Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Reuters NewMedia - Wednesday October 22, 2003
Martin Roberts

The European Union's drug monitoring agency said in a report that the accession of the 10 mainly east European and former-Communist countries raised the prospect of increased drug trafficking and spread of infectious diseases.

Some eastern European countries "are threatened by the most rapidly developing HIV epidemic in the world," the agency said, with infection spreading recently and suddenly among injecting drug users in future EU members Estonia and Latvia.

"But enlargement also offers countries a unique opportunity to benefit from close collaboration," agency director Georges Estievenart said.

In its latest annual report on the EU and Norway, the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction said most EU countries showed signs of increasing drug use but there were "some grounds for cautious optimism" over increasing coordination to tackle the problem.

"Available data suggest a rise (in problem drug use) since the mid-1990s in at least half the 16 reporting countries."

Almost all countries surveyed by the Lisbon-based agency voiced new concerns about rising cocaine use, which was concentrated in big cities.

Surveys showed that between one and nine percent of 15-34 year olds had used cocaine at least once in their lives. Prevalence of crack cocaine was still low and its use restricted to marginalized communities in some cities "resulting in severe but very localized problems."

Agency Chairman Marcel Reimen said Europeans were getting better at joining forces to combat problems over drug use.

"Overall, there is evidence of a better understanding of what works, and coordination of efforts within and between countries is now recognized as a vital component of effective drugs policy," he said.

The agency warned of a rise in "binge" drinking -- five or more drinks in a row -- and intensive drug use among a small but important number of vulnerable young people.

Surveys showed that between 36 percent (Portugal) and 89 percent (Denmark) of 15 and 16-year-olds had been drunk at least once in their lives, while more and more said they had had "binges" within the previous 30 days.

The agency also warned that solvent abuse among young people was often overlooked, although it probably accounted for more deaths than high-profile drugs such as ecstasy.

031022
RE031029

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .