2009

New EMCDDA policy briefing underlines need for enforceable and evidence-based laws

(18.9.2009, LISBON) Many of the accidents and deaths that occur on European roads are caused by drivers whose performance is impaired by a psychoactive substance. Alcohol alone is estimated to account for up to 10 000 road deaths a year in the EU, one quarter of all road deaths. But, says the EMCDDA, no comparable figures are available for road accidents relating to illcit drugs and psychoactive medicines. This means that, with no clear picture of the problem, tailoring responses will prove difficult.

EU drugs agency, EMCDDA, moves to new premises

(31.8.2009, LISBON) The EU drugs agency, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), moved this month to new premises in the Portuguese capital.

EMCDDA and Europol release joint report on methamphetamine

13.7.2009, LISBON) The EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) and the European Police Office (Europol) released today the first edition in a new series of joint publications covering key aspects of European drug markets. The launch of the series is one of several collaborative activities agreed by the two bodies for the period 2009–12.

EMCDDA and Europol step up cooperation on drugs and crime

(16.3.2009, LISBON) The EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) and the European Police Office (Europol), stepped up their cooperation on drugs and crime today by approving a series of collaborative activities for the period 2009–12. The action was taken in the framework of a ‘Cooperation Agreement’ signed by the organisations in Brussels on 19 November 2001 (¹).

Women’s voices — experiences and perceptions of women facing drug problems

(5.3.2009, LISBON) A collection of narratives from women facing drug-related problems in Europe is released by the EMCDDA today ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March). It is estimated that around one in four drug users entering treatment is female, and that women account for one in five drug-related deaths. Yet most drug services today are designed with male drug users in mind, as they remain the predominant client group.

New EMCDDA thematic paper on indicated prevention

(20.2.2009, LISBON) The EMCDDA releases today its latest online thematic paper entitled: Preventing later substance use disorders in at-risk children and adolescents: a review of the theory and evidence base of indicated prevention. The review adds to the current knowledge and understanding of risk factors in the development of later drug problems and dependence, focusing on the mental health and behavioural problems that develop during childhood.