There has been a sharp rise in the quantity of new psychoactive substances (NPS) found globally in recent years. The NPS market continues to be robust and extremely active, and it is distinguished by the appearance of numerous novel chemicals that are being reported in an increasing number of nations.

Through the UNODC Early Warning Advisory on NPS, 134 countries and territories informed the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) about the introduction of 1 127 NPS between 2009 and 2021. Through the EU Early Warning System on NPS, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has been monitoring and responding to NPS entering the market in Europe since 1997. Over 880 NPS were being monitored by the EMCDDA at the end of 2021.

Globalization, the internet, and quick technological advancements have been major factors in the rise in the number and accessibility of NPS in recent years. However, there have been some positive developments lately. As an illustration, the yearly NPS reported for the first time in Europe has decreased from a high of over 100 in 2014 and 2015 to about 50 in 2017 and subsequent years.

NPS still present a number of obstacles in terms of detecting, quantifying, and monitoring; comprehending usage patterns and effects; and creating effective public health solutions. Around one new chemical is still found in Europe each week, increasing the total number of substances that need to be tracked. Significant new issues have also surfaced, which has increased the quantity and variety of risks for those who use psychoactive substances. These include the rise in the availability of highly strong NPS, many of which are synthetic cannabinoids or opioids, and the COVID-19 pandemic's effects.

The International Society for the Study of Emerging Drugs (ISSED) works to strengthen multidisciplinary and international collaboration, advance knowledge, and improve the quality of information-sharing in this complex area in response to the multiple difficulties posed by NPS. This NPS conference series, which draws attendees from all over the world, is the main international platform on NPS in this setting. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the University of Hertfordshire (UH), the Centre for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE), the Government of Panama, the Regional Anti-Doping Organization of Central America, and the Panamanian Anti-Doping Organization are all involved in organizing the conference this year.

The first regional early-warning system established to monitor and address NPS in Europe, the EU Early Warning System on NPS, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Additionally, it has been nine years since Budapest hosted the first of a series of worldwide NPS conferences. The growing significance of NPS and the influence of global elements in shaping associated dangers underline the critical role of early-warning systems in timely delivery of accurate information as well as the necessity of international cooperation.