NCJ Number
186282
Date Published
2000
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This 2000 annual report presents to the European Union (EU) and its Member States an overview of trends in drug use in Europe and its consequences, as well as trends in responses to drug use.
Abstract
Trends and consequences are reported for the use of cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and multiple drug use. Trends are also discussed for problem drug use and demand for treatment, drug-related deaths, drug-related infectious diseases, and other drug-related morbidity. Findings show that cannabis remains the most widely available and commonly used drug across the EU, with substantial increases in use during the 1990's. Amphetamines and ecstasy are the second most commonly used drugs in Europe. Following increases in the 1990's, ecstasy use apparently is stabilizing or even declining, while amphetamine use is stable or rising. The use of cocaine is increasing, particularly among socially active groups, and it is spreading to a broader population. Heroin dependence remains broadly stable, and patterns of weekend and recreational drug use increasingly involve combinations of illicit and licit drugs, including alcohol and tranquilizers. The number of acute drug-related deaths (overdoses or poisonings) has stabilized across the EU following marked increases in the second half of the 1980's and early 1990's. Trends in responses to drug use include the adoption of new drug strategies by Spain, France, Portugal and the United Kingdom, as well as by the EU itself. Drug prevention in schools, recreational settings, and among high-risk groups is a priority in all EU Member States. Reducing the harmful consequences of drug use is key to the drug strategies of many Member States. To cope with the increasing numbers and divergent needs of those seeking treatment for drug use, diversified patterns of care are being developed throughout the EU. Selected issues discussed in this report are substitution treatment, the prosecution of drug-related offenses, and problems facing women drug users and their children. 20 figures and 3 tables