Statistical Bulletin 2023 — problem drug use

'Problem drug use' is defined by the EMCDDA as 'injecting drug use or long duration / regular use of opioids, cocaine and/or amphetamines'. This definition specifically includes regular or long-term use of prescribed opioids such as methadone but does not include their rare or irregular use nor the use of other drugs, such as ecstasy or cannabis. Existing estimates of problem drug use are often limited to opioid and poly-drug use. Methods and definitions for the data on this page can be found on the Problem drug use methods and definitions page.