New Psychoactive Substances: preliminary findings from a mixed methods study

The EU Early Warning system currently monitors more than 560 new psychoactive substances. The knowledge base around risks and harms is growing but not at the same pace at which new substances are emerging. This paper presents data from an ongoing NIHR funded study entitled variations and determinants of NPS use: potential implications for policy and practice. The paper describes the study design; iterative by nature and encompassing secondary analysis of the Belfast Youth and Development Study (BYDS) and the collection of narrative data. Interview participants include a sample of those who participated in the 2010 sweep of the BYDS (n=25) and individuals recruited through drug and alcohol services, GPs and supported housing (n=33). Preliminary findings on perceived and experienced risk (including physical, psychological and social risk) associated with various types of NPS are presented. For the purpose of this paper we focus on those substances associated most with club settings, e.g., stimulant type NPS.