NCJ Number
131726
Date Published
1991
Length
84 pages
Annotation
The idea of a European Drug Monitoring Center (EDMC) was first proposed in October 1989 and agreement has been completed on the principles of EDMC operation in 1991.
Abstract
The actual type of institution and its location and budget are still to be decided. During the interim period until the center is actually functioning, the Drugs Unit of the European Commission plans to finalize priorities for the EDMC. The EDMC will collect, analyze, and disseminate information from member states on drug epidemiology, evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and research. The EDMC will also seek information on cooperation programs conducted by member states and improve data collection on the production, consumption, and trafficking situation in third countries. Drug-related activities are already occurring in the various directorate-generals of the European Commission. These activities involve the conduct of public opinion polls to evaluate drug use and public health trends, drug prevention, drug education and training, the analysis of drug trafficking risks along external borders, and the development of a computer-based drug intelligence collection system. The activities also focus on health-related research on drug effects, HIV prevalence and risk factors among intravenous drug users, the prevalence of drug abuse among female prostitutes, operations against drug trafficking by air passengers and air freight, and the reduction of drug-related problems among gangs. The feasibility study for the EDMC is included. 1 figure