National estimates of problem drug use

Prevalence rates have been recalculated for the 15 to 64 age group, and so are not directly comparable with the EMCDDA s 1999 annual report. Estimates are mainly based on statistical models incorporating drug-related indicators and include  

Italy applied five methods, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Finland and the UK applied three, Spain, Luxembourg and the Netherlands used two, while Belgium, Austria, Sweden and Norway could only apply one. Using several independent methods allows cross-validation of single estimates and could lead to more reliable overall estimates. However, comparing between countries is still not straightforward as most countries could not apply all methods. 

National prevalence estimates of problem drug use in the EU and Norway, 1996-98 

Prevalence of problem drug use appears to be relatively similar in most countries 

Notes (1) All estimates are based on a 12-month period between 1996 and 1998, except for Austria (1995), Ireland (1995-96) and Sweden (1992). Greece and Portugal were unable to provide estimates. 

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