Global Trends in Drug Policy and Their Impact on National Health Systems

Illicit drug markets are expanding, diversifying and becoming more potent. Digital access, cross-border trafficking and rapidly changing consumption patterns are increasing pressure on public health, social services and national health systems. Synthetic opioids have shown how quickly a drug crisis can overwhelm emergency care and addiction treatment. At the same time, cocaine, crack, ketamine and polysubstance use are becoming more widespread in many countries.
This session will examine how health systems can prepare for faster, more complex and increasingly international drug threats, and how prevention, treatment, harm reduction, enforcement and research can be better connected. The speakers will also discuss further questions like:

How are international drug market developments affecting emergency care, psychiatry and addiction treatment? What would an integrated response require from policymakers, healthcare providers, public health authorities and civil society?

What lessons from previous public health crises can guide prevention, communication and outreach? How prepared is Europe for a major drug-related health crisis?

Which data are needed to detect dangerous trends early? How can toxicology, emergency departments, addiction services, law enforcement, wastewater analysis, digital markets and community services contribute to effective monitoring and early warning?

How can international cooperation accelerate research into pharmacological treatments for addiction? How can scientific findings be translated more effectively into clinical practice, public health strategies and tangible benefits for affected individuals?