2026
Alcohol Use, Diabetes, and Mental Health: Risks, Intersections, and Care
ISSUP Bahamas presents its maiden webinar. This webinar will focus on the topic, "Alcohol Use, Diabetes, and Mental Health: Risks, Intersections, and Care."
The Tobacco Control Scale 2025 in Europe
The Tobacco Control Scale 2025 shows that progress in tobacco control across Europe has slowed, with more countries recording lower scores than in previous years. Key reasons include the failure to regulate heated tobacco products in the same way as cigarettes and the lack of adjustments to tobacco taxes and prices to keep pace with inflation.
A European Guide on Dual disorders: Health and Social Responses
This European guide by EUDA highlights the importance of addressing dual disorders, where mental health conditions and substance use disorders occur at the same time. These co-occurring conditions are common and often lead to poorer health...
Say "NO" to Drugs
Understanding Psychoactive Substances and Substance Use
What Are Psychoactive Substances?
Psychoactive substances are substances that affect the way the brain and body function, influencing thoughts, emotions, perceptions, and behaviour...
Ice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Understanding Methamphetamine Use and Community Responses
ISSUP in Pakistan presents 'Ice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Understanding Methamphetamine Use
and Community Responses', a webinar with Dr. Sameer Ul Khaliq Jan.
Are There Health Benefits to Going ‘California Sober’?
Some people are going California sober, meaning they are cutting back on or quitting alcohol or other addictive substances in favor of using marijuana. In theory, the lifestyle choice aims to replace more harmful substances with something...
UNODC Current NPS Threats
The UNODC Early Warning Advisory highlights a continued global expansion of new psychoactive substances (NPS), with nearly 1,400 substances reported worldwide. In 2024 alone, a record number of substances were identified, including over 100...
Stimulant Use and Related Harms in Canada: Recent Trends
This report highlights a growing concern around stimulant use and related harms in Canada, particularly involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Data from multiple national sources show that stimulant-related deaths have significantly...
