Drug addiction is an evolving and changing topic, represented by the phenomenon of the poly-intake of classical abuse substances, including alcohol and new psychoactive substances.
The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS, the National Institute of Health in Italy) studies and disseminates information on new trends in the use of classic drugs and new psychotropic substances, the effectiveness of preventive, therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions in the field of drug addictions. It conducts research on new indicators of use, abuse and passive exposure to narcotics and psychotropic substances in biological and non-biological matrices, including in support and advice to law enforcement and the judiciary.
The ISS is the national reference in the European network Early Warning System on NPS (New Psychoactive Substances).
The Help line Drug - 800 186070, through telephone counseling interventions, facilitates the meeting between the demand of citizens and the offer of services in the territory.
