ReDNet Research Project

Introduction

The new telematic culture has brought new sets of behaviours, values and ideas, especially amongst young people. This is a fascinating phenomenon, but also a cause of global concern. We know that hundreds of websites are dedicated to the dissemination of new and ever more sophisticated recreational drugs which are unknown to health professionals and can remain unregulated for a long period of time. These might well have widespread and long-term effects in users.

In the 21st century the most important thing in drug prevention is innovation. Traditional forms of intervention are focused on traditional drugs and are often fear based and moralistic.

The ReDNet philosophy, grounded in the principle of harm reduction, is that by enhancing knowledge and understanding of novel compounds using technological tools as well as empowering young people and helping them to take control of their lives we can reduce health risks associated with drug use.

ReDNet research project

The Recreational Drugs European Network (ReDNet) was launched at the School of Pharmacy, University of Hertfordshire in April 2010 with the objective of constituting one of the first ICT prevention programmes designed for novel psychoactive compounds in the field of eHealth prevention across Europe, and possibly beyond.

The project is funded by the European Commission Executive Agency for Health and Consumers in the framework of the Public Health Programme [2009 12 16].

ICT prevention tools piloted by ReDNet include: SMS alert, social networking (Facebook, Twitter), Multimedia (You Tube), Smartphone applications (iPhone), Virtual worlds (Second Life).

Following on from the success of the Psychonaut Web Mapping project (www.psychonautproject.eu) which identified more than 400 novel compounds and combinations, the ReDNet research project aims:

  • to share knowledge and information with health and other professionals and raise awareness of the potential harms associated with new drugs
  • to enhance scientific knowledge and understanding of novel compounds and combinations
  • to provide the first prevention programme for young people (16-24 years old) who generally don’t have access to appropriate drug information and/or treatment service (the online community, high school students, university students, etc)
  • to develop a ICT-based model of effectively targeting vulnerable individuals and also empowering them to take control over their lives, increase awareness of the numerous risks associated with drug use, in particular legal highs which are of serious concern because of the misconception that they are ‘safe’ by a number of the users.

For more information please visit our website www.rednetproject.eu or email us at: info@rednetproject.eu

ReDNet research group

University of Hertfordshire Staff
 

Professor Fabrizio Schifano - f.schifano@herts.ac.uk

Professor Luciano Floridi - l.floridi@herts.ac.uk

Dr Ornella Corazza - o.corazza@herts.ac.uk