Although the prevalence of opioid dependence among European adults is low and varies considerably between countries, it is associated with a disproportionate amount of drug-related harm that includes infectious diseases and other health problems, mortality, unemployment, crime, homelessness and...

The sharing of injecting equipment increases the risk of the transmission and acquisition of blood-borne infections, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses. Historically interventions targeting people who inject drugs — primarily OST, needle and syringe programmes and harm reduction measures to...

New psychoactive substances are drugs that are not controlled under the United Nations drug control conventions but which may pose similar threats to health. These drugs include synthetic cannabinoids, opioids, stimulants and hallucinogens. Usually they are marketed as ‘legal’ replacements for the...

The term ‘polydrug use’ is used to describe the use of more than one drug or type of drug by an individual either at the same time or sequentially. It encompasses use of both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medicines. This policy and practice briefing provides an overview of...

Europe has a long history of migration and the diversity of its ethnicities and religions creates complex links between ethnicity and drug use. More recently, following a high level of conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, more than 1.4 million people applied for asylum in the European Union in...

There are different ways in which families of people who use drugs may be affected and may affect the drug use of their family member. Some are positive and some are negative. This section focuses on the problems experienced by adult family members of people who have drug problems and the potential...

Drug and alcohol use in nightlife settings, such as bars, nightclubs and other recreational venues, is linked to health and social problems, including acute health harms, aggressive behaviour and violence, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. There are also longer-term health...

Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of risk-taking and experimentation that often includes substance use. Schools and colleges are important settings in which to reach young people, although some vulnerable groups may not be well-represented within them. This policy and practice briefing...