Associations between availability and coverage of HIV-prevention measures and subsequent incidence of diagnosed HIV infection among injection drug users.

HIV-prevention measures specific to injection drug users (IDUs), such as opioid substitution treatment and needle-and-syringe programs, are not provided in many countries where injection drug use is endemic. We describe the incidence of diagnosed HIV infection in IDUs and the availability and coverage of opioid substitution and needle-and-syringe programs in the European Union and 5 middle- and high-income countries. Countries with greater provision of both prevention measures in 2000 to 2004 had lower incidence of diagnosed HIV infection in 2005 and 2006.

Short scales to assess cannabis-related problems: a review of psychometric properties.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to summarize the psychometric properties of four short screening scales to assess problematic forms of cannabis use: Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (CUDIT), Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) and Problematic Use of Marijuana (PUM).

Methods: A systematic computer-based literature search was conducted within the databases of PubMed, PsychINFO and Addiction Abstracts. A total of 12 publications reporting measures of reliability or validity were identified: 8 concerning SDS, 2 concerning CUDIT and one concerning CAST and PUM.

Quite a lot of smoke but very limited fire--the use of methamphetamine in Europe.

Introduction And Aims: This paper provides an overview of the historical development, current situation and potential future diffusion of methamphetamine (MA) use in Europe.

Design And Methods: The analysis is based on a review of published and grey literature, as well as data collected as part of the ongoing monitoring of the drug situation in Europe. Some qualitative surveys among high-risk populations do exist, but overall the general low prevalence of methamphetamine use in most of Europe means that the data available to explore patterns of use are limited.