ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259061

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

This paper gives an overview of the range of different approaches that can be found in Europe, of the major trends and developments in research methods that are taking place, of the different national and international structures within which research is carried out, and of some of the problems that face researchers. The emphasis is on research on illicit drugs, on the countries of western Europe, and on the fields of social science, epidemiology and services research.

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259062

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

The establishment of cross-border networks of researchers, which in an initial stage mainly exchange nationally based research results (e.g. COST A-6 and ESSRG), seems to be an important mechanism for coordination between researchers of various countries. In later phases they could provide solid frameworks for cross-national comparative research, provided their added value is recognized by European and national funders. Currently, within the European Commission funds are mainly allocated to drug indicator studies and biomedical research on illicit drugs. It is necessary to provide such funding for a wider scope of research projects. (The draft Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on a European Union Action Plan to combat Drugs (1995-1999) contains proposals to enlarge the scope of research in the field of illicit drugs. The proposal is based on the 4th Framework Programme for Community Research and Technological Development. This Action Plan was adopted by the Commission on June 8th.)

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259063

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

The understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of alcohol and drug dependence has advanced markedly in recent years and this explosion of knowledge has led to new therapeutic strategies especially in the field of relapse prevention (‘anti-craving’ medication). Well-established treatments, e.g. with benzodiazepines, might be replaced by compounds with less abuse liability which have been developed on the basis of our knowledge of the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction. For example, it is now clear that there are many subtypes of ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels and enzyme-coupled receptors. The sensitivity of these transduction mechanisms to alcohol and drugs is subtype dependent. In the coming years new treatment can be expected for addicted subjects of specific indications like, for example, the neurotoxicity of ethanol abuse and the treatment of memory deficits. Such medication is developed based on studies demonstrating that ethanol inhibits glutamate-activated channels, particularly the NMDA subtypes and certain voltage-dependent calcium channels. In contrast to NMDA receptor subtypes, the function of 5-HT3- and some GABA-activated channels is enhanced by acute ethanol exposure. With chronic exposure, there are often compensatory changes of the transduction mechanisms. Genetic approaches have proven powerful in understanding the role of these mechanisms in ethanol actions and are likely to figure prominently in future research in this a

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259064

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

In this paper another review is given about the different fields of empirical research in the field of alcohol and drug addiction since 1960. The focus is set on today’s highlights and fruitful pathways for the future. Especially interesting studies from the Scandinavian countries are represented as examples of a dynamic and interesting research fiel

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259065

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

On the basis of survey data and estimates, various Western European countries are compared with regard to the prevalence of cannabis use and the use of hard drugs. The data do not indicate a link with the type of drug policy. Liberal countries do not have higher or lower rates than countries with a more repressive policy. Informal social norms seem to be of greater relevance than formal legal norms and availability of drugs. Therefore, the question cannot be: ‘What type of effects arise out of which type of policy?’, but ‘Under which social and cultural conditions what type of policy has which type of eff

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259066

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

There have been important changes in the ways in which British drug users have used heroin in recent years. In the 1960s, nearly all heroin users in the UK used their drugs by injection. During the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, there has been an increase in heroin smoking. The issue of transition between different routes of heroin administration, e.g. moving from chasing to injection, was identified as an important research question. In addition, obtaining access to the hidden population, i.e. people who use illegal drugs and are not in contact with treatment services, has proved to be a major challenge. The Privileged Access Interviewers (PAI) team has proven to be a particularly suitable and effective research method. With the PAI method a large number of drug users from different social networks could be approached in a short period of time. In this sample, two main routes of heroin administration were observed: 54% of the sample used injection as a route of administration and 44% used by chasing the dragon. Only 8% did not have a single primary route of administration. The preferred route of administration changed at least once in more than a third of heroin users. Multiple transitions in route were uncommon. Different groups of heroin users were identified: stable injectors, stable chasers, those who moved from chasing to injection and those who had previously been injectors and had now moved to chasing. Stable chasers characteristically have little contact to the heroin subcultures. A survival analysis indicated a small but continuing risk of moving to injection. Our results show that there are positive associations between drug dose, the route by which the drug is taken and the severity of dependence. Potential relationships between the severity of dependence and the following factors have been studied: drug dose, the route of administration, diversity of drug rates of passive sharing, circumstances in which heroin was used and differences in types of sharing partners.

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259067

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

摘要:

Epidemiological, clinical and police data show that significant tendencies of change can be observed in Hungary in the early nineties in the use and spread of illegal drugs. The black market has appeared with a wide range of drugs and retail forms of distribution are spreading. The social composition of drug users is changing and new forms of drug use are emerging. Mention must be made of heroin and cocaine sniffing and the growth of intravenous use. No HIV-positive case has yet been recorded among intravenous drug users. Public opinion is aware of the danger of drugs. Drug policy in Hungary is lagging behind the appearance of problems. Legislation on drug use has been modernised, but the related health regulations are lacking, as well as modern guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court which could assist in judicial practice. The Inter-ministerial Committee on Drug Affairs and the Hungarian Association on Drug Abuse and Addiction have been formed. In the field of drug prevention, one longitudinal effectiveness study has been conducted so far. A number of prominent paradigms and practical systems have appeared in therapy and in prevention policy.

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259068

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259069

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger

ISSN:1022-6877    

DOI:10.1159/000259070

出版商:S. Karger AG    

年代:1995

数据来源: Karger