Applying the lessons of VSA to new psychoactive substances

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore whether there are ways in which the preventive strategies used to tackle volatile substance abuse (VSA) can be usefully applied to today’s new psychoactive substances (NPS). Design/methodology/approach – In 2010-2013, with funding from the Big Lottery, Re-Solv, in partnership with St George’s, University of London, and educari, commissioned a re-analysis of both the mortality data relating to VSA and of the legislative and preventative measures taken that may have played a part in the steady downward trend in VSA mortality since. This paper is informed by Re-Solv’s research findings and the papers resulting from it, namely, Ives (2013) and Butland et al. (2013). Findings – Efforts to reduce the harm from NPS could benefit from a re-examination of preventive approaches to VSA, which have resulted in a downward trend in mortality over the past two decades. Social implications – There is evidence from past prevention practice which could be relevant and applied to present day concerns about drugs and substances not previously available or used. Originality/value – This is the first paper to explore how learning from VSA might be applied to NPS and the “legal highs” of today.