New Psychoactive Substances: Studies from Central Asia and China

Recommended Reading: New Psychoactive Substances: Studies from Central Asia and China
We are pleased to present the book "New Psychoactive Substances: Studies from Central Asia and China", prepared by an international team of experts and edited by Mariya Prilutskaya.

📍 This publication is one of the first comprehensive resources focused on new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the Central Asian and Chinese context. It includes in-depth country analyses from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China, as well as thematic chapters covering:

NPS use among women and youth,

Chemsex and vulnerable groups,

NPS in prison settings,

Innovations in harm reduction and online outreach,

Health system and policy challenges.

💡 Key highlights include a detailed examination of the online NPS market in the region, the rise of domestic synthetic drug production in Kazakhstan, gender- and age-specific vulnerabilities, distinctive forms of distribution via messaging apps and “dead drop” systems, and the growing role of online outreach in harm reduction. Notably, the book brings together contributions not only from researchers and government agencies, but also from community representatives and NGOs, ensuring a broad and inclusive perspective on the issue.

📘 This book is a valuable resource for professionals in the fields of addiction, healthcare, social work, and criminal justice, as well as for researchers and policymakers seeking evidence-based approaches to the evolving NPS phenomenon.