LOCAL PASS A Local approach towards the reduction of PsychoActive Substance uSe Renée Otte February 5, 2015

Introduction Changing substance use patterns  Changing drug markets & diffusion of trends New Psychoactive substances: NPS

Introduction Monitoring systems: –European –National –Local? Information gap EU/national  local level Example: GHB  Local PASS

Local PASS European research consortium 5 countries 9 partners 1 overall aim: Reducing drug use & its harms in Europe –Sharing knowledge –Raising awareness –Toolbox

Local PASS partners

Local PASS Toolbox –Early identification, risk assessment, interventions –Before tipping point –Local level

Benefits Short term –Improved collaboration –Quick response –Tailored to target group Long term –Reduced drug use –Less drug-related problems –Lower costs

Methods Key informant interviews Literature reviews Focus groups Online survey Identification Risk assessment Interventions

Results: Identification Early identification panel  Appoint ‘Key data collector’ Outreaching data collection Findings: (Online) Panel meetings Emergency mechanisms Barriers & facilitating factors

Results: Risk Assessment Early risk assessment panel Two levels: –Rapid assessment –Full assessment Risks: Scale Data collection: Triangulation Checklist with criteria

Results: Interventions Early intervention panel Based on Risk Assessment Key factors –Close contact with users –Collaboration –Both prevention and harm reduction

Fictious example “Krokodil” Russian adolescents Czech Republic: Availability heroin  Krokodil  Trend? Risks? Interventions?

To be continued Local level pilots Prevention paradox Challenge: Start in your own locality!

Thank you!