NCJ Number
119824
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 41 Issue: 1 & 2, double issue Dated: (1989) Pages: 3-27
Date Published
1989
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A comparative epidemiological study conducted between 1982 and 1986 focused on indicators of use of illicit drugs in seven European cities: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Dublin, Ireland; Hamburg, West Germany; London, England; Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract
The study was conducted under the auspices of the Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe. The analysis concluded that drawing together data from several indicators can produce a useful assessment of drug abuse. However, the agency-based data must be complemented by surveys and other studies of drug abuse in the populations concerned. The members of the expert group recommend that a single organizational unit integrate and analyze data and epidemiological studies and discuss different models of how such a unit can be achieved. Improvement in the consistency and quality of the data is essential if policies are to be based on a sound understanding of trends in drug abuse. 17 references. (Author abstract modified)