Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are simple to produce and easy to take. They are also (erroneously) perceived as less harmful than other illicit substances, like heroin and cocaine. Indeed the opposite is true: designer technology, which has produced and keeps refining these synthetic drugs, gives origin to several concerns.

First, ATS abuse risks becoming a culturally sanctioned occurrence, blurring the notion of drug addiction as parents and governments alike are confused about the severity of their impact. Not surprisingly, in the past few years the consumption of ATS substances has kept growing, with an increasing momentum.

Second, while societies' sufferings are similar, Governments' responses differ. They range from benign neglect to robust intervention. The differences magnify the
misunderstanding in society and facilitate the spreading of misinformation about which country is doing what about the synthetic drug problem - including the related costs and consequences.

Third, synthetic drug abuse is no longer limited to the young, or to single countries. Today, life-styles are shared instantly and internationally. Countries must therefore develop a shared understanding of what needs to be done.