The international conference AddictCZSK hosted two key figures in drug policy and addiction solutions: Dr. Liesbeth Vandam, Head of the Support to Policy Sector at the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), and Jindřich Vobořil, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies (IRAP) and Advisor to the Czech Prime Minister. Both speakers delivered keynote addresses focusing on the current drug situation in Europe and effective harm reduction strategies.
A Deeper Understanding of Drug Markets and Their Impact
Dr. Liesbeth Vandam began her address by introducing the transformation of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) into the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). “The new agency has greater capacity to effectively respond to the increasingly complex and rapidly changing drug landscape,”she explained. She emphasized that drugs today are “everywhere” and can affect everyone—directly or indirectly.
One of the main points of her presentation was the growing complexity of the drug market. “The market is characterized by the widespread availability of a broader range of drugs, often with high potency or in new mixtures and forms. This poses significant risks to users, who often are unaware of what substances they are consuming,” Dr. Vandam cautioned.
“What has become the norm today is polysubstance use—the combination of multiple substances. This places great demands on toxicological and forensic capacities to monitor trends. It is crucial to invest in faster and more effective methods that enable us to respond swiftly to emerging threats.”
She also highlighted the increasing exploitation of European transportation infrastructure by criminal groups. “Seventy percent of all seized drugs come through European ports, creating enormous challenges for healthcare and regulatory systems,” she added.
Harm Reduction as a Strategic Approach
Jindřich Vobořil focused his address on harm reduction as a key strategy in addressing addiction. “Harm reduction is not about abstinence but about realistic policies that help mitigate the risks associated with drug use,” he stressed.
Vobořil underscored the need to regulate markets and promote substitute substances as part of harm reduction policies. “A regulated market is a more effective solution than the current prohibition approach. In regions where harm reduction principles, such as those in Sweden, have been implemented, there has been a significant reduction in health risks associated with drug use,” he said.
“Too often, the greatest attention is given to illegal drugs, even though greater problems are caused by smoking, alcohol, and gambling. Investing in prevention and research is essential; otherwise, we will remain trapped in a cycle of ineffective measures.”
A Shared Vision: Better Preparation for Future Challenges
Both speakers agreed on the importance of better preparation for future challenges related to drug issues. Dr. Vandam outlined new approaches at EUDA, including the establishment of a network of forensic and toxicological laboratories and the introduction of a European alert system. “We must rely on data and collaboration with external experts to respond quickly to changing circumstances and provide up-to-date information to member states,” she emphasized.
Vobořil highlighted the need for collaboration between governments and organizations: “We must have the courage to address drug issues comprehensively and not overlook the broader context. It’s about human rights, health, and societal safety.”
The AddictCZSK conference provided valuable insights into the future direction of drug policy. Key messages from Dr. Vandam and Vobořil emphasized the necessity of evidence-based approaches, prevention, and market regulation. Their contributions highlighted that harm reduction is not merely a strategy but an essential pathway to more effective solutions for addressing drug-related issues in the 21st century.