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Analysis of drugs in sewage - An approach to assess substance use, applied to a prison setting

 

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Memo, OFDT, 21 p.
March 2017

Testing the water is an internationally renowned approach that leads to an objective estimation of illicit drug use in a given population area, varying in size depending on the chosen sampling point.  This method evidently has some biases, and the results obtained are merely a reflection of the situation at a  specific moment in time and does not provide data on the prevalence of use or user profile. However, it has the  advantage of allowing illicit substance use to be mapped, in terms of the quantities used and type of substance, according to different geographical sectors. Comparing these findings with the economic and social data in the regions studied, together with the possibility for monitoring use over time appear to be relevant applications of  this approach, to help manage prevention action and harm reduction measures related to illicit drug use.

The objective of this report is to present an initial feasibility study conducted in three prisons in France, in the specific context of a university research project initiated in 2015 in a prison setting. The first results, together with the difficulties encountered, the limitations and ethical considerations will  be developed in order to generate all of the aspects necessary to understanding and interpreting these types of analyses.

Authors : Thomas Néfau, Olivier Sannier, Cécile Hubert, Sara Karolak, Yves Lévi

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Drugs in Europe


2023 EMCDDA European Drug Report

The European Drug Report 2023: Trends and Developments presents the EMCDDA’s latest analysis of the drug situation in Europe. Focusing on illicit drug use, related harms and drug supply, the report contains a comprehensive set of national data across these themes and key harm-reduction interventions. This report is based on information provided to the EMCDDA by the EU Member States, the candidate country Türkiye, and Norway, in an annual reporting process.

  Statistical Bulletin 2023

The annual Statistical Bulletin contains the most recent available data on the drug situation in Europe provided by the Member States. These datasets underpin the analysis presented in the European Drug Report. All data may be viewed interactively on screen and downloaded in Excel format.

The European Union and the drug phenomenon

miniFAQDrugsEurope.jpgThe European Union & the drug phenomenon : Frequently asked questions, joint publication between the EMCDDA and the European Commission, october 2010, 12 p.