EMCDDA Director Alexis Goosdeel will today address the 38th Congress of the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists (EAPCCT) taking place on 23 and 24 May in Bucharest. A key theme on the congress programme is the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS).
In his presentation — ‘How clinical toxicologists and poisons centres contribute to addressing NPS in Europe’ — Mr Goosdeel will highlight the leading role played by the EU Early Warning System in detecting and responding to emerging threats in an ever-evolving drug situation and in a drug market which is highly dynamic and adaptable.
Of particular concern is an online market supplying substances which pose new risks to drug users and public health. Strong early-warning systems are a key element in identifying new substances and their potential harms. One example is the adulteration of established drugs (such as heroin) with synthetic opioids, such as carfentanil, which poses a high risk of life-threatening poisoning.
EAPCCT works to advance knowledge and understanding of all forms of poisoning, including drug poisoning. Working on the principle that sound information is the key to an effective strategy on drugs, the EMCDDA’s contribution to events of this kind helps to inform policymaking at national and Europe-wide level.
Through its Strategy 2025 and Programming document 2018–20, the EMCDDA aims for a Europe equipped with strong tools to tackle the challenges of NPS effectively and better protect European citizens against dangerous drugs.
During his visit, the Director will also meet Mr Sorin Oprea, Head of the National Antidrug Agency and EMCDDA Management Board member for Romania.
