The impact of this change in emphasis, typical of policy development in the European Union in recent years, can be understood in a number of ways. First of all, we can see it as a consolidation of the generally humane view of those at most risk from harm due to their use of drugs and a recognition that a just society must commit to providing high-quality services and support to all, no matter where they are from or how their need has arisen. So the individually focused values of compassion and respect both support, and are supported by, the social values of equity and inclusion. While human rights are only specifically mentioned once in the strategy, a human rights approach is very evident in the sections dealing with supervised injecting facilities and alternatives to punishment.

The emphasis on increasing wellbeing rather than imposing sanctions is also pragmatic. There is a recognition that employing law enforcement as the State’s most effective response to drug use is counterproductive. It criminalises those whose drug use may be experimental or short-lived and may undermine the capacity or motivation of those in greatest need of professional help to access services. In this issue, we look at the recent Pompidou Group of the Council of Europe report on the unintended consequences of drug control policies, including the use of more hazardous substances, riskier use of drugs, physical danger as a result of involvement in illicit markets, and the stigma that results from using prohibited substances. The issue of stigma is considered in two further articles in this issue, and the mental and physical consequences associated with it exacerbate the already difficult situation faced by many people who use drugs.

Good policy depends on evidence, particularly reliable data, being available to make decisions, identify current harms and future risks, and plan responses. Administrative data are a very valuable research resource, but they have shortcomings when compared with data that are collected and analysed using a monitoring system created for that purpose. Criminological researchers, while adept at gathering and analysing behavioural information, often have to depend on administrative data that have not being collected with this type of analysis in mind. Criminal activity associated with or a consequence of drug use can be difficult to measure and monitor. Taking a public health perspective enables researchers of these activities to avail of well-established information systems that often contain highly relevant data. It also presents an opportunity to learn from a highly successful, well-established and scientific approach to information gathering.