Early warning system

The early warning system was established at the EU level in 1997 for the purpose of information exchange, risk assessment and control of new synthetic drugs. In 2005 it has been extended to an early warning system on new psychoactive substances. It aims to facilitate a quick and effective response to potential risks posed by new psychoactive substances.

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the REITOX Focal Points contribute to this by collecting relevant health data and information (e.g. patterns of use, risks such as overdoses or drug-related deaths). The EUROPOL Drugs Unit is also involved in the early-warning system; it is responsible for the exchange of information on police aspects of the drugs problem. Based on the results of an evaluation, the extension of the information system to all psychoactive substances is in discussion at EU level.

Risk assessments have already been carried out for a couple of  substances  (e.g. MBDB, 4-MTA and PMMA, GHB, Ketamin, 2C-I, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7, TMA-2) in the context of the early warning system. In addition information on a number of other (new) synthetic drugs such as PMA, 2-CT-7, 2C-P, MDHOET, mCPP was exchanged.

Contact: Ms. Sabine Haas haas(at)goeg.at and Marion Weigl weigl(at)goeg.at