Abstract: Drug-related research is crucial to understanding Europe’s drug problems. Research enables Europe to learn lessons from the past, by identifying historical patterns of drug use, and studying the cycles and variations in the use of substances. Research sharpens Europe’s awareness and monitoring of the present. It provides surveys and data on the scope and scale of drug problems, and looks into emerging trends and new patterns in drug use. Research helps Europe to prepare for the future, by looking at practical issues such as resource allocation, best practices, the piloting of innovative approaches to managing problem drug use.