Searching information on drug research projects
This database contains information gathered in the course of the ERANID project during 2013 and 2014. Principally, it contains details of research projects on illicit drugs carried out since 2010 within the six ERANID countries and funded by the European Committee: Belgium; France; Italy; Portugal; The Netherlands; and the United Kingdom. However, this database will not capture all illicit drugs research carried out within a country.
16 projects matched the selected criteria:
Download as PDFDetermination of the yield of an illegal indoor cannabis plantation (YILCAN)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2009
- Project ending year
- 2011
- Area(s) of research
- Supply and markets
- Objectives
- The YILCAN project addresses this problem by investigating the influence of a number of yield determining factors in a controlled cannabis growing experiment in which illegal indoor conditions are imitated in the greatest detail.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Economy, Other discipline
- Initial identified needs
- Belgian courts are considering old data for cannabis yelds. Modern techniques and plants and valuation of cannabis on the street need these figures to be updated
- Performed by
-
'University of Ghent, Laboratorium voor Tropische en Subtropische Landbouw en Etnobotanie
Universiteit Gent, Vakgroep Strafrecht en Criminologie - Funded by
- Belgian science policy office
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/56
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/56
- Published reference(s)
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/56
Download as PDFDrugs in figures (DIC III)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2009
- Project ending year
- 2011
- Area(s) of research
- Consequences of drug use
- Objectives
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Economy
- Objectives (native)
- valuation of global public expenditures in drugs
- Initial identified needs
- Public expenditure approach of "drugs" in Belgium (illicit, + tobacco, alcohol and psychoactive medication)
- Performed by
-
'University of Ghent, Vakgroep Strafrecht en Criminologie
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Public Policy & Management (USA) - Funded by
- BELSPO
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/57
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/57
- Published reference(s)
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/57
Download as PDFPoly drug use and mental health among drug users who ask for treatment (POLYMEH)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2009
- Project ending year
- 2011
- Area(s) of research
- Prevalence, incidence and patterns of drug use, Prevention responses, Treatment responses, Consequences of drug use, Methodology issues
- Objectives
- The research objectives are threefold: - First, we want to map the prevalence of poly drug use and the characteristics of poly drug users in outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment in Belgium; - Second, we will explore the extent and type of psychiatric disorders among persons following substance abuse treatment in Belgium and the prevalence and type of DSM Axis I and II-disorders in this population; - Third, we will compare the characteristics and psychiatric profile of poly drug users with that of persons who only use one substance.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Psychology, Sociology
- Initial identified needs
- In Europe as well as in the United States, poly drug use has become the rule rather than the exception. In a society in which a diversity of psychoactive substances is available, it is easy for drug users to experiment with various combinations or to look for other substances that replace their primary drug of choice. Several researchers have demonstrated an increase in poly drug use over the past years.
- Performed by
-
University of Ghent, Faculty of Psychology and pedagogy
Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI)
Universiteit Gent, Vakgroep Orthopedagogiek
Université Libre de Bruxelles, Groupe d'étude sur l'Ethnicité, le Racisme, les Migrations et l'Exclusion (GERME)
University of Oslo, Institute of Psychiatry - Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF) - Funded by
- Belgian Science Policy Office
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/55
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/55
- Published reference(s)
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/55
Download as PDFAnalysis and optimisation of substitution treatment in Belgium (SUBANOP)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2011
- Project ending year
- 2012
- Area(s) of research
- Prevalence, incidence and patterns of drug use, Treatment responses, Harm reduction responses, Mechanism of drug use and effects
- Objectives
- Since the Belgian Federal Drug policy note in 2001, a legal framework has been developed for the prescription and administration of opioid substitution treatment (OST). However, until today policymakers and fieldworkers point at various gaps in the knowledge on substitution treatment in Belgium, in particular regarding substitution treatment in settings outside specialized centres, on the characteristics of clients receiving substitution therapy and on challenges and obstacles in the provision of this type of treatment. This research tries to answer these questions by providing an extensive and up-to-date overview of key elements of substitution treatment in Belgium. How is the provision of OST organized in Belgium (availability, types of providers, spread, referral and psychosocial support)? How do the clients receiving OST experience substitution treatment? Which obstacles can be identified and which recommendations can be made to overcome these obstacles? The answers to these questions can be found in this book.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Criminology, Psychology
- Initial identified needs
- Enhance the knowledge on substitution treatment in Belgium
- Performed by
-
IRCP-University of Ghent
department of special education-University of Ghent
clinical science, medical psychiatry and psychology - Funded by
- Federal Science Policy, Federal Department of Health
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/58
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=nl&COD=DR/58
- Published reference(s)
- Vander Laenen, F., Vanderplasschen, W., Smet, V., De Maeyer, J., Buckinx, M., Van audenhove, S., Ansseau, M. & De Ruyver, B. (2013). Analysis and optimization of substitution treatment in Belgium (SUBANOP). (Science and Society). Ghent- Academia Press Science and Society (2013)
Download as PDFDriving under the influence of illicit or psychoactive drugs: detection in blood and oral fluid
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2011
- Project ending year
- 2012
- Area(s) of research
- Prevalence, incidence and patterns of drug use, Law enforcement responses
- Objectives
- The proposed project aims firstly at detecting the use of illicit and psychoactive drugs while driving by chromatographic determinations of blood and oral fluid samples from traffic surveillance or traffic accidents. Secondly it aims to explain oral fluid screening tests that are false-positive according to the Belgian legislation.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Other medical sciences, Toxicology
- Initial identified needs
- 1) Need to gather information about driving under the influence of illicit and psychoactive drugs 2) Need to find a rationale behind unconfirmed screening tests
- Performed by
- University of Antwerp
- Funded by
- University of Antwerp
- Summary references
- Website
- Published reference(s)
Download as PDFAdapting best practice guidelines for the detection, prevention and treatment of substance abuse in children and youngsters to a local Belgian context (ADAPT_YOUTH)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2011
- Project ending year
- 2013
- Area(s) of research
- Prevalence, incidence and patterns of drug use, Prevention responses, Treatment responses
- Objectives
- The overall aim of this project is the development of best practice guidelines for the detection, prevention and treatment of substance abuse in children and youngsters age 12 to 25, using the ADAPTE process. First, an epidemiological study will be conducted focussing on a) the prevalence of problematic alcohol and drug use in the Belgian population of children and youngsters and b) the prevalence of parental problematic alcohol and drug use. This study will apply for and consult several existing data sources (Health Interview Survey, Permanente Steekproef, Farmanet, …) and will include, where available, socio-demographic variables like gender, age or environmental issues such as family history - variables to be considered in the further guideline adaptation. In a second study, a web based survey will be conducted to identify and describe all Belgian organisations, target groups and stakeholders involved in drug- and alcohol detection, prevention or treatment. The results of this survey will be used to identify potentially important stakeholders that can be involved in the process of adaptation of existing, international guidelines to a local context. Guidelines to be used will be screened for relevance and methodological quality. A nominal group technique, developed from the methodology of participating action research, will be used to achieve the expected outcome. The research group will apply a stepwise approach focussing on the assessment of the quality of existing guidelines, their consistency, their applicability and appropriateness for a Belgian context. A set of draft guidelines will be piloted in potential user groups and these insights will be used to finalize a (set of) context-specific, best practice guideline(s) on the detection, prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in children and youngsters, adapted from existing, international guidelines. A variety of different contexts will be considered, including health care, social welfare and/or school settings. Where and when possible an umbrella guideline covering different domains (diagnostics, prevention and treatment) for different settings (health care, social welfare and/or school settings) will be produced to serve policy makers and practitioners dealing with the complexity of drug- and alcohol abuse. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Epidemiology, Psychology, Sociology
- Initial identified needs
- Although the prevalence of substance use among adolescents and young people is well-documented in Belgium, few information is available on the extent of problem drug use and risky patterns of substance use (e.g. poly drug use). Several stakeholders (e.g. harm reduction initiatives, drug treatment services, prevention workers) report an increasing number of young people who experience problems as a consequence of their drug use. Still, few specific services exist that address adolescents’ drug use. Since youth care is a decentralised authority in Belgium, while the organisation of health care belongs to the federal authorities, this division of authorities has not contributed to the development of a coherent and needs-driven system of prevention initiatives and treatment services for young drug users. Consequently, research is needed to identify existing good practices and the challenges and difficulties when establishing prevention and treatment for this population (-18 years old).
- Performed by
-
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Centre for Methodology of Educational Research
Institut scientifique de Santé publique
Universiteit Antwerpen, Dpt of Primary and Interdisc. Care
Universiteit Gent, Vakgroep Orthopedagogiek
Vereniging voor Alcohol- en andere Drugproblemen - Funded by
- BELSPO
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/59
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/59
- Published reference(s)
Download as PDFAnalysis and optimization of substitution treatment in Belgium (SUBANOP)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2011
- Project ending year
- 2013
- Area(s) of research
- Prevalence, incidence and patterns of drug use, Prevention responses, Treatment responses, Harm reduction responses
- Objectives
- 1. Review of the literature (WP1): make a critical analysis of available review studies and meta-analyses on substitution treatment. 2. Inventories (WP2): develop two inventories on substitution treatment in Belgium and situate these inventories in an international perspective: (a) a first inventory of the current supply of substitution treatment in Belgium in terms of type, number, geographical spread, and care structure; (b) a second inventory of the current supply of training, education and intervisions for providers of substitution treatment in Belgium. 3. Develop an overview of important key elements of substitution treatment by means of an online survey among providers, with specific focus on the provision of psychosocial support in addition to substitution treatment (WP3). The questionnaire is based upon WP1 and WP2. 4. Measure the treatment satisfaction of clients in various types of substitution treatment, by means of a semi-structured questionnaire (WP4). 5. Analysis of characteristics of patients in substitution treatment by means of a secondary analysis of data already collected (National Register in Substitution Treatment and previous studies conducted in Belgium) (WP5). 6. Develop a feasible, evidence-based guideline for the treatment and support of opiate-dependent individuals in substitution treatment, with particular attention to the interpretation of psychosocial treatment 7. Develop policy recommendations to overcome identified obstacles by means of three mixed focus groups with participants that reflect the current supply in Belgium (one focus group by region: the Flemish -, Brussels-Capital – and Walloon Region) (WP7). Finally, the results of the separate work packages will be integrated in a research report (WP 8). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Criminology, Epidemiology, Sociology, Other medical sciences, Psychiatry
- Initial identified needs
- The aim of the SUBANOP-research is to provide an extensive and up-to-date overview of opioid substitution treatment in Belgium. This research necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. This multidisciplinary approach is reflected in the composition of the research team: the research team consist of researchers/promoters with a background in criminology, sociology, psychology, epidemiology and medicine/psychiatry
- Performed by
-
'University of Ghent, Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid
Universiteit Gent, Vakgroep Orthopedagogiek
Université de Liège, Faculté de Médecine Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie médicale - Funded by
- BELSPO, Ministry of Health
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/58
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/58
- Published reference(s)
Download as PDFCannabis production in Belgium: assessment of the nature and harms, and implications for priority setting (CANMARKT)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2012
- Project ending year
- 2013
- Area(s) of research
- Supply and markets
- Objectives
- This study pursues the following five objectives: 1) to describe the organization of cannabis production in Belgium, 2) to create typologies of different types of cannabis producers in Belgium and identify their modi operandi and aims; 3) to assess the market significance of different types of cannabis producers in Belgium (i.e. market segments); 4) to estimate the harms associated with different types of producers and 5) to evaluate the impact of the Belgian drug policy strategies on them.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Anthropology, Criminology, Economy, Sociology
- Initial identified needs
- Over the last 30 years major changes on the supply side of cannabis have occurred. The shift to (inter)regional production, trade and domestic production of cannabis has become an irreversible international trend. Belgium has been catching up with this trend: the number of plantations that have been dismantled by the authorities has increased sharply in recent years. Many of them are indoor operations, located near the Dutch border, set up for commercial purposes. These changes in the organization of the cannabis market raise important questions, in terms of estimating the size of the domestic cultivation industry, in terms of opportunities for new and existing offenders to enter the illegal trade, etc. Furthermore, the rise of domestic or regional cannabis cultivation is associated with heightened levels of criminal organization, involvement of ‘gangs’ and higher levels of violence. Typologies of cannabis cultivators always include large-scale (commercially oriented) growers on the one hand, and small scale cultivators (‘home growers’ ) on the other, and a grey zone in between (‘social-commercial cultivators’). Little is known about the exact market share and role of these different types of cannabis producers. Perhaps the most pressing policy issues relate to the differential harmfulness of activities within each type of cannabis producers, and the differential impact of the Belgian drug policy on different segments and networks of the cannabis production market.
- Performed by
-
University of Ghent
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven - Funded by
- BELSPO
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/63
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/63
- Published reference(s)
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/63
Download as PDFDrug treatment Court Ghent, qualitative outcome evaluation (QUALECT)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2011
- Project ending year
- 2013
- Area(s) of research
- Law enforcement responses
- Objectives
- The global aim of the QUALECT study is to provide an outcome evaluation of the Ghent DTC project with specific attention to improvements in various life domains of drug dependent offenders whether or not a DTC-trajectory was present. This outcome study can be considered supplementary to the recidivism study executed by the Service on Criminal Policy. In addition to the outcomes of the DTC-project, stakeholders’ perspectives on the project are studied. A multi-method research design, in particular a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, is used in the QUALECT study. In the quantitative research part a systematic review of the literature is conducted, using (inter)national databases. This literature study focuses on effects and outcomes of drug treatment courts regarding recidivism, drug use and other drug related life domains. These international results are compared to the outcomes of the Ghent DTC project. The latter outcomes are gathered trough a file study. Furthermore, the cost and workload of the DTC-project on the criminal justice system are studied. In the qualitative research part, semi-structured interviews provide information on treatment trajectories of drug users diverted to mental health care (DTC-clients) and on the workload and experiences of mental health care providers regarding this kind of judicial compulsion (the DTC project). Besides, DTC- and non-DTC-clients are interviewed with respect to their perception on the influence of the criminal justice procedure on their lives (criminal behaviour, drug use and other drug related life domains) and on their view concerning the criminal justice system and mental health care. The QUALECT study aims to contribute to an evidence-based drug policy in Belgian by 1) performing an outcome study regarding a specific judicial intervention, 2) comparing this intervention with an existing alternative measure (probation), and 3) focusing on the question whether this intervention works and why and how it works. In addition, the QUALECT study will provide insight in the relationship between the criminal justice system and mental health care (impact on the workload of mental health care, attunement of files and registration between the criminal justice system and mental health care). Policy recommendations, based on the results of the QUALECT study, will be formulated to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the DTC project and the relationship between the criminal justice system and mental health care, and to possibly extend the Ghent DTC project to other judicial districts in Belgium.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Criminology, Legal sciences, Sociology
- Initial identified needs
- In Belgium, several alternatives to divert drug dependent offenders to treatment are present at every level of the criminal justice system. A Belgian effect study showed that levels of offending and drug use decreased after the imposition of an alternative sanction (at sentencing and court level) and that all drug related life domains improved. Unfortunately, the lack of a control condition precluded a point of comparison with non-diverted offender (De Ruyver et al., 2007). At sentencing level, the pilot project 'Drug Treatment Court' (DTC) was introduced in May 2008 at the Ghent Court of First Instance as the first DTC in Belgium. The DTC handles all drug related cases and focuses on problematic drug users who committed drug-related offences. During the first year of operation, the Ghent DTC project was evaluated by the Ghent University and the Service on Criminal Policy (Colman et al., 2011; Vander Laenen, 2012a, 2012b). The current research is aimed at studying the outcome of the Ghent DTC-project.
- Performed by
- University of Ghent
- Funded by
- Belspo, Ministry of Justice
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/61
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/61
- Published reference(s)
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/61
Download as PDFIndicators for the supply of illegal drugs in Belgium (SUPMAP)
- Funding country
- Belgium
- Project starting year
- 2011
- Project ending year
- 2013
- Area(s) of research
- Supply and markets, Methodology issues
- Objectives
- The SUPMAP-project has the ambition to test the national boundaries of the operationalisation of the key indicators, as defined by the European Commission and further developed by EMCDDA. We take the liberty to appraise within the three given parameters whether additional key indicators can be developed. This feasibility study uses Belgium as a test-case and hereby supports the conceptual development of these indicators by the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). The harmonization with the EMCDDA is a necessity for this project. The interaction between a feasibility study conducted at national – Belgian – level and the process development at EMCDA level will mutually increase their effectiveness. The following research objectives can be distinguished: D1: To describe for each of the three axes (Drug markets; Drug-related crime; Supply reduction), which indicators could generate relevant data on the drug supply side, hereby indicating the finality of these indicators, what they do measure and what not, and by which criteria they should be assessed to be useful indicators to monitor the drugs supply side. D2: To list potential sources and actors able to provide the information on these indicators and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Consistent with the recommendation to persuade these actors of the added value of indicators, and the necessary data collection and provision, it has to be indicated how this can contribute to their activities. Also, the willingness of these actors to provide these data and to use indicators has to be assessed. D3: To assess the availability of these data in Belgium (if available, to what extent and where). If data are not (sufficiently) available, it will be identified how the necessary data can be generated, how the available data flows can be optimised and what the preconditions are to achieve all this. D4: To develop and to test a national indicator data set to monitor the supply of illegal drugs in Belgium. To conclude the research, the identified and collected indicators will be operationalized by using the available data. This will be the case for the three axes (Drug markets, drug-related crime, supply reduction). Thereby, recommendations will be made, including essential clarification to use and interpret the data set.
- Scientific discipline(s) involved
- Criminology, Economy, Political sciences, Sociology
- Initial identified needs
- In December 2004, the European Council took the decision to develop by 2012, following the key indicators for drug demand, a complex of drug supply indicators that would allow to measure the effectiveness, the efficiency and the evidence-based character of the law enforcement strategies and actions. This objective was put forward by the EU Drugs Strategy (2005-2012) and the EU Drugs Action Plans of 2005-2008 and 2009-2012. In 2010 the Commission presented a Staff Working Document on improving the collection of data on drug markets, drug related crime and drug supply reduction measures in the European Union. To further develop the conceptual framework and to draw up a list of reliable and sustainable indicators that would allow performant monitoring of the supply side, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), in cooperation with the European Commission and the European Police Office (Europol), organised the first European Conference on drug supply indicators.
- Performed by
- IRCP, University of Ghent
- Funded by
- BELSPO
- Summary references
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/62
- Website
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/62
- Published reference(s)
- http://www.belspo.be/belspo/fedra/proj.asp?l=en&COD=DR/62
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