The challenge of responding to a more globally joined-up, dynamic, and innovative drug market: Reflections from the EMCDDA´s 2018 analysis of the European drug situation

Dusunen Adam The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences, Volume 31, Number 3, September 2018 Each year in the European Drug Report (EDR), the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) produces an overview of trends and developments in the drug situation. Founded in 1993, and based in Lisbon, Portugal, since 1995, the EMCDDA is the designated reference point for drugrelated information in the European Union (EU). It works with all EU member states as well as, by special agreement, with Norway and Turkey. Data are collected annually for a set of standardised indicators that cover both drug demand and drug supply measures. In addition, the EMCDDA, together with Europol, is responsible for the EU’s early warning system on new psychoactive substances (NPS). This three-step mechanism allows for the sharing of information on non-controlled psychoactive substances appearing in Europe that may pose a risk to health similar to drugs controlled under the United Nations Conventions. Should it be merited, information provided to the early warning system may trigger a risk assessment, which is conducted by the EMCDDA’s Scientific Committee. This exercise can potentially lead to a decision for fast track control measures being introduced across the EU. In this editorial, we consider how a more globally joined-up, dynamic and innovative drug market has impacted on drug availability and on drug use problems. In doing so, we build on the commentary and analysis of the Dusunen Adam The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences 2018;31:231-237 Guest Editorial / Misafir Editoryal DOI: 10.5350/DAJPN20183103001