Abstract
This chapter considers the emerging issues and challenges faced by those
trying to make sense of the ever-changing scene of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A range of inter-connected aspects require investigation and
continual monitoring to achieve this goal. Here the focus is on epidemiological,
anthropological and clinical pharmacological issues. Whilst such aspects
are more relevant to understanding the NPS phenomenon, practical issues
associated with doing so need to be appreciated. Those generating or using
information on NPS need to comprehend what data are available, their limitations and uses. In that way, objective information can be fed into decision and policy-making in relevant disciplines and arenas. A multi-disciplinary
approach is advocated for understanding NPS. This chapter demonstrates
how such inputs can be brought together and integrated successfully. Traditional investigatory approaches have a role to play, but the development of
new and innovative techniques can complement them. Timely design and
evolution of both epidemiological and scientific knowledge-bases can assist
in casting new light on NPS, using a spectrum of lenses through which to
view them.
trying to make sense of the ever-changing scene of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A range of inter-connected aspects require investigation and
continual monitoring to achieve this goal. Here the focus is on epidemiological,
anthropological and clinical pharmacological issues. Whilst such aspects
are more relevant to understanding the NPS phenomenon, practical issues
associated with doing so need to be appreciated. Those generating or using
information on NPS need to comprehend what data are available, their limitations and uses. In that way, objective information can be fed into decision and policy-making in relevant disciplines and arenas. A multi-disciplinary
approach is advocated for understanding NPS. This chapter demonstrates
how such inputs can be brought together and integrated successfully. Traditional investigatory approaches have a role to play, but the development of
new and innovative techniques can complement them. Timely design and
evolution of both epidemiological and scientific knowledge-bases can assist
in casting new light on NPS, using a spectrum of lenses through which to
view them.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Light in Forensic Science: Issues and Application |
| Subtitle of host publication | Issues and Applications |
| Editors | Mire Zloh, Jacqueline L. Stair, Giorgia Miolo |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Royal Society of Chemistry |
| Chapter | 8 |
| Pages | 207-256 |
| Number of pages | 50 |
| Edition | First |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-1-78801-398-7, 978-1-78801-034-4 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-1-78262-768-5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 18 Apr 2018 |
Publication series
| Name | Comprehensive Series in Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences |
|---|---|
| Volume | 17 |
| ISSN (Print) | 2041-9716 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2041-9724 |
Keywords
- NPS
- Novel Psychoactive Substances
- Drug scenarios
- Epidemiology
- Anthropology
- Clinical Pharmacology