New Psychoactive Substances in Bangladesh: the Urgent Need for Evidence-based Policy and Prevention Measures

Abstract

Introduction

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are a growing public health concern in Bangladesh, with increasing availability and use of these substances among young people and marginalized populations. The lack of a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to prevent and control NPS use poses significant challenges to Bangladesh's national drug policy. This paper aims to highlight the urgent need for evidence-based policy and prevention measures to address the NPS crisis in Bangladesh.

Methods

A review of existing literature on NPS use in Bangladesh was conducted to identify the gaps in knowledge and policy. The literature review included studies that evaluated the prevalence, harms, regulatory approaches, and control measures of NPS in Bangladesh.

Results

The results of the literature review suggest that NPS use is increasing in Bangladesh, with limited knowledge of the extent and nature of the problem. The regulatory response to NPS is reactive, with a lack of focus on prevention and harm reduction. The limited availability of data on NPS and the lack of an evidence-based approach to policy and prevention measures are significant gaps in addressing the NPS crisis in Bangladesh.

Conclusions

The increasing use of NPS in Bangladesh calls for a proactive and evidence-based approach to policy and prevention measures. There is an urgent need for coordinated efforts between regulatory agencies, health professionals, and civil society to prevent and control NPS use. The development of a national strategy for the prevention and control of NPS, along with capacity building of regulatory agencies and health professionals, may be necessary to address the growing threat of NPS in Bangladesh. The findings of this paper highlight the need for further research and collaboration to better understand the trends, harms, and regulatory challenges associated with NPS in Bangladesh.