Why is it important to consider a gender perspective in the drugs field? What do the data tell us about the main gender differences in drug use and drug-related harms in Europe? Is the gender gap in drug use narrowing among younger generations? How can gender-responsive interventions be implemented in the drugs field?
These are just some of the questions posed in our Frequently asked questions (FAQ): gender and drugs in Europe published today.
The new resource provides answers to important questions on gender and drugs, with a particular focus on the European situation. It provides an overview of key concepts, a summary of available data by gender, and examples of gender-responsive interventions reported by EU Member States, Norway and Türkiye.
Discussion of gender in the drugs field has often focused on women and issues specific to them, such as drug use during pregnancy, reiterating gender stereotypes. While important, this has left significant gaps in our understanding of broader gender differences in drug use and drug-related harms as well as in the design of interventions.
Limited research and monitoring in this area also make it harder to accurately assess the needs of women and men in all their diversity and to develop appropriate responses.
The new FAQs aim to contribute to addressing this knowledge gap by bringing together evidence and resources for experts, practitioners and policymakers. They also support the more systematic integration of a gender perspective into drug research, monitoring, policies and interventions.
The section ‘Gender and drugs in Europe: data overview’ includes the following key findings:
- 53 million males and 36 million females aged 15-64 in the European Union have tried an illicit drug at least once in their lifetime.
- Approximately 75 % males and 25 % females have access drug treatment in 2023. Southern European countries report a higher proportion of males entering treatment than northern countries.
- 78% of the 7 500 drug-induced deaths reported in 2023 were males and 22 % females. Suicidal intent, when reported, is higher among females than among males in most countries.
- The gender gap appears to be rather stable, although gender differences decreased in recent years among younger generations.
The resource also includes sections on key concepts related to gender and drugs, the role of gender perspectives in drug policy and interventions and the methodological approach used (including information sources, limitations, references and links to further resources).
Most of the data discussed in the FAQs are based on sex at birth. Information on gender identity and drug use remains limited, but is included where available.
