NCJ Number
171410
Editor(s)
M Ashton
Date Published
1996
Length
176 pages
Annotation
In accordance with the European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addiction's (EMCDDA's) initial priorities, this report focuses on what is known about the extent and nature of the demand for drugs (epidemiology) in the European Union (EU), as well as measures to reduce that demand; it also reports on information sources for epidemiology and demand reduction and describes the nature and capacities of the National Focal Points that support the European Information Network on Drugs and Drug Addiction.
Abstract
The proportion of the general adult population who say they have tried an illegal drug typically ranges from approximately 5- 8 percent in several countries to 11-16 percent in several others, but is higher (10-20 percent) among young adults. Cannabis continues to be the most common illegal drug used throughout the European Union; the most common pattern of use is occasional or intermittent rather than frequent. Most EU member states have increased their investment in demand reduction, and all agree that demand reduction is a multidisciplinary, community responsibility. This philosophy is reflected in the predominance of decentralized initiatives. Preventing drug use is a universal priority. Common across the EU are approaches that focus on the factors that lead to drug-taking or protect youth from drug use, moving the emphasis from drugs to wider family and social influences. School programs are the most widespread form of primary prevention in Europe. National drug strategies in the EU typically aim to maintain a balance between policies to reduce the demand for drugs and those aimed at reducing supply.