1 Policy and practice briefings

The policy and practice briefings are designed as a one-stop-shop for anyone planning or delivering health and social responses to drug problems in Europe. They cover three topics:

• Types or patterns of substance use
• Needs of particular groups
• Responding in particular settings.

Each briefing consists of five sections:

• A summary of the main issues
• The main response options
• An overview of the European Union picture
• Key implications for policy and practice
• Links to further resources.

2 Implementation

This section of the portal provides four online inventories aimed at those planning or implementing interventions. These inventories are maintained by the EMCDDA.

• Xchange Prevention Registry
• Healthy Nightlife Toolbox
• European Prevention Curriculum (EUPC)
• Evaluation Instruments Bank (EIB).

3 Evidence database

The evidence database area of the portal gives access to the latest research and evidence on drug-related interventions. The information is based on systematic searches and is updated regularly.

4 Standards and guidelines

Standards and guidelines are popular instruments to promote quality and implement evidence-based recommendations. The translation of evidence-based recommendations into practice is the so-called ‘implementation’ process. In some cases, it is sufficient to adopt the guidelines at service level; in other cases, an adaptation to the local context is needed.

Figure 1: EMCDDA Best Practice Portal

Lucy Dillon

2   The Best Practice Portal is available at: https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/best-practice_en