Methods and definitions

• General population surveys
• Schools surveys
• Problem drug use
• Drug users in prison
• Drug-related infectious diseases
• Drug-related deaths
• Drug law offences
• Treatment demand
• Markets and availability

A brief summary of the methodological and definitional basis for each of the main areas is to be found under the following headings. Links are provided to the detailed protocols and guidelines relating to each area that are held elsewhere on the EMCDDA website.

General population surveys of drug use

Studies of youth and the schools population

Studies of the problematic drug use population

Studies of drug users in prison

Drug-related infectious diseases

Drug-related deaths

Drug law offences

Demand for treatment for drug use

Drug availability and drug markets