Studies of the problematic drug use population

Overview of the data | Tables | Graphics | Supplementary downloadable tables | Methods and definitions

Overview of the data

The links above give access to the tables in the bulletin, the supplementary downloadable tables and the associated graphics in the section dealing with problem drug use, as well as to a description of the methods and definitions used in compiling this data. A brief, summary overview is provided below. See also the side navigation bar for links to all chapters.

Tables and graphics present summary information on the estimated numbers of problem drug users and injecting drug users, along with the corresponding prevalence rates in the adult population (aged 15 to 64). Estimates are made by a variety of methods in each country, and data are presented for the most recent years available. Estimates at the national or regional level are likely to show lower variability than local estimates.

Time trend analysis is restricted by the fact that few countries are able to provide regular estimates of PDU prevalence and even fewer can provide regular estimates of IDU prevalence. This suggests the need for strengthening surveillance capacity is this area. The full information on which the summaries are based can be found in the supplementary downloadable tables.

Summary points

For estimates of PDU, the midpoints of the prevalence ranges all lie between 2 and 10 cases per 1000 of the adult population (aged 15 to 64).
Prevalence appears to differ strongly between countries. In cases where different estimation methods have been used for the same country the results are largely consistent.
Most new Member States have not yet been able to produce national estimates of problem drug use, but the few estimates that are available (Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland) do not suggest higher prevalence rates than in the old Member States (Figure PDU-1).
Few countries are able to provide national estimates for injecting drug use. Where available they are likely to relate mostly to recent injecting.
All estimates of IDU are between 1 and 6 cases per 1000 of the population aged 15 to 64.
Data available suggest important differences between countries in prevalence of IDU (Figure PDU-2).
The proportion of current injectors among clients in drug treatment shows wide variation in levels and trends.
In some countries strong decreases have occurred during the 1990s, but this is not a general picture. Several countries show proportions injecting steadily maintained or somewhat decreasing in recent years. In several other countries, though, most heroin users entering treatment are injectors. This is observed both among all heroin users entering treatment as well as among the new clients entering treatment for the first time).
Trends in the proportion of treated heroin users who are injectors must in most countries be seen in the context of declining numbers of heroin users entering treatment for the fist time (Figure PDU-3 part (i), Figure PDU-3 part (ii)).
Trends in problem drug use estimates suggest a general increase since the mid 1990s.
However, in recent years trends seem to be more divergent, with some countries showing clear signs of a decline, whilst elsewhere estimates are rising or a more stable picture is reported (Figure PDU-4 part (i), Figure PDU-4 part (ii), Figure PDU-4 part (iv), Figure PDU-4 part (v), Figure PDU-5).
Local or regional estimates suggest that prevalence of PDU can vary strongly between cities and regions. The reported pattern of estimates within a country can depend heavily on the availability of estimates and choice of geographic areas studied (Figure PDU-6, Figure PDU-7)