"Opiates remain the crux of the drugs problem in Europe": this warning comes again from Oedt, in their 2008 Report on drugs use. "Signs of change in the European heroin problem explains the document show that the countries need to remain vigilant and ready to respond". According to the European Drugs Agency, "problem" opiate users (morphine, heroin, methadone and other derivatives) range between 1.3 and 1.7 million people: "the use of heroin accounts for the highest costs of drugs, in terms of health and welfare". 7 to 8 thousand people die in Europe every year from the use of drugs, especially heroin; "dying for an overdose is one of the main causes of youth mortality". In addition, Oedt states that the figures contained in the report that was presented today "question the previous estimates" made by the Agency itself that "found the situation of heroin was slowly improving": the problem seems to be instead "stable, but no longer decreasing". In addition, "the extraordinary production of opium recorded in Afghanistan in 2007 contributes to aggravating fears of potential repercussions on the heroin phenomenon in Europe".
