The indicator of drug use prevalence in society is one of the five key indicators of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Polish general population research into drug use prevalence, attitudes and behaviours are based on EMCDDA and Pompidou Group methodology. General population surveys are conducted on a random sample of participants aged 15-64 by means of questionnaire interviews.

Every four years the Information Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction carries out general population surveys (2002, 2006, 2010) and commissions ESPAD surveys (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) (research centre: IPiN – 1993, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2011) and “Youth” surveys (research centre: CBOS Foundation – 2003, 2008, 2010). The results are used to formulate recommendations and guidelines for designing anti-drug policies. Moreover, they are useful in evaluating the National Programme for Counteracting Drug Addiction. Nationwide surveys involve Marshal Offices which commission provincial surveys whose results are then used to design anti-drug policies at the provincial level.

Drug use prevalence rates in Poland are lower compared to the other EU countries, excluding sedatives and tranquilizers (18% of survey participants). In this respect, Poland is one of the countries with the highest prevalence rates (more data in the 2007 International ESPAD Report).