Pharmakoökonomie: Open Access

Addressing Emerging Drug Threats: The Adaptive Strategies of the Drug Control Authority in Response to Novel Psychoactive Substances

Abstract

Alice Walker

The global landscape of illicit drug markets is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges for drug control authorities around the world. One of the most significant challenges in recent years has been the emergence of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), commonly known as "designer drugs" or "legal highs." These substances are synthetic compounds designed to mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs while often exploiting legal loopholes. As a result, traditional drug control measures struggle to keep pace with their rapid emergence. This essay explores the adaptive strategies employed by drug control authorities to address the threats posed by novel psychoactive substances. Novel psychoactive substances encompass a diverse range of synthetic compounds that produce psychoactive effects similar to illicit drugs like cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis. These substances are often created by modifying the molecular structure of existing drugs or by designing entirely new chemical compounds. The rapid proliferation of NPS can be attributed to several factors, including their ability to exploit legal gravy areas, their ease of production, and their global availability through online markets.