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
1 Darcy C (2021) Drug education best practice for health, community and youth workers: a practical and accessible tool-kit. Health Educ J, 80(1): 28–39. https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/33087/
2 The Best Practice Portal is available at: https://www.emcdda.europa.eu/best-practice_en