New drugs require flexible response, says EU report - 06/06/2013.

The number and availability of new types of drugs 

continued to rise in 2012, challenging EU efforts to 

combat illegal drugs and reduce addiction.

Globalisation, technological advances and the internet have driven 

the development of an open market for new drugs, according to the 

EU drugs agency, which monitors drug use in Europe.

This fundamental shift poses significant challenges for treatment 

programmes, law enforcement and policymaking, the agency says 

in its annual report.

The EU will have to rapidly adjust its new drugs strategy to address 

this more dynamic market, the agency concludes.

European situation

There were some positive developments last year – demand for 

cannabis and cocaine is falling in some countries, and the number 

of first-time heroin users fell.

Record numbers of people are also getting treatment for addiction. 

Some 1.2 million Europeans entered a rehab programme in 2011. 

Heroin addicts and those dependent on similar opioid-type drugs 

form the largest group being treated, followed by cannabis and 

cocaine users.

The European situation indicates that drug treatment remains the 

most likely cost-effective approach – even in difficult economic 

times, the report says.

Treatment services

Although drug-related services have a significant role in helping 

addicts end, or at least manage, their drug use, treatment 

programmes are in danger of being underfunded as governments 

seek to cut public budgets.

Cuts to such programmes have already been made by some 

countries, even though drug use in Europe remains high. A quarter 

of European adults – some 85 million people – are estimated to 

have used illegal drugs.

While some 6,500 people died from overdose in 2011 – a fall of 

500 from the previous year – drug-related deaths remain a major 

challenge for public health services.

The drugs market is also adapting to demand, with ever more 

complex synthetic stimulants on the market in greater numbers. 

Authorities have detected over 70 new drugs in the past year, some 

of which can still be obtained legally.

Globalisation and information technology are important drivers of 

this rapidly evolving market, with the internet allowing users to 

connect with new suppliers.

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