Articles Published by NIJ

Analyzing illicit drugs such as methamphetamine is difficult because the drugs break down when heated in gas chromatographs. Investigators determined that a new method can avoid the heat issue and improve results.

Understaffing, illicit drugs, contraband cellphones, and gangs were among top-of-mind issues for experts brought together to identify pervasive security problems facing corrections institutions — and new ways to address them.

Electronic cigarettes, first introduced in the U.S. market in 2006, have evolved from nicotine delivery systems to sophisticated, customizable devices that can deliver a range of illicit drugs.

For law enforcement, overcoming the opioid crisis will mean gaining a deep, science-driven understanding of its dimensions. NIJ gathered a cross section of experts to identify priority research needs and action items.

NIJ-funded researchers looked at the effect of the program on participants in their high school years.

Synthetic cathinones, a class of mood-altering stimulants popular among recreational drug users, can be unstable when stored in blood or urine samples, and may be problematic when used as evidence in court.

Researchers funded by NIJ studied the effects of Florida laws to address the opioid epidemic and found that they did indeed help reduce the number of “pill mill” clinics.