IPEDs and polydrug use: knowledge, services and gaps

Image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) use is growing globally and it carries risks that are similar to recreational drug use. This is especially true for people who use other drugs in combination with IPEDs. The use of IPEDs is often mistakenly thought to carry a lower risk and fewer resources and services are available as a result. Even among academic researchers, there is a gap in our knowledge about people who take IPEDs and the most effective ways to provide reduction services. Research on IPEDs is uneven across countries, but there is an opportunity to share resources and expertise and to undertake new research collaborations. 

We will develop a network of researchers and health service providers to exchange knowledge about IPED and polydrug use through two workshops. The first will focus specifically on IPED use in Scotland and the other will focus on international use.