The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction published its 2011 annual report in which draws conclusions such as that there are over 1.3 million regular opioid users in the EU and Norway. Furthermore, the report highlights that the use of inject drugs – heroin - is declining.

The 2011 Annual report from European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction shows its new analysis of Europe’s changing opioid problem. According to the report, heroin use continues to account for the largest share of drug-related diseases and deaths in the EU. The EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) estimates that there are over 1.3 million regular opioid users in the EU and Norway. And around half of the drug users entering specialised treatment in Europe report opioids as their main problem drug.

In addition, EMCDDA reports the rising concern over synthetic opioids. Some countries in Europe report that synthetic opioids have displaced heroin from the marketplace. In Estonia, three-quarters of those entering treatment now report fentanyl as their main drug. Fentanyl use is also reported in a number of other countries, particularly in eastern Member States. This drug, a synthetic opioid considerably more potent than heroin and particularly associated with overdoses, is likely to be manufactured illicitly, with the most important production sites thought to be located in countries bordering the EU. The Commission has already proposed a stronger EU response to fight new psychoactive drugs.

On the other hand, the EU Agency also published a review of guidelines for the treatment of drug dependence. It shows how almost all European countries now have drug addiction treatment guidelines, illustrating a growing commitment to developing evidence-based practice in this area. Over 140 sets of guidelines were identified from across Europe in 23 European languages. These focus largely on opioid substitution treatment and aim to help practitioners make informed choices.