Policy

The laws, regulations, strategies, and governance frameworks that guide how governments and institutions address substance use, substance use disorders, and illicit drug trafficking. These policies shape coordinated responses across prevention, treatment, recovery support, public health, regulatory control, and law enforcement. Effective substance use policies aim to reduce health and social harms, ensure access to prevention and treatment services, regulate controlled substances, and disrupt illicit drug markets. They are typically informed by scientific evidence, public health principles, and cross-sector collaboration to promote safer and healthier communities. 

Recent U.S. drug alerts: Turning emerging evidence into workforce preparedness

Community update
Recent United States alerts on fentanyl analogues, medetomidine, cychlorphine, drug mixtures and concentrated 7-OH products highlight evolving challenges across the substance use workforce. They invite us to review local preparedness, understand testing limitations and strengthen links between frontline services, laboratories and public-health partners. A useful response brings together clinical, prevention, recovery and peer perspectives, with clear responsibilities for turning relevant findings into action. For the global ISSUP community, these alerts offer lessons in preparedness while requiring careful consideration of local evidence, resources and service arrangements. Staying informed through trusted sources and sharing practical responses through ISSUP can help translate emerging knowledge into safer care and more responsive support for individuals, families and communities.
non-specific individuals observing alert documentation

European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS) Annual Conference 2026

 - 
Brussels
, 
Belgium

Leading political figures, civil society representatives, think tanks, policy experts and foresight practitioners will come together at this year’s ESPAS annual conference “Europe 2040: What future for European security?" on 3 November to debate the future of European security in its various aspects with a time horizon of 2040.

Synthetic cannabinoids: Reflections from Mauritius

Community update
During a recent engagement in Mauritius, I had the opportunity to hear the National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) present the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030 and to share the suite of resources available through ISSUP. This...
Mauritius National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) present the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026–2030

Carfentanil Detected in Counterfeit Tablets and Powders: What the Substance Use Workforce Should Know

Community update
A new health alert reports carfentanil in counterfeit “M30” tablets and powders seized at the United States Southwest border. Carfentanil is an extremely potent synthetic opioid, and some tablets contained it without any fentanyl. The findings highlight how the appearance of an illicit tablet or powder cannot reliably indicate its contents or strength. Prevention, treatment and recovery professionals should reinforce overdose awareness, naloxone access and timely connections to care. Law enforcement, laboratories and public health partners should follow safe handling protocols, test comprehensively and share emerging drug market information quickly.
CFSRE NPS Discovery programme April 2026 Synthetic Opioid Alert