Release of the State of the Drugs Problem in Europe 2011 Report - Eurad

EURAD welcomes the latest report from the EMCDDA which highlights the complex drug problems we face in Europe today.

The drug situation in perspective

In many respects, this year's report is one of contrasts. On the one hand, drug use appears to be relatively stable in Europe. Prevalence levels overall remain high by historical standards, but they are not rising. On the other hand, there are worrying indications of developments in the synthetic drugs market and more generally, in the way drug consumers now use a wider set of substances. Polydrug use, including the combination of illicit drugs with alcohol, and sometimes, medicines and non-controlled substances, has become the dominant pattern of drug use in Europe.

Key points from the 2011 report:

• Risk of localised HIV epidemics among drug injectors may be growing

• The use of fentanyl, which is likely manufactured outside the European Union is being reported in some countries in northern and central Europe

• Despite a dramatic increase in treatment availability over the years, the number of users dying of drug overdose in Europe has remained stable

• Some decline in the use of cocaine in the countries which had the highest prevalence, prompting the question of whether the cocaine bubble has burst?

• Most recent data pointing towards increased availability of MDMA

• Increase in online shops selling psychoactive drugs, with increasing security measures in place to protect the identity of both sellers and buyers

• Whilst cannabis use appears to be stable or even declining in the EU, it is reported that cannabis resin is being increasingly imported from countries such as Afghanistan and Lebanon, with herbal cannabis being imported mainly from countries in the Balkan region and to a lesser extent, some African and Asian countries

Fay Watson, Secretary General of EURAD said: "We welcome the report released by the EMCDDA today, which helps everyone better understand the changing drug situation in Europe. We hope that the information provided in today's report will be incorporated into the development of effective drug policies, at a member state and EU level. In terms of some of the points which are raised within the report, we have recently supported a call by NGO's to ensure that appropriate EU action is taken on alcohol and in the coming weeks, we will be involved in a consultation process regarding psychoative drugs with the European Commission, as part of our committment to the Civil Society on Drugs Forum".

To read the full report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction as well as the comprehensive package which accompanies the main report, please click here.