Abstract: Respect for fundamental rights, protection of public health, well-being, social cohesion and security are the objectives that guide the actions taken by the European Union in the field of illicit drugs. The EU drugs strategy 2005–12 provides the framework for enhanced coordination between action taken at national, EU and international level and commits the members of the EU to tackle illicit drugs by striking a balance between reducing supply and demand. This joint publication between the EMCDDA and the European Commission brings together some of the key frequently asked questions on the EU’s drugs policy and how it functions. Further details can be found via the websites and other links provided at the end of each answer. The brochure exists in English and French language versions.

Abstract: The 2011 work programme takes forward activities begun in 2010 to implement the EMCDDA’s three-year strategy (2010–12). Key themes of this strategy are the consolidation of core data, investment in more complex and policy-relevant analysis, and the development of a small number of new areas of strategic importance. Progress was made in all these areas in 2010, and this document details the next steps to be taken.

Abstract: Recent estimates suggest that, each year, over 1 million Europeans receive treatment for problems related to the use of illicit drugs (EMCDDA, 2010). Of these, more than half receive opioid substitution treatment for problems related to opioid drugs, primarily heroin. The current levels of provision of drug treatment services in the European Union are the result of an expansion of services that has taken place during the last two decades. For much of that time, services expanded against a background of a growing drug problem, and one in which economic conditions were largely favourable. Now, however, in an era of cuts in government expenditure, managing the costs of treatment and ensuring the highest quality and best outcomes for the lowest possible cost are priorities. While measuring and improving drug treatment outcomes have been relatively high on the research agenda in recent years, the cost of treatment has received far less research attention. Addressing this information gap is likely to have a number of benefi ts for both decision-makers and treatment providers. On the one hand, service providers need accurate information on the costs of service provision in order to plan the allocation of resources. On the other, decision-makers and funders can use such information as a means of cost control, for example, by comparing costs of similar services or those of alternative providers of similar services. Finally, as a part of a fuller economic analysis, information on service costs is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of interventions and treatment programmes. The cost of drug treatment in Europe is looked at from two main angles in this Selected issue. First, it presents an overview of the main sources of drug treatment funding and the financing mechanisms that are employed in European countries. The available data are presented on who is paying for drug treatment, how funding is organised, and how funding is distributed among different treatment modalities. This is followed by an analysis of the unit costs of different types of drug treatment. Costs related to opioid substitution treatment including the costs of substitution medication for a number of European countries are presented here. This publication keeps a tight focus on the cost of drug treatment and does not attempt to undertake a broader economic analysis of the healthcare and social costs relating to illicit drugs. This Selected issue represents a fi rst attempt to provide a European overview of drug treatment costs, and individual countries are brought into focus to illustrate specifi c aspects of the analysis. This subject is both topical and methodologically challenging. The varying availability of information as well as the complexity of funding arrangements mean that, at best, only very incomplete estimates can be made of the costs of (or expenditure on) drug treatment in Europe.

Abstract: Using a sample of 614 youths, this study examined differences and similarities between adolescents at risk (age range 11-20 years), and their integration in school or vocational training. We found that mood states (depression, anxiety), secure self (self-esteem and self-efficacy), relationship with parents, delinquency and substance use (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) were variables which largely influenced social integration (school, work) for youths with poor sociodemographic backgrounds. An important variable we introduced here was sociodemographic background, which investigated the social situation of a youth. We distinguished two different groups (good vs. poor sociodemographic background). There were important differences between both groups. Youths with a poor sociodemographic background scored higher in suicidality and health complaints. The most striking differences were in substance use and delinquency. The structural equation model showed that poor mood was related to substance use at the start. Important paths were found in mood states over time, as for substance use, but interactions between both variables were small. We ran different models (poor vs. good social background, Swiss vs. migrant youths), and concluded that secure self and good family relations protected against poor mood and substance use and both variables indirectly influenced integration 2-3 years later.

Abstract: Throughout the year, bars, nightclubs, discotheques and other recreational venues provide young Europeans with opportunities to socialise and dance, often offering entertainment such as concerts and dance parties. In addition, large music festivals that are organised mostly during the summer months attract thousands of visitors. Surveys show that in many recreational venues the use of drugs is more prevalent than in the general population (EMCDDA, 2006).