The Information Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction collects and analyses standardised data on drug epidemiology and responses to occurring problems. It maintains permanent cooperation with institutions active in the field of reduction of drug demand and supply. The Centre also coordinates the collection and analysis of data on the activity of local governments in the field of drug demand reduction. The results of the analyses are presented in an annual national report, which collates the combined wealth of knowledge on the phenomenon. Additionally, for domestic purposes, data is presented in articles published in specialised journals. Such organisation of the monitoring system allows for the annual transfer of information on the Polish drug situation to our international partners.
The monitoring of drugs and drug addiction is based on the collection and analysis of data in line with five key indicators of the European Monitoring Centre on Drug and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), which utilise European methodology and standards:
- general population surveys,
- treatment demand,
- drug-related infectious diseases,
- drug-related deaths,
- problem drug use.
Moreover, the following data is also regularly monitored: the trends in drug-related crime and drug trafficking, the scope of social welfare benefits for drug users, as well as data on the implementation of the Polish National Programme on Counteracting Drug Addiction at a central, regional and local level.
Monitoring and analysis of drug and drug addiction issues utilises a range of indicators and data. This increases the reliability of the collected information and allows us to fine-tune the required actions to the real needs.