Abstract: This manual compiles basic but evidence-based prevention principles, planning rules and evaluation tips. Additionally, it provides related documentation or references for download; it is hoped that this additional material will be particularly useful for readers who have difficulty accessing the scientific prevention literature. To illustrate the theoretical discussion, an intervention example, partly based on a real-life situation, gives a practical perspective.

Abstract: Prices are an essential element of the illicit drug market, from both a supply and demand perspective. They are an indicator of drug availability and are an important tool for understanding the workings of drug supply mechanisms. They may also be used to help target law enforcement resources and assist criminal justice agencies with decisions related to prosecution and sentencing (e.g. assets recovery). The EMCDDA has been collecting information on retail drug prices via its Reitox focal points for the last 15 years. Although considerable progress has been made in this area, there is still variation in data collection in Europe. To address this issue, the EMCDDA has released these Guidelines for collecting data on retail drug prices in Europe: issues and challenges in its Manuals series. The Manual raises awareness on specific issues related to collecting data on retail drug prices and offers practical suggestions. It addresses difficulties in obtaining a definition of ’retail’ prices, and discusses the challenge of obtaining a representative sample of illicit, and therefore hidden, transactions. Suggestions are made for a minimum set of variables to be recorded for each observation. Targeted at all those involved in data collection on drug prices in Europe, the Manual reviews the main data-collection methods, current national practices and data-management issues.

Abstract: Infectious diseases are among the most serious health consequences of injecting drug use and can lead to significant healthcare costs. Injecting drug users are vulnerable to a range of infectious and communicable diseases through a variety of risk behaviours, and because of underlying conditions such as poor hygiene, homelessness and poverty. There is a recognised need for guidance on providing IDUs with a medical examination and testing for HIV, viral hepatitis and several other infections on a regular basis. In addition, improving testing uptake in this group would benefit epidemiological surveillance and monitoring as carried out at the national and international level. These guidelines are accompanied by a recommended package of prevention and primary care in relation to injecting drug users and infections. Treatment and other specialist care are not discussed in detail but are dealt with by indicating referral to appropriate services.