You are currently browsing the Drugs & Alcohol weblog archives for the day 25/11/2008.
25/11/2008 by admin.
Below is an extract from EMCDDA annual report published 6th November 2008
Nearly a quarter of all Europeans, or around 71 million (15–64 years), have tried cannabis in their lifetime, and around 7 % (23 million) have used it in the last year — making it still Europe’s most commonly consumed illicit drug. But, in some important markets, there are now ’stronger signals’ of the drug’s waning popularity, reinforcing the analysis presented in last year’s Annual report
Click here to read more on rates of Cannabis use from EMCDDA
Posted in EMCDDA, Cannabis | No Comments »
25/11/2008 by admin.
Warning signs over Europe’s biggest drug problem
Opioids are still at the heart of Europe’s drug phenomenon. And signs of change in our heroin and synthetic opioid problem mean that countries need to be vigilant and prepared to respond. These were among the key points stressed by the EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction) as it launched its annual report: the state of the drugs problem in Europe on 6 November in Brussels.
Estimates show that there are between 1.3 and 1.7 million problem opioid users in the EU and Norway, with heroin responsible for Europe’s largest drug-related health and social costs. New data published in the report call into question previous EMCDDA assessments of a slowly improving heroin situation and point to a ’stable, but no longer diminishing problem’. Record opium production in Afghanistan in 2007 has also heightened the agency’s worries over a potential knock-on effect on Europe’s heroin problem
Click here to read the full report from EMCDDA on Opiods
Stimulant drugs — such as amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine — are the second most commonly consumed drug type in Europe today, after cannabis. But within this group, data reveal a very mixed picture in terms of prevalence, trends and market developments.
Click here to read more on stimulant drugs from EMCDDA
Posted in Stimulant Drugs, EMCDDA, Heroin | No Comments »
25/11/2008 by admin.
Just come across this newly launched campaign from Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS). There has been a lot in the news recently about what are safe levels of alcohol in pregnancy. Here is soem information form AFS about the campaign.
As more research is published about drinking alcohol during pregnancy, Alcohol Focus Scotland launches a new campaign - ‘Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix’.
The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the ‘avoid alcohol when pregnant’ message among women who are pregnant, are thinking of trying for a baby, and among the wider population who may encourage women to have a drink without understanding the possible harm.
We are concerned that women have been given conflicting advice about whether or not drinking alcohol during pregnancy will cause harm to their developing baby. There is proven risk that heavy drinking during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) however the exact level for risky consumption is unknown. What we do know is that the risk of damage increases the more alcohol is consumed and that binge drinking is especially harmful. This means that no alcohol is the best and safest choice. This is also the advice given by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer and the British Medical Association.
Click here to visit Alcohol Focus Scotland
Posted in Alcohol Focus Scotland, Alcohol & women, Alcohol & pregnancy | No Comments »