Introducing the National Drug Early Warning System

This article provides an overview of four primary NDEWS components: core staff; an approach to detecting and monitoring emerging drug trends including community-based epidemiologists and national databases; small rapid follow-up studies; and innovative multimedia approaches for disseminating information. Recent findings The cornerstones for detecting and monitoring are the 1700+ member NDEWS Network and a coalition of local epidemiologists. Follow-up studies are designed with local researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to focus on local trends. Among NDEWS accomplishments are developing protocols for expanded urinalyses in high-risk populations and conducting follow-up studies with local collaborators in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and a tribal nation in Minnesota. Summary During its first 6 years, NDEWS has advanced its mission to develop multidisciplinary collaborations and innovative technologies for identifying, monitoring, and following up on emerging drug trends and has contributed to the translation of science into practice. Video abstract http://links.lww.com/YCO/A55.
Source: Current Opinion in Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Tags: ADDICTIVE DISORDERS: Edited by John B. Saunders and Linda B. Cottler Source Type: research