Abstract: This report brings together, for the first time in Europe, an integrated overview of the prevalence of intensive cannabis use, defined as daily or almost daily cannabis use (use on 20 or more days in the month preceding survey). Self-reported data regarding frequency of cannabis use from large, probabilistic, nationally representative samples of general population surveys from 20 countries, representing more than 83 % of the population of EU and Norway, were collected through two rounds of ad hoc data collection in 2004 and 2007 and through a routine, standard data collection instrument since 2010.

Abstract: Epidemiological studies routinely collect quantitative data on gender differences in drug use (e.g. prevalence, mortality), but far less is published on the qualitative aspects of female drug problems. This review presents quotations gleaned from interviews with women in eight countries. Through these testimonies, the report illustrates how qualitative research can provide glimpses into the experiences and perceptions of women facing drug issues that statistics alone cannot provide.

Abstract: Recent decades have seen a growth in travel and tourism abroad because of cheap air fares and holiday packages. This has been accompanied by a relaxation of border controls, especially within parts of Europe participating in the Schengen Agreement. As some people may be more inclined to use illicit substances during holiday periods and some may even choose to travel to destinations that are associated with drug use – a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “drug tourism” – this means that from a European drug policy perspective the issue of drug use and travel has become more important.

Abstract: This Selected issue is not intended to present a systematic and exhaustive review either of all possible definitions of drug-related public nuisance or of all measures, provisions and policies aimed at reducing the problem in the European Union, nor does it aim to reflect precisely the situation regarding public nuisance in each of the countries concerned. Rather, it seeks to contribute to our understanding of the issues and problems related to a new – and somewhat still limited – area for intervention in Member States, candidate countries and Norway. This document aims to present the first EMCDDA qualitative insight into an emerging concern within drug policy debate, at both national and European levels. The alternatives to prison that may be offered to drug-using offenders cover a range of sanctions that may delay, avoid, replace or complement prison sentences for those drug users who have committed an offence normally sanctioned with imprisonment by national law. In this Selected issue, the focus is on those measures that have a drug-related treatment component. It will describe the political and legal background, the application and implementation, including common problems, and the effects of treatment as an alternative to imprisonment. Since the mid-1990s buprenorphine has increasingly become available in Europe as an alternative to methadone for the treatment of opiate dependence. In this Selected issue, the reasons why clinicians are attracted to this drug, as well as the costs and benefits of buprenorphine in comparison with other treatment options, are explored in detail, and, for the first time, the increasing popularity of buprenorphine for the treatment of opiate dependence in many European countries is documented.

Abstract: The General report of activities is an annual publication providing a detailed progress report of the EMCDDA’s activities over a 12-month period. It catalogues the Centre’s achievements in each area of its annual work programme. The report is a useful information source for all those seeking comprehensive information on the Centre and its work.