Authors: Björn Hibell (CAN), Ulf Guttormsson (CAN), Salme Ahlström (THL), Olga Balakireva (NASU), Thoroddur Bjarnason (University of Akureyri), Anna Kokkevi (University Mental Health Research Institute), Ludwig Kraus (IFT)

Overall, the use of illicit drugs among 15–16-year-old school students appears to have stabilised in 2011, according to the latest European study of this group published by the European school survey project on alcohol and other drugs (ESPAD). The report, based on a 2011 survey in 36 European countries, also reveals a reduction in ‘heavy episodic drinking’ (five drinks or more per occasion). But the survey highlights country differences and the need for vigilance where cannabis, inhalant and tobacco use has been seen to rise.

Written by: Belinda Loring

This policy guidance aims to support European policy-makers to improve the design and implementation of policies to reduce inequities in tobacco-related harm. Smoking kills more Europeans than any other avoidable factor. Socioeconomic inequities in tobacco consumption in Europe are extensive, and are widening. The overall reduction in smoking in Europe has been a public health success, but the effects have mainly been seen in middle- and high-income groups, causing a substantial widening of inequities. Reducing health inequities is a key strategic objective of Health 2020 – the European policy framework for health and well-being endorsed by the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region in 2012. This guide seeks to assist European policy-makers in contributing to achieving the objectives of Health 2020 in a practical way. It draws on key evidence, including from the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region. It sets out options and practical methods to reduce the level and unequal distribution of tobacco use in Europe, through approaches that address the social determinants of tobacco use and the related health, social and economic consequences.

Authors: Julia Kensy (IDPC), Camille Stengel (IDPC), Marie Nougier (IDP) and Ruth Birgin (WHRIN).

A number of reports have documented the negative consequences of current prohibitionist drug control policies on health, human rights and development, and these are the subject of growing international attention. The past thirty years has also seen a growing number of studies on women’s participation in all levels of the drug trade. However, limited research currently exists on the particular impact of drug control on women. This briefing paper focuses on this gap.

This briefing aims to highlight the effects of drug policy on women as producers, suppliers and consumers of drugs in order to inform and guide policy makers on practices that should be avoided, as well as highlight those policies which effectively incorporate and address women’s needs. This briefing also features ‘snapshots’ from women and service providers working with women that are affected by drug policies. These snapshots explore the complex consequences that drug policies have on both individuals and services. Such snapshots also highlight examples of interventions that seek to address the negative consequences of drug control and provide positive support to women.

Author: Science Group of the European Alcohol and Health Forum

The European Alcohol and Health Forum requested scientific advice from the Science Group on the impact of marketing communication on the volume and patterns of consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially by young people. The findings of the review are clear, namely that commercial communications increase the likelihood that adolescents will start to use alcohol and to drink more if they are already using alcohol.

Author: European Comission

On 23 October 2012, the European Commission adopted the Communication “Towards a comprehensive European framework on online gambling”. Based on an in-depth public consultation, this Communication sets out an action plan which is seeking to enhance clarity throughout the EU for the benefit of national authorities, operators, consumers and related industry such as payment service or media service providers.