Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) present a significant public health risk to Australia, with widespread and increasing detections among clinical and forensic casework. Of particular concern are potent synthetic opioids, such as nitazenes, which can be many times more potent than fentanyl. This presentation will examine the rise of NPS in Australia and the challenges associated with the rapid emergence of these substances in the unregulated drug market, including the detection and monitoring of emerging NPS, and response to harms caused by intentional and unintentional exposure. Responding to NPS requires a multifaceted approach involving harm reduction strategies, enhanced surveillance systems, and collaboration among healthcare providers, law enforcement, and policymakers.
The rise of novel psychoactive substances in Australia: challenges for drug surveillance and public health
Dr Jenn Schumann | Head of the Drug Intelligence Unit, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Monash University
Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann is Head of the Drug Intelligence Unit at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and Monash University. She is a forensic toxicologist and a Churchill Fellow, with over 15 years experience examining drug-related harms. Jennifer is President of the Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Association, on the board of The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists, and Forensic Lead on EDNAV.
