Public Health

The organised efforts of governments, health systems, and communities to prevent substance-related harms, promote wellbeing, and improve population health outcomes. A public health approach focuses on prevention, early intervention, treatment, recovery support, and harm reduction, while also addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence substance use. It relies on surveillance data, evidence-based interventions, policies, and cross-sector collaboration to reduce the overall burden of substance use disorders and promote 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

ISSUP UK Relaunch: Recognising the Overlooked Impact of Substance Use Bereavement

 - Online
ISSUP UK presents its relaunch webinar, “Recognising the Overlooked Impact of Substance Use Bereavement.” The webinar will explore the experiences of those affected by substance use bereavement, including the impact of stigma, culture and complex grief, and consider compassionate approaches to support bereaved individuals and families.
ISSUP UK webinar flyer

Cannabis and mental health

 - Online

Objective: This webinar will provide an overview of mental health risks associated with cannabis use. Participants will hear about the findings on how cannabis use is linked to anxiety, depression, psychotic symptoms and cannabis use disorder, and how cannabis type, potency, and use patterns might increase the risks.

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.

August Highlights for the ISSUP Philippine Chapter

Community update
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The month of August was a fruitful month for the ISSUP Philippines Chapter as it held its own in-person training on Motivational Interviewing, as well as continued its advocacies with partner government agencies and private institutions...