Economic Implications of Drug Therapies – The European Perspective

Drug use and its consequences are associated with substantial health problems and social costs in Europe and worldwide. A number of addiction interventions have been proved to be effective, but resources for treatment are limited relative to the need. Policymakers, regulators and treatment professionals are continually required to provide more effective treatment interventions while lowering costs. Economic analysis of drug use interventions play a central role in informing choices based on demonstrable costs and resulting benefits.

Through (1) a basic review of the key methodological principles of economic evaluation, and (2) a summary of the findings and conclusions from the more recent major literature reviews on the field, this essay provides a status report on the economics of drug use services in Europe. It is also aimed at opening the discussion about the gaps and challenges that Europe is facing, now and in the near future, in this growing field.