Report on the Drug Situation in Austria 2002

The Report on the Drug Situation 2002 presents besides an overview on recent developments and trends also the key issues "Demand Reduction Expenditures on Drugs", "Drug and Alcohol Use among Young People" and "Social Exclusion and Reintegration".

The available data on the drug situation and assessments by experts do not indicate relevant changes, while a number of the trends emerging last year have been confirmed. Recent consumption studies show high prevalence rates especially among adolescents and young adults. Experience of cannabis use is indicated by at least one third of the young adults interviewed, and a few studies even give markedly higher percentages. For the first time in many years biogenic drugs (mushrooms, cacti etc.) and poppers (solvents, gas etc.) have also been included in the surveys, and in line with reports by experts provided last year high prevalence rates of up to 20% were found. Experience of party drugs (in particular ecstasy), stimulating substances (such as amphetamines and cocaine) and especially opiates was indicated far less often on an average. What applies to all substances is that the prevalence rates tend to fall considerably in the case of use in the past year or past 30 days. So it may be concluded that drug consumption is often limited to experimental use at a certain phase in life. Therefore reports of rising poly-drug use and lack of risk awareness among young people rather than the increase in prevalence rates give rise to concern.

Download: Report on the Drug Situation in Austria 2002

Client: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction; Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Security and Generations

Editor: ÖBIG

Place of publication: Vienna, Austria

Year of publication: 2002

ISBN: 978-3-85159-047-0

Number of pages: 128 pages, 37 tables, 12 figures, 3 maps

Reimbursement of expenses: € 10,00

Available in German and in English, Free of charge