The number of opiate addicts (especially heroin) has declined during the past decade. This trend is accompanied by a drop in the number of opiate clients receiving treatment for addiction. There were 8% fewer clients in 2008 than in 2007, and a quarter fewer than in 2001. However, the number of cannabis users seeking treatment continues to rise sharply. These were the findings of the 2009 Annual Report of the National Drug Monitor.
The National Drug Monitor and the REITOX National Focal Point produce reports that include annual overviews of facts and figures on the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the Netherlands (see Annual Report 2009). Read more about the data on cannabis use.
The Drug Information and Monitoring System DIMS monitors the Dutch markets for recreational drugs, analyses drug composition, observes trends and issues warnings for public health risks.
The National School Survey is conducted every four years to investigate smoking, drinking, drug use and gambling by Dutch young people aged 10 to 18.
The Trimbos Institute has participated in a number of international research projects on substance use (see e.g. Analysis of the operation of global illicit drugs markets 1998-2007).
