2007 Annual report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe launched in Brussels today
Positive messages from EU drugs report marred by high levels of drug-related deaths and rising cocaine use
(22.11.2007, LISBON ) After over a decade of rising drug use, Europe may now be entering a more stable phase. Not only are there signs that heroin use and drug injecting have become generally less common, but new data suggest that levels of cannabis use may now be stabilising after a sustained period of growth.
Nevertheless, positive messages are marred by high levels of drug-related deaths and rising cocaine use. These comments come today as the agency launches its 2007 Annual report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe in Brussels.
Cannabis: Use stabilising and signs of popularity waning among the young. But intensive cannabis use causing health concerns – around 3 million may be using it on a daily, or almost daily, basis.
Cocaine: Estimates rise again. Around 4.5 million Europeans report using the drug in the last year. Record cocaine seizures in Europe: 107 tonnes in 2005, up over 45% on quantities seized in 2004.
HIV: Overall positive assessment, but 3 500 new infections among drug injectors in 2005 underline need for continued efforts. Up to 200 000 drug injectors live with HIV. Up to 1 million live with HCV, ‘Europe’s hidden epidemic’.
Deaths: Europe risks failing to meet targets to reduce drug-related deaths. Between 7 000 and 8 000 overdose deaths per year, with no downward trend detectable in the most recent data.
EMCDDA RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT 2007
EMCDDA RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT 2007
After over a decade of rising drug use, Europe *may now be entering a more stable phase. Not only are there signs that heroin use and drug injecting have become generally less common, but new data suggest that levels of cannabis use **may now be stabilising after a sustained period of growth.
Nevertheless, positive messages are marred by high levels of drug-related deaths and rising cocaine use. These comments come today as the agency launches its 2007 Annual report on the state of the drugs problem in Europe in Brussels.
*-may / also – may not
**- may / also may not
This is a collection of words designed to cover ‘every which way’, I cannot believe
this fork tongue nonsense.
The fact that cocaine has risen in the UK near London is basically because the police have busted many small growers and the citizen has turned his attention to another drug, like cocaine.
In addition, in the past drugs seized were said to be the tip of the ‘ice berge’ yet, now the ‘tone’ is that if they seized more than last year ,there is lest drugs on the streets.
This is of course, wrong. We experience ‘trends & fashions’ and ‘wars’ also influence these changes.
Does anyone agree with the statement from Lisbon.
Ian
Ian Harris (Mr.)
REFORM DrugPolicyInterestGroup
Dagenham
Essex.
U.K.