Drugs

The European monitoring centre for drugs and drug addiction (EMCDDA) estimates that drug abuse in the EU accounts for 6500-9000 deaths (by overdose) a year. Injecting is also a major vehicle for blood-borne infections such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C. The EU has 2m problem drug users, half of them injecting. The incidence of HIV among injectors fell between 2001-05, but still accounted for some 3 500 new cases in 2005.

The EU Drugs Strategy (2005-12) includes the promotion of healthy lifestyles and takes account of the different health risks associated with different drugs, ages and circumstances (pregnancy, driving, etc.). The EU Drugs Action Plan (2005-08), based on the strategy, focuses on supply and demand reduction, better international coordination, information, research and evaluation. It includes clear, measurable indicators for each action to evaluate results and review the progress so that the new EU Drugs Action Plan 2009-2012 can be developed.

For information on pharmaceutical products, please go to Care for Me/ Medicines and Treatment.