[Drugs in Belgium. Current status and perspectives]

Problems connected with the use and abuse of licit or illicit drugs, causing dependency, are related to the pharmacological characteristics of the substance, to psychological traits of the user and to the social context. Hard drugs use such as heroïn addiction concerns 8 to 10,000 people; alcohol abuse, 300,000. Nevertheless, some other data are worrying: 6% of high school students have occasionally tried cannabis, appropriate prescription and use of minor tranquillizers are problematic. At least 12% of IV drug addicts are HIV seropositive. Assistance and care must be available in multiple programs and performed by specialized teams in outpatient and inpatient facilities. They are insufficiently developed and funded. Treatment is effective but long-lasting, expensive and stabilization rate is low (30%). Prohibition exists and is supposed to reduce availability; preventive programs are to be developed among the public, educational and health professionals. Epidemiologic evaluations, toxicologic assessments, biological as well psychosocial research, have to be promoted.