Psychoactive Substances

Psychoactive substances are natural or synthetic substances that act on the central nervous system and alter mental processes such as mood, perception, cognition, consciousness, and behaviour. These substances may be legally prescribed medications (e.g., pain medications or sedatives), legally available substances such as alcohol or caffeine, or controlled or illicit drugs. Psychoactive substances can be used for medical, social, cultural, or recreational purposes, but some carry risks of misuse, dependence, and health or social harms when used in harmful ways. 

Understanding Substance Use: Educator's Guide

Guide
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The guide, co-developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and several school boards, aims to equip educators with knowledge and resources to promote well-being and reduce substance-related harms among youth...

Navigating Ketamine

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Online

Learn more about ketamine, an aesthetic that is being widely researched. The webinar is designed to achieve an understanding of its class, route of administration, effects, tools for screening, and how this information is useful in delivering behavioral health services.

Time: 9:00 - 10:15 Eastern Time

Presenter:

Howard Cohen, MD

Launch event: European Drug Report 2024

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Online

How is Europe's opioid market evolving? What substances are causing the most concern today? How are countries responding to cannabis use? Find out more when the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) launches its European Drug Report 2024: Trends and Developments in a live online press conference on 11 June.

OVERDOSE DEATHS FROM SMOKING DRUGS NOW EXCEED INJECTION

Scientific article
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Over the last 3 decades, there have been several fluctuations in opioid use patterns and prevalence estimates in the United States. The predominant opioid involved in overdose deaths shifted from prescription opioids in the 1990’s and early...

Penalties for drug law offences in Europe at a glance

Website
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This resource facilitates the examination and comparison of penalties or rehabilitative measures for primary drug-related offenses such as drug use, possession for personal use, and supply-related crimes across European countries...

Alternatives to Incarceration: Alternatives to Incarceration A Smart Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Drug Use and Crime

Website
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The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) highlights the strong link between drug use and criminal behavior, recognizing addiction as a disease requiring public health and safety interventions. The administration aims to break the cycle of drug use and crime through innovative, evidence-based approaches. These include smart probation strategies, like Hawaii's HOPE program and South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Project, which emphasize swift and certain sanctions for violations, reducing recidivism and saving costs. Drug courts, which combine treatment with judicial oversight, have shown success in reducing substance use and criminal activity. The administration supports expanding these programs to improve public safety and health outcomes while reducing correctional costs.