Promoting innovation and excellence to face the rapid diffusion of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) in the EU : the outcomes of the ReDNet project

Objectives: The recent emergence of new psychoactive compounds (NPS) has raised prominent challenges in the fields of drug policy, substance use research, public health and service provision. The Recreational Drugs European Network (ReDNet) project, funded by the European Commission, was implemented to improve the information stream to young people and professionals about effects/risks of NPS identifying online products and disseminating relevant information through technological tools. Methods: Regular multilingual qualitative assessments of websites, drugs fora and other online resources were carried out using the Google search engine in 8 languages from collaborating countries. These included: the UK, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Spain. Products were tested and prevention messages were developed and disseminated via technological tools such as interactive websites, SMS alert, social networking (Facebook, Twitter), Multimedia (You Tube), Smartphone applications (iPhone), and virtual learning environments (Second Life). Results: The ReDNet project established itself as the first Europe-wide prevention programme designed for NPS based on the efficacy of novel ICT-based forms of intervention. More than 650 NPS products and combinations were identified; relevant information was disseminated to target population and advice was given to both EU/ international agencies and national policy makers. Conclusions: Web monitoring activities are essential for mapping the diffusion of NPS and the use of technological tools can be successfully incorporated in specific prevention programmes. Furthermore, the involvement of multi-disciplinary international partnerships was and continues to be fundamental for responding to such a prominent challenge.