CDR HOSTS PUSPEN FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY WORKSHOP ON NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

24 JUNE 2025, PENANG — The Centre for Drug Research (CDR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, through its research unit PPDU (Pusat Penyelidikan Dadah dan Ubat-ubatan), successfully hosted the Bengkel Pemantapan Ilmu Bio-Psikososial on 24 June 2025 at the PPDU meeting room, USM Penang. The programme aimed to provide PUSPEN staff with exposure and deeper understanding of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) through expert-led knowledge sharing sessions. The workshop brought together experts, researchers, and practitioners in the field of drug rehabilitation and neuropharmacology to strengthen scientific and clinical understanding of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) from multiple perspectives including trends, chemistry, brain effects, and psychiatric risks.

The session commenced with opening remarks by Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Murugaiyah, Director of PPDU, followed by a series of insightful knowledge-sharing sessions. Associate Professor Dr. Darshan Singh presented on the latest Trends, Motives and Challenges in Controlling NPS Abuse, while ChM Dr. Thiruventhan Karunakaran and ChM Dr. Nelson Chear delved into the Chemical Perspective of NPS. In a collaborative presentation, Dr. Siti Rafidah Yusof and Dr. Juzaili Azizi explored the neurological impact of NPS under the title NPS and the Brain: Blood-Brain Barrier Perspective – What Happens in the Addict’s Brain? This was followed by Associate Professor Dr. Zurina Hassan’s session on Psychiatric Risks of NPS: A Neuropharmacological Perspective and Dr. Farah Wahida Suhaimi’s lecture on Pharmacological Challenges in Managing NPS Toxicity.

The workshop concluded with active discussions, a Q&A session, and the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the speakers. Attended by multidisciplinary professionals, the event aimed to enhance scientific discourse and applied knowledge in drug treatment and policy. This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being, and SDG 16 on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.