Introduction

Abstract

This session will focus on the epidemiology of depression, alcohol and drug dependence, and addiction. The starting point is the World Health Organization paper by Dr. A. Uchtenhagen entitled Epidemiology and Trends in Narcotic and Psychotropic Drug Misuse and Related Health Problems. I quote from page 22 of the manuscript:

It is beyond any reasonable doubt that the drug problem is not a temporary phenomenon and that its health and social implications have reached dimensions that deeply affect the health status and life expectancy of large groups in society and the economy and politics of nations. It is not self-evident which policies and which actions are likely to prove most adequate and effective for controlling and changing this situation. Rationally based policies and actions have to take into account: which substances are misused, who are the groups at risk, and what are the effects. The answers to these questions change continuously. It is therefore of high priority:

• to monitor the epidemiological trends

• to coordinate the data collection on a routine basis

• to evaluate the usefulness of epidemiologic data and to select procedures and items accordingly.