Reitox national focal points — 2024 highlights

Reitox national focal points highlights 2024 thumbnail

Introduction

This page presents a selection of the main achievements of 2024 as highlighted by our partners from the Reitox network of national focal points. This information was prepared and published specifically for the Lisbon Addictions 2024.

Country highlights map

Click on the a country name in the map below to see highlights from the country for 2024, as submitted by the Reitox national focal point. This information is also available in text format below.

About the Reitox national focal points

Reitox is the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) information network on drugs and drug addiction, created at the same time as the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, which became the EUDA in July 2, 2024, with an extended remit and stronger role.

Members of the network are designated national institutions or agencies responsible for data collection and reporting on drugs and drug addiction from all EU Member States, Norway, Türkiye and the European Commission.

These institutions are called national focal points, and directly contribute to the EUDA’s core task of collecting and reporting consistent, harmonised and standardised information on the drug phenomenon across Europe.

The results of these national monitoring process are fed to the agency for analysis and are ultimately released in the European Drug Report, Statistical Bulletin, and many other outputs.

Country highlights (text version)

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Türkiye

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Country	Country code	Focal point	About	Highlight 1	Highlight 2	Highlight 3
Austria	AT	Austrian national focal point	The Austrian REITOX National Focal Point was established at the Austrian National Public Health Institute (GOEG) in 1995 and integrated into GOEG's Addiction Competence Centre in 2016. The Addiction Competence Centre addresses all forms of addiction, including illicit drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, gaming, and other potentially addictive behaviours. Their core activities are substance use epidemiology, data collection and interpretation, policy support, strategy development, and networking. Their mission is supporting policy and stakeholders to be prepared for addiction related challenges.	The Austrian focal point is the national reference point and co-ordination centre for the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) in Austria and has already trained more than 50 decision-, policy- and opinion-makers.	The charitable foundation Stiftung Anton Proksch-Institut Wien awards prizes of up to 10,000 Euros to students writing on addiction. The Austrian focal point is tasked with coordinating this funding scheme, providing scientific support to the tender and supervising prize winners.	A feasibility study is being conducted in Vienna on the implementation of injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) with hydromorphone for people who inject drugs, aiming to assess a patient-centred approach. To inform this pilot initiative, the Austrian focal point conducted a scoping review of international research on iOAT to identify key barriers and facilitators to its implementation.
Belgium	BE	Belgian national focal point	The national focal point is located within the Epidemiology and Public health division at Sciensano, the Belgian Health research Institute. Sciensano implements policies in response to the legal framework and the priorities of the Federal Minister for Health and the President of the Federal Public Service for Health, Food Chain Security and the Environment. The institute is the scientific reference in the field of public health and supports health policy and policymaking through innovative research, analyses, monitoring activities and expert advice. In order to make use of national drug-related data, cooperation and coordination between the NFP and many different regional partner organisations is vital owing to the assigned responsibilities regarding health policy.	The Belgian focal point organised different workshops in relation to the heroin ban in Afghanistan and to be prepared for potential implications of the possible heroin shortage in Belgium.	The Belgian focal point invested in making results of different research projects more easily available through innovative science communication such as dashboards, info-graphics and a podcast.	The Belgian focal point co-organised the first panel debate about drugs in prison at the drug coordinator meeting of the Horizontal Working Party on Drugs under the Belgian Presidency.
Bulgaria	BG	Bulgarian Reitox national focal point	The national focal point (NFP) is based in the National Centre of Public Health and Analyses. The unit carries out informational, analytical, scientific research, expert-consultative and publishing activities. The main objectives of NFP activities include methodological control, collection, evaluation and classification, processing, storage, analysis and dissemination of information in the field of drug demand and supply in Bulgaria, drug policy and the response to the situation in that field.	The Bulgarian focal point has developed an online platform on its web page with information on the main data of the Reitox key epidemiological indicators. It provides current national data, data bases for the previous years, trends and comparisons with European and global data.	The Bulgarian focal point has developed and updated the Online Map of Treatment Opportunities in Bulgaria. It is part of the focal point’s work on the development of the Treatment Demand indicator, using information from the previous Internet catalog of treatment, and as part of the regular study on the supply and demand of treatment related to drug use in Bulgaria.	The Bulgarian focal point plans to create web pages for all 27 Municipal Drugs Councils in the country with regional data on drug use, drug demand and drug supply. Information on consultation with specialists from Prevention and Information Centres for drug-related problems will also be included.
Croatia	HR	Croatian Reitox national focal point	The national focal point is located within the Croatian National Institute for Public Health of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. This Institute develops drug policy and coordinates the activities of the ministries and other actors involved in the implementation of the national drug strategy at the political level.	A toxicovigilance network is being developed within the Early Warning System on New Psychoactive Substances in the Republic of Croatia. During 2025, a pilot project on monitoring drugs and new psychoactive substance-related intoxications is going to be implemented in the City of Zagreb, and further expanded countrywide after the piloting phase.	The Croatian focal point, in collaboration with a national expert group, developed the Guidelines for Safer Nightlife Environments and Music Festivals, based on which two pilot projects have been developed for selected local communities. After the pilot projects implementation in 2025 and their evaluation, the Guidelines will be refined to better reflect the actual needs and implementation capacities. Once revised, they will be introduced on a national scale.	In order to improve the knowledge of emerging drug trends, the Croatian focal point has activated additional sources for monitoring drug use, based on the models of SCORE and ESCAPE projects. Wastewater and the contents of used needles and syringes are now periodically being monitored at the national level.
Cyprus	CY	Cypriot Reitox national focal point	The national focal point was created in March 2004 by the Cyprus Anti-Drugs Council, the main coordinating body responsible for drug and alcohol policy in Cyprus. The primary role of the national focal point is the collection, analysis and evaluation of information and data concerning the drug use situation in Cyprus and the implementation of EMCDDA activities and other related national activities.	The Cyprus focal point, in the framework of a European project, has carried out for the first time a survey among people living in prison.	The Cyprus focal point has started collecting data on the substances injected by people who inject drugs derived from the analysis of the residual content of used syringes in the framework of the ESCAPE project.	Cyprus National Addictions Authority has taken on its role as the central coordinating body for European Prevention Curriculum in Cyprus. To date, it has trained 68 Decision Opinion and Policymakers (DOP) and has four National Trainers among its Policy Department staff. It offers EUPC trainings to its network and other associates twice per year.
Czechia	CZ	Czech Reitox national focal point	The national focal point was established as the National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction in 2002, within the structure of the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, Secretariat of the Council of the Government for Drug Policy Coordination. The main objectives of the national focal point are to monitor the situation in the field of use of psychotropic substances, prepare documentation for evidence-based decision-making at the national and European level and evaluate the efficiency of such actions.	The Czech focal point has established a system for monitoring the situation and trends in 6 different areas, and published 7 national reports in 2023: Report on tobacco and nicotine products, Report on alcohol, Report on problematic use of psychoactive medicines, Report on illicit drugs, Report on gambling, Report on digital addiction (in Czech), and Summary Report on addictions in the Czech Republic. (available in English).	In 2024, a new National Action Plan on Information System in Addictions was approved by the Council of the Government for Addiction Policy Coordination, defining monitoring and data collection priorities for the period of 2024-2026.	The Czech focal point is actively monitoring the drug scene via addiction services in the Czech Republic, through a series of flexible surveys focusing on new trends (new substances, new clients or new interventions provided).
Denmark	DK	Danish Reitox national focal point	The national focal point is located within the Danish Health Authority, an autonomous Government agency linked to the Ministry of Health. The Danish Health Authority is made up of a number of divisions and centres, each dealing with its own area of expertise.	New semi-synthetic cannabinoids have appeared very rapidly in various products on the Danish drug market since 2022. Following a risk assessment by the Danish Health Authority, a ban on possession and trade in substances included in the dibenzopyran group entered into force on 6 September 2024, and the substances in this generic group can now only be used for medical or scientific purposes. The products have been sold as legal cannabis in shops and on Danish websites.	In 2023 and 2024, there has been extensive media focus on the increase in abuse of illegally acquired opioids among young people, and on trade in tramadol and oxycodone, for example, on social media. The Danish government has plans to launch specific initiatives to change the situation and curb the abuse of opioids among children and youth.	The ambitious and culture-changing Danish prevention programme Fælles om ungelivet was inspired by the Icelandic prevention model, and the programme phase has just been launched to run from 2024-2027 by the Danish Health Authority and the municipalities. The goal is to create a local framework to support a good life for young people without drugs and other stimulants. Fælles om ungelivet focuses on the important role of parents and other adults around teenagers as culture creators and culture bearers. It is about motivating parents to be attentive and engaged, and to be willing to set clear boundaries for their children. Furthermore, it is about creating an environment that encourages more young people to become and remain active in associations and about influencing the culture in young people's leisure activities. After a pilot phase from 2020 to 2024, in five municipalities, positive developments in the form of greater parental involvement in local communities and a reduction in the use of alcohol was observed.
Estonia	EE	Estonian Reitox national focal point	The national focal point is located within the Infectious Disease and Drug Prevention Department of the NIHD. The department collects, harmonises and analyses data on illicit drugs in Estonia, and disseminates information and cooperates with EU and non-EU national focal points, and other international bodies and organisations.	The Estonian focal point implements regular syringe and wastewater residue studies on drugs.	The Estonian focal point is part of national policy planning and represented in governmental working groups.	The work of the focal point is well integrated into the general planning and service provision cycle in the drug field in the country. Data collection need and availability is programmed into most of the services offered by the National Institute for Health Development.
Finland	FI	Finnish Reitox national focal point	The national focal point is hosted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is an independent state-owned expert and research institute that promotes the welfare, health and safety of the population.	The Finnish focal point has been able to report more extensively about drug use in Finnish prisons. The Health and wellbeing of prisoners: The Wattu IV Prison Population Study was published in autumn 2023. It has provided new and important information on drug use and drug use disorders in Finnish prisons.	Because young people's drug-related deaths have increased in Finland, the publication 'Finnish model for preventing drug-related deaths' has presented 12 proposals for measures to prevent those deaths. It has also given instructions for the practical implementation of the suggested measures. The publication has been written by the Specialist Group for the Prevention of Drug-related Deaths (HEAR), which includes many Finnish focal point experts.	Finnish focal point experts are taking part in the project Out of Despair, which focuses on violent, suicidal, and drug-induced deaths and near-miss cases of young people under 30. One aim of the study is to examine the pathways of young people's life courses, and to reveal the underlying processes and mechanisms leading to unfortunate outcomes like drug-induced deaths and non-fatal overdoses.
France	FR	French Reitox national focal point	Since 1996, the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (Observatoire français des drogues et des tendances addictives, OFDT) has been entrusted, as an independent body, with the coordination of all drug-monitoring activities in France, and has acted as the national focal point. The OFDT is also consulted for its expertise and methodology to help prepare governmental policies.	In 2023, the French focal point (OFDT) has launched a new edition of its adult population Survey on Representations, Opinions and Perceptions regarding Psychoactive Drugs (EROPP). While the first versions of the survey questioned a representative sample of 2 000 to 3 000 individuals, the sample now comprises of 15 000 French aged 18 to 75. This survey now examines the prevalence of licit (tobacco and alcohol) and illicit drug use, gambling, and public opinion. It will continue to provide regular estimates on drug use and gambling trends.	Since 1999, the OFDT has piloted the Emerging Trends and New Drugs (TREND) and National Identification System for Toxics and Substances (SINTES), which are unique and complementary schemes in Europe for drug information collection. The first aims to gather qualitative information on emerging phenomena in the use of psychoactive illicit substances. The second aims to collect data on their composition. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this joint TREND-SINTES scheme, the OFDT is implementing a project to formalise a quality approach, potentially serving as a model for other countries in Europe.	One of the OFDT's primary missions is the analysis of public policies in order to enlighten decision-makers on the basis of evidence-based data. Several international projects have been launched in recent years, with a comparative perspective. For example, the collective research project ASTRACAN looked at the comparative implementation of cannabis regulation policies in the United States and Canada. In another field, the CIPPAL study explores the way in which regulatory/legal controls on audiovisual and digital marketing (via the Internet and social networks) in favour of alcohol influence young people's awareness of and exposure to alcohol marketing, compared with self-regulation by economic players.
Germany	DE	German Reitox national focal point	The German Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (DBDD) is a tripartite organisation, with each part responsible for different areas including, the overall management of the focal point, prevention aspects, addiction treatment, epidemiology, drug policy, legal framework, information on drug-related harms and harm reduction and the Early Warning System.	Cannabis has been legalized in Germany. This has resulted in many innovations and Germany is the focus of media attention from all over the world. Many press inquiries and specialist presentations have been held on this topic and the German Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction is on the lookout for new trends and potential changes associated with legalization.	A digital portal was created for the Federal Government's Drug Commissioner, which contains all important data on illegal and legal substances as well as behavioral addictions. This portal is of great benefit to all interested parties and for communication with the press. Both the content and design of the site were highly praised. Once the project has been completed, the plan is to keep the data up to date and make the project permanent.	The National Early Warning System (NEWS) pilot project has come to an end after a three-year term. The project and its results were highly valued by politicians, the media and the general public. A continuation is planned. To this end, even closer cooperation with low-threshold facilities is to be established.
Greece	EL	Greek national focal point	The Greek national focal point is located within the Athens University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute (UMHRI), the research institute linked to the University of Athens (Medical School). UMHRI specialises in conducting and promoting research in the basic sectors of mental health, in offering medical and psychosocial services, as well as in developing training courses. UMHRI has been commissioned by the Greek Ministry of Health to operate the Greek REITOX Focal Point, while since 1998 the Focal Point has been assigned and operates as the National Centre of Documentation and Monitoring on Drugs & Alcohol.	In the area of monitoring and research, the Greek focal point conducted the first nationwide prison drug cross-sectional survey in the country, aiming to assess the needs of people in prisons with drug-related problems. This survey was carried out as part of the focal point's participation in PRS20, an EC co-funded European project. Additionally, to monitor the profile of people approached by harm reduction services, the Greek focal point introduced eHarm, a protocol with a corresponding tool based on the TDI methodology. Also, a protocol was developed, and data were collected regarding the continuum of care for infectious diseases among people who use drugs.	The Greek focal point is involved in shaping drug policy in Greece. It is a member of the National Drugs Planning and Coordination Committee, contributing to the National Drug Strategy and National Action Plan. In 2022 and 2023, it co-organised the National Meeting on Drugs and Other Addictive Behaviours. In 2022 and in 2023, it co-organised the National Forum on Drugs and Other Addictive Behaviours, which brought together stakeholders in the field of drugs and addictions in Greece. The forum aimed to foster dialogue on the current situation, address challenges, and offer recommendations for future actions.	In the area of empowering professionals and promoting evidence-based practices, the Greek focal point continued the implementation of training seminars on the European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) for decision-, opinion- and policy-makers. A similar EUPC training for prevention practitioners was also developed and is now available in Greece, in the framework of the Greek FP’s participation in POLITEIA, an EC co-funded European project. Additionally, the Communities That Care Youth Survey (CTCYS) was translated and adapted in Greek, and piloted. Local data from CTCYS, together with local data from the ESPAD study on students' (aged 16-18y) risk and addictive behaviours, are expected to contribute to prevention planning and decision-making at local/regional level.
Hungary	HU	Hungarian Reitox national focal point	The Hungarian National Focal Point is located under the Department of Public Health in the Ministry of Interior. The focal point was established in 2004 by the Government Decree (28/2004. (II. 28). In 2020, the focal point’s task of coordinating the Hungarian Early Warning System has been supplemented by operating the national control mechanism of novel psychoactive substances.	The Hungarian focal point was founded 20 years ago in 2004. Throughout its 20 years of operation it became the main actor in the field of drug monitoring in Hungary. Thanks to its partners including experts, researchers, treatment professionals, decision makers and users we managed to implement the main epidemiological and drug supply indicators in order to provide evidence for drug related policy decisions.	The Hungarian focal point launched its new data collection portal that was planned and developed based on the needs of data providers and data users. This system is the platform for the collection of information on drug treatment demand data with many functions that improve the user experience, the timeliness, reliability and quality of data. We consider it an important milestone in the national drug monitoring.	In 2024 the Hungarian focal point went through an assessment procedure carried out by the EUDA. It was a great experience that brought together our partners within and outside our organisation, gave visibility to our objectives and activities, and identified the areas to be further developed in respect of our resources and operation. We are thankful to all the colleagues and stakeholders involved in the process.
Ireland	IE	Irish Reitox national focal point	The Irish national focal point is located in the Health Research Board (HRB). The HRB is a statutory body with a mission to improve health through research and information. The HRB is responsible for promoting, commissioning and conducting medical, epidemiological and health services research in Ireland.	In September 2024, the Irish focal point organised a conference on prevention to highlight the planned review of prevention services in 2025, using the UNODC's RePS tool.	In June 2024, the interactive map of treatment services in Ireland was published on drugs library website. The map is based on TDI data managed by Irish focal point.	In November 2023, the Irish focal point participated in the National Drugs Forum in Dublin. The theme focused on emerging drugs. There were marketplace presentations of all data sources contributing to Ireland's early warning and emerging trends system.
Italy	IT	Italian Reitox national focal point	The Department for Anti-Drug Policies was set up at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers by means of the first decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 20 June 2008, and placed under the functional responsibility of the Prime Ministerial Under-Secretary with delegated responsibility for drugs.	National prevention plan against the diverted use of fentanyl and of other synthetic opioids. A National Prevention Plan against the diverted use of Fentanyl and of other synthetic opioids has been developed and approved in Italy, involving all relevant Ministries and Institutions in the implementation of a set of measures, so that protocols are available to respond to the possible onset of an emergency on Italian territory. The Plan will allow a faster identification of Fentanyl and synthetic opioids, strengthening the action of the Early Warning System on the Italian territory. Measures will focus on strengthening actions to monitor and control the distribution and administration of Fentanyl, in order to prevent the misuse of the substance. To this purpose, an alert system will be activated in cases of abnormal prescriptions of Fentanyl, and controls by the Carabinieri Corps will be strengthened. At the same time, training courses will be organized for the health professionals involved, aimed at identifying Fentanyl overdoses and acting on the emergenvcy. Finally, close monitoring of stocks of antagonist (e.g Naloxone) will be done to avoid shortage and targeted toxicology analysis will be performed in the emergency rooms or on suspicious deaths. Also information campaigns with a special attention towards risk groups will be implemented to prevent misuse of Fentanyl.	Network of Forensic toxicology laboratories A national network of forensic toxicology laboratories was established at national level, with the purpose of supporting the activity of EUDA and of the EWS, strengthening the capacity of identifying emerging threats on the Italian territory and granting a faster and more effective collection and exchange of data. The network covers the following areas of interest: drug-related and alcohol-related deaths; driving under the effect of alcohol and narcotics, road homicide and grievous or very grievous bodily injuries, driving license renewal; sexual violence and other crimes committed under the influence of incapacitating substances; analysis of seized batches of psychoactive substances and of other dangerous substances, mainly doping; voluntary or accidental exposure of minors to psychoactive substances.	Certification of the Italian focal point The Italian focal point successfully completed the EMCDDA certification process, receiving the EMCDDA certification on the 21 June 2024.
Latvia	LV	Latvian Reitox National focal point	The national focal point is located in Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia. The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia is a public institution responsible for data collection and monitoring on different public health issues.	The data collected by the Latvian focal point serves as the primary source of information for the implementation of the national drug policy.	The Latvian focal point actively engages in various EUDA initiatives, including SCORE campaign for wastewater-based drug monitoring, the ESCAPE project for syringe residue analysis, and the European Web Survey on Drugs.	The Latvian focal point implemented a respondent-driven sampling survey to estimate the prevalence of HIV and associated infectious diseases, knowledge about HIV and associated health behaviours among injecting drug users in Latvia.
Lithuania	LT	Lithuanian Reitox national focal point	The Lithuanian National Focal Point is situated within the Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department under the Government of Republic of Lithuania. The institution's mission is to shape public policy on psychoactive substance control and prevention, guided by long-term analysis, emerging challenges, and evidence-based approach, to protect public health, reduce the demand and supply of psychoactive substances, and ensure inter-institutional coordination. The department collaborates with EUDA, other EU organisations and other national and international bodies.	As the developer and coordinator of the National Agenda for Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control, Prevention of Consumption and Harm Reduction up to 2035, the focal point plays a central role in ensuring the cohesive and sustained implementation of Lithuania's long-term drug strategy and its ongoing monitoring.	The Lithuanian focal point employs a range of innovative monitoring techniques, including the SCORE campaign for wastewater-based drug monitoring, hair testing at music festivals, the ESCAPE project for syringe residue analysis, and web surveys.	The focal point ensures the effective monitoring of NPS and precursors, enabling rapid responses to emerging threats and the implementation of market restriction measures.
Luxembourg	LU	Luxembourgish Reitox national focal point	The headquarters of the National Focal Point in Luxembourg are located within the Department of Epidemiology and Statistics at the Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health. It supports public health actions and policies by offering expertise on relevant health topics guided by scientific data and analysis.	In July 2023, the Government of Luxembourg legislated to permit home growing and use of recreational cannabis use in private under certain conditions and lightened the criminal procedures and penalties for cannabis use and its possession in public. The Luxembourg focal point has been involved in the evaluation of the adapted national cannabis policy. Shortly after the law change, members of a national panel were invited to participate in an online anonymous survey to enhance the understanding about perceptions towards recreational use and cultivation of cannabis, and consumption habits of Luxembourg residents. In total, 3 115 residents participated in the study of whom 507 were recreational cannabis users. The study results provide a first indication of the impact of the adapted approach and complement existing data to identify future prevention and public health priorities.	The Luxembourg focal point has been partner of the 2024 European Web Survey on Drugs (EWSD) which is a voluntary, anonymous survey coordinated by the EUDA. Luxembourg participated for the 4th time in the survey (previously in EWSD 2018, 2020 and 2021), while national data collection took place between June and July 2024. In 2024, 35 countries participated in total. This time the questionnaire sought to explore a number of new topics in addition to a standard set of questions on patterns of drug use and drug acquisition. A national module was included to gather more in-depth information on people who use cannabis, their user habits, and their engagement in home cultivation of cannabis. In total, 1 096 Luxembourg residents aged 18+ provided informed consent and participated in the study. The data are currently being prepared for analysis while first national results will be available soon.	In collaboration with the University of Luxembourg and the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, the Luxembourg focal point is preparing the first national pilot implementation of European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). The study is planned to be conducted in the beginning of 2025. The main purpose of ESPAD is to collect comparable data on substance use in Europe among 16-year-old students, in order to monitor trends within as well as between countries. The themes addressed in the ESPAD study are of primary importance for Luxembourg and particularly in the context of the policy changes relating to greater access to cannabis for recreational purposes since July 2023.
Malta	MT	Maltese Reitox national focal point	The Maltese national focal point is based within the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights and is part of the National Coordinating Unit on Drugs and Alcohol. It started its operations in June 2004 as a result of a Twinning Light Project with the Netherlands.	The Maltese focal point conducted a General Population survey, carried out in 2023, to gather comprehensive data on the country's drug situation. The survey aimed to assess trends in drug use and identify risk factors related to drug use. Results of the General Population Survey are currently being analysed and are expected to be published In November 2024.	In 2024, the Maltese focal point participated in the 2024 round of the European Web Survey on Drugs (EWSD).	In 2023, the new National Drugs Policy (2023-2033) was launched and the Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights (MSPC) has been working on the implementation of Action 29: Invest and improve further harm reduction services such as take-home methadone, the availability of buprenorphine on the health service, the provision of naloxone such as that in the form of the Narcan nasal spray, and the training on the use of such. MSPC is still in the process of discussions related to the introduction of Narcan for people who use opiates. This measure is specifically tailored to minimize the risk of opiate overdose among people who use such substances.
Netherlands	NL	Dutch Reitox national focal point	The national focal point is part of the Drug Monitoring and Policy Department of the Trimbos Institute, the national research institute for mental health care, addiction care and social work, which is tasked with informing policymakers and politicians about the mental health issues that concern the Dutch population.	In 2024 the National Drug Monitor (NDM), established in 1999, celebrates its 25th anniversary. The digital platform (www.nationaledrugmonitor.nl) serves as a key source supporting an evidence-informed drug policy with up-to-date fact and figures about drugs, alcohol and tobacco use and drug-related criminality in the Netherlands. In the past years, the NDM signaled an increase in use and emergencies related to 3-MMC and ketamine in specific groups, and a decrease in the use of nitrous oxide.	The Drugs Information and Monitoring System (DIMS), established in 1992, has become one of the leading drug checking projects worldwide. By closely collaborating with (inter)national stakeholders, DIMS is widely acknowledged as a valuable asset for public health, policy making and scientific research in the Netherlands and abroad. The 2023 report highlights a record number of visitors and a strong increase in submitted 3-MMC samples.	The Trimbos Institute has a long-standing experience in coordinating a variety of (inter)national projects in the drugs domain. By coordinating EC funded projects SO-PREP and DRUG-PREP, we contribute to enhanced preparedness and resilience of EU countries regarding their drug surveillance systems and policy making. The Trimbos Institute is also involved in a study evaluating the Dutch controlled cannabis supply chain experiment. In 2024 the baseline report was published.
Norway	NO	Norwegian Reitox national focal point	Since 2016 the Norwegian focal point has been located in the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI). FHI acts as a national competence institution for governmental authorities, the health service, the judiciary, prosecuting authorities, politicians, the media and the general public on issues related to physical and mental health, prevention of communicable diseases and prevention of harmful environmental influences. It is placed directly under the Ministry of Health and Care Services.	An expert committee appointed by the government delivered in 2024 an official Norwegian report where experts recommended increased access for the police to body search and get saliva samples from people suspected of minor drug offences. This includes situations where use of force is necessary.	The same official Norwegian report recommend that the maximum sentence for possession and acquiring of drugs for personal use should be reduced to a fine or 6 months in prison. If the offender is young or addicted to drugs the sentence can be reduced to prosecution waiver, postponement of sentencing or sentencing waiver.	In 2023, we saw the four largest cocaine seizures in Norwegian history. The purity of seized cocaine has increased in recent years and is high, averaging 84% in 2023. Analyses show only small differences in strength between small and large seizures. There is some uncertainty about whether the large seizures were intended for the Norwegian market.
Poland	PL	Polish Reitox national focal point	The Polish national focal point Research, Monitoring and International Cooperation Department was established in 2001 and is located within the National Center for Prevention of Addictions under the auspices of the Ministry of Health.	The Polish focal point is responsible for monitoring the drug market. Poland is the main producer of synthetic cathinones in Europe. In one laboratory alone, detected by the Police in Poland in 2024, 3.8 tons of clephedrone (synthetic cathinone) and 20 tons of precursors were seized.	Medical marijuana is available in Poland for different kind of the treatment. Consumption of medical marijuana in Poland amounted to 2.6 tons in 2023. The Polish focal point is supporting the treatment system. We supervised the writing of the first publication for medical staff about medical marijuana “Cannabis and medical uses of cannabinoids”.	The Polish focal point played a crucial role in promoting good quality prevention in Poland. We organized 5 European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC) trainings and meetings in 2024 for 130 persons working at local and regional level. We cooperated with regional experts to promote evidence based prevention in our country.
Portugal	PT	Portuguese Reitox national focal point	The Portuguese national focal point is located within the General- Directorate for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (SICAD). Attached to the Ministry of Health, SICAD’s mission is to promote a reduction in the use of psychoactive substances, the prevention of addictive behaviours and a decrease in dependences.	A new Public Institute on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies – ICAD – within the Ministry of Health was created by the Portuguese Government. ICAD's mission is to prevent and reduce addictive behaviours and dependencies, ensure treatment, harm and risk reduction, social reintegration, as well as to foster capacity building and differentiated training, research and innovation in these areas. ICAD, I.P., is one of the main organisers of the LxAddictions24 this year under the theme, Empowering the workforce of the future.	Portuguese focal point experts took part in the Drug-Prep Project (Strengthening PREParedness of DRUG information systems and drug policy capacities to respond to emerging drug trends and challenges), leading the work package, “capacity building of policy makers”. The project aims to support government policy makers, researchers and civil society actors to better prepare themselves to face the future, anticipating it, considering that new trends and developments may pose new challenges to countries and require the development of responses that mitigate problems and take advantage of opportunities.	In 2024, the Portuguese focal point participated or released the following studies: Participated for the second time on the European Online Survey on Drugs. With this survey it is possible to characterise consumption patterns and ways of obtaining used products at the European level and in Portugal in particular. Specifically in Portugal, a module was implemented to characterise the use of psychedelics. The final report of the V National Survey on Psychoactive Substances Use in the General Population (INPG – Inquérito Nacional ao Consumo de Substâncias Psicoativas na População Geral, Portugal 2022), replicating the studies carried out in 2016/17, 2012, 2007 and 2001, has been released. The INPG is one of the most important instruments for defining policies, practices and interventions in the area of Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies in our country, being a fundamental element to guide action and monitor trends. Annual Survey on Addictive Behaviours to 18 years old: survey to young people participating in the National Defence Day. Drug use among people in prison Drug use in Custodial Centres.
Romania	RO	Romanian Reitox national focal point	The Romanian national focal point is a unit within the National Anti-Drug Agency under the remit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The director of the Agency acts as the national coordinator on drugs in Romania.	In 2023, 3 specific studies were carried out: a study on the analysis of drugs in waste water at the level of the Municipality of Bucharest (implemented for the first time in Romania) and 2 studies on drug use in recreational settings (music festivals and at the seaside area).	The Romanian focal point developed an integrated software storing case by case data on Treatment Demand Indicators (TDI), Emergency Rooms (ER), Needle Exchange Programs (NEP) and Drug Related Deaths (DRD) indicators, based on the same anonymous code of PWUD, allowing the visualization of all interventions addressed to each PWUD included in the database, based on the mentioned indicators.	Data from the focal point are recognized as the main data in the field and are used as baseline or assessment for different strategies/ projects/ activities in the field.
Slovakia	SK	Slovakian Reitox national focal point	The national focal point is located within the Department of Drug Strategy Coordination and Monitoring of Drugs, which is based within the Ministry of Health. Under the responsibility of the Health Ministry’s State Secretary, the Department functions as an executive body/secretariat of the Government Council for Drug Policy and oversees the coordination and implementation of the national drugs strategy.	The biggest challenge in terms of new psychoactive substances is posed by semi-synthetic cannabinoids, which are available in Slovakia mainly through online shops and vending machines, in various forms (plant material, e-cigarette refills and as part of edibles - candies, cookies). Since 2022, 39 cases of poisonings related to HHC derivatives have been identified through the EuroDen system. The most frequent symptoms were: gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting), tachycardia, hallucinations and headaches. As of 1 October 2024, several HHC derivatives are classified as Group 1 psychotropic substances, under the current amendment of the Act. 139/1998 Coll. on narcotics.	According to statistics from the National Centre for Statistical Information, the demand for treatment in Slovakia has been growing for a long time. In 2023, 2 896 persons underwent treatment for drug use, of which 2 187 persons were treated in health facilities of the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic and 709 persons in health facilities of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic. Since 2010, the majority of drug users in specialised drug treatment were drug users who reported stimulant drugs as their main drug of abuse.	The Slovak focal point provides comprehensive monitoring of the health problem of illicit drug use in our country. The data provided by the National Monitoring Centre are important for the development of national strategies and national drug policies in the Slovak Republic.
Slovenia	SI	Slovenian Reitox national focal point	The Slovenian national focal point is a part of the Information Unit for Illicit Drugs (IUID), which is located at the National Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia (NIPH). The NIPH collects, organises and analyses health-related statistical data in the fields of diagnoses, attendance, staff and visiting hours in outpatient facilities, outpatient specialist services and hospitals. The legal basis for the establishment of the Slovenian national focal point is the Prevention of Illicit Drug Abuse and Treatment of Drug Addictions Act (1999).	The Slovenian focal point is leading the implementation of a public health intervention with take-home naloxone in Centres for Prevention and Treatment of Illicit Drug Addiction, where it is distributed.	The Slovenian focal point focuses on the development of effective preventive programs and interventions at various levels. It is an organizer of the annual National Prevention Conference, that is the main event in the field of prevention in Slovenia.	The Slovenian focal point provides comprehensive monitoring data on the public health problem of illicit drug use in Slovenia. It is recognized as a reliable national data provider and important stakeholder in drafting national policies and as an author of national strategies and programs in the field of drugs.
Spain	ES	Spanish Reitox national focal point	The Spanish national focal point is located within the Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs, a government organisation in the Ministry of Health. The Government Delegation for the National Plan on Drugs is entrusted with coordination of different aspects of drug policy.	The framework guiding drug policy in Spain is the National Strategy on Addictions which is the result of consensus among the main stakeholders. The 2021-2024 Action Plan, that is coming to an end, has made it possible to develop concrete responses.	The programme “Help near you” (“Ayuda cerca de tí”) facilitating access of drug users to different treatment services through a website was established. This online database allows to identify a place at a facility by either the postal code or name of the town, and locate the addiction treatment facilities, with information on the provision of Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST).	The Spanish focal point strengthened the cooperation at international, national and regional level. Examples are: institutional, economic and technical support to third countries specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, strengthening the participation of experts through working groups and webinars, and maintaining and developing tools to obtain information.
Sweden	SE	Swedish national focal point	The Swedish national focal point is located within the Public Health Agency of Sweden, which is responsible for national public health issues. The agency promotes good public health by building and disseminating knowledge to healthcare professionals and others responsible for infectious disease control and public health.	The Swedish focal point has used data from different registers to estimate the number of people with problem drug use in Sweden during the period 2007– 2020. The total number of people with problem drug use was estimated to 63 000 at the lowest and 83 000 at the highest during the time period. Comparisons between years should be interpreted with caution but in 2018–2020 the estimated number has been relatively stable around 70 000 individuals.	In 2024, an updated health economic evaluation estimated the societal costs of illegal drug use in Sweden to at least SEK 44.1 billion in 2020. The study also presents scenario analyses of how the societal costs of illegal drug use in Sweden might be affected by changes in the prevalence of illegal drug use.	In 2024, the Swedish Medical Products Agency has approved Naloxone to be sold without a prescription in Swedish pharmacies. Making naloxone available over the counter is an important step in the government's work to reduce drug-related deaths.
Türkiye	TR	Turkish Reitox national focal point	The Turkish Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (TUBİM) is attached to the Ministry of Interior/Turkish National Police/ Counter Narcotics Department.	The decrease of trafficking and seizures of opium derivatives on the Balkan Route, especially heroin, continued after the Taliban took over and the “opium ban” in Afghanistan. However, in recent years, methamphetamine seizures reached record levels in Türkiye mainly at the bordering cities with Iran.	The new psychoactive substance (NPS) phenomena in Türkiye continues to be concentrated in synthetic cannabinoid derivatives and the country has a well-coordinated and effective National Early Warning System (NEWS) with a pro-active approach including generic legislation. A total of 1054 substances have been taken under legal control since 2008. Semi- synthetic cannabinoids started to be seen in NPS market in the country and taken under legal control with NEWS.	The prevention projects carried out by CounterNarcotics Department aim to raise public awareness and to integrate the community into the fight against drugs. These projects on selected topics are well received.