Introducing NIDA’s New National Drug Early Warning System

Study Author(s):

Linda B. Cottler, Bruce A. Goldberger, Sara Jo Nixon, Catherine W. Striley, Elan Barenholtz, Nicole D. Fitzgerald, Sean M. Taylor, Joseph J. Palamar

Journal Name:

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Publication Date:

23 September 2020

PMID:

32979739

The article introduces the National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS), a surveillance initiative funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to detect emerging drug use trends and potential epidemics in real time. Initially launched in 2014, the system was updated in 2020, incorporating novel methodologies and a broader network to improve the responsiveness of drug monitoring.

Key Points:

1. Context and Need:
   
   • Drug-related deaths from fentanyl and psychostimulants are rising, with new psychoactive substances (NPS) emerging rapidly.
   • COVID-19 has influenced drug use patterns and overdose rates, emphasizing the need for a real-time system to identify dangerous trends.
2. NDEWS Enhancements:
   
   • The updated NDEWS integrates advanced surveillance methods to analyze both lagged and real-time data.
   • A Scientific Advisory Group and an Early Warning Network of researchers across 18 U.S. sites are central to its operations.
3. Data Collection:
   
   • Researchers gather data on drug availability, usage patterns, consequences, and related infectious diseases.
   • Sources include biospecimens, drug seizures, emergency department data, and insights from forensic and epidemiological investigations.
4. Novel Surveillance Tools:
   
   • The system employs innovative approaches such as drug checking, hair testing for fentanyl and NPS exposure, and machine learning algorithms for monitoring darknet drug markets.
   • It also focuses on high-risk populations, including festival attendees and self-reported drug users.
5. COVID-19 Impacts:
   
   • A NIDA Supplement supports studies on the pandemic’s effects on drug-related reporting and outcomes, involving key informants like medical examiners and syringe exchange workers.
6. Dissemination and Training:
   
   • The project emphasizes sharing findings with the public and professionals through a dedicated website, webinars, and community outreach.
   • A training program educates the next generation of scientists in surveillance science, fostering expertise in fields such as epidemiology and machine learning.

The updated NDEWS represents a proactive and multidisciplinary effort to address the challenges of evolving drug use trends and public health crises.