Topical situation in use of addictive substances in CR and foundation of the new discipline of addictology.

Overview

In 2005 the new discipline of addictology came into existence. It is based on a so-called multidisciplinary approach to substance use and its causes, context and impact. Addictive substances pose significant health, social, legal and economic risks for both society and individuals. Since 1989 many changes in substance use have occurred. The consumption of legal addictive substances (such as alcohol and tobacco) has shown a continuously increasing tendency. The drug scene involving illicit substances has seen dramatic changes which have resulted in the virtual extinction of its previous nature and the rise of a drug scene operating on a commercial basis, which is a pattern we know from the Western European countries. The authors of this paper summarize current basic data reflecting the use of both types of addictive substances and point out that the so-called recreational users are the group which is the least covered by research although, statistically, it is the largest group of users. A major proportion of this group never becomes directly engaged with treatment programmes or serves a prison sentence, and, in terms of public health, insufficient attention has been paid to this group.

Key Words:
Legal substances, illicit substances, use, epidemiologic indicators, addictology.