HIV among people who inject drugs: Data factsheet

(December 2023) Under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 29 EMCDDA countries (EU-27, Türkiye and Norway) have committed to ending the epidemics of HIV/AIDS by 2030. The WHO regional action plan outlines the vision, goals and actions required to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic with interim targets for 2025. So, how are these countries performing in terms of targets relating to people who inject drugs?

EU Drug Market: Cannabis

(November 2023) ‘EU Drug Market: Cannabis — In-depth analysis’ describes the European cannabis market from production and trafficking, to distribution and use. It details the processes, materials and players involved at different stages and levels of the market. The module takes a threat assessment approach, identifying key issues and defining recommendations for action at EU and Member State level.

Health risk communication strategies for drug checking services

(November 2023) This report provides an overview of principles of effective health risk communication for a drug checking service audience. The contents of this report are based on: the findings of international evidence reviews of health risk communication; communication guidelines published by international organisations; and specific initiatives undertaken with people who use drugs and the services that support them.

Prevention and control of infectious diseases among people who inject drugs

(November 2023) This joint guidance report explores good public health practices that can support effective policies to reduce infections. Common blood-borne viruses in this group include HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These are mainly spread through the sharing of needles, syringes and drug preparation equipment or unprotected sexual contacts.
Also see the related technical reports:

• Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to prevent infections among people who inject drugs: Drug treatment, needle and syringe programmes and drug consumption rooms for preventing hepatitis C, HIV and injecting risk behaviour
• Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to prevent infections among people who inject drugs: Review of mathematical modelling studies of opioid agonist treatment and needle and syringe programmes for preventing hepatitis C transmission

EU Drug Market: Amphetamine

(October 2023) 'EU Drug Market: Amphetamine — In-depth analysis' describes the European amphetamine market from production and trafficking, to distribution and use. It details the processes, materials and actors involved at different stages and levels of the market. Taking a threat assessment approach, the module identifies key issues and makes recommendations for action at EU and Member State level.

Professionals working in reception centres in Europe: an overview of drug-related challenges and support needs

(October 2023) This report describes the context of substance use and the utilisation of healthcare services among applicants for international protection in EU+ countries. This joint EMCDDA-EUAA study aims to identify the key issues and define recommendations based on the needs expressed by a sample of professionals working in reception facilities.

Viral hepatitis elimination barometer among people who inject drugs in Europe

(September 2023) The elimination barometer for hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs is designed to support countries affiliated to the EMCDDA in monitoring their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal 3.3 and the elimination of viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030.

Captagon trafficking and the role of Europe

(September 2023) This report examines the role of Europe in the production and trafficking of captagon tablets. It includes an historical background, current production and trafficking, seizures, the consumer market, production within the EU, forensic analysis and purported links to terrorism.

Most recent data from the European Syringe Collection and Analysis Project Enterprise

(September 2023) While evidence from drug treatment centres suggests that injecting drug use is declining among heroin clients in the European Union, the risk of overdose death and infectious diseases associated with this mode of administration remains high. The injection of stimulants — including cocaine and synthetic cathinones — has been linked to increased risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) transmission, through increased frequency of use and sharing of injecting paraphernalia. Knowledge of what substances are being injected is important to guide prevention strategies and plan the provision of harm reduction interventions.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ): drug overdose deaths in Europe

(August 2023) This page provides answers to the questions most often asked about drug overdose deaths in Europe. Also known as drug-induced deaths, these are deaths directly attributable to the use of illicit drugs. The information presented here is based on the latest data from the Member States of the European Union and the EMCDDA affiliates Norway and Türkiye. It draws on contributions from specialists from these countries, as well as on information provided by European countries in the annual reporting exercise to the agency.

Older people and drugs: health and social responses

(July 2023) This miniguide is one of a larger set, which together comprise Health and social responses to drug problems: a European guide. It provides an overview of the most important aspects to consider when planning or delivering health and social responses for older people using drugs, and reviews the availability and effectiveness of the responses. It also considers implications for policy and practice.

European Drug Emergencies Network (Euro-DEN Plus): data and analysis

(July 2023) On this page you can explore data from hospitals participating in the European Drug Emergencies Network (Euro-DEN — Euro-DEN Plus) project. This project involves the collection of data on emergency department presentations with acute drug toxicity in participating countries in Europe. More centres are currently being recruited to increase the European value, representativeness and utility of this data source.