One of the most interesting developments in the alcohol and drugs field in recent years is the decline in substance use among young people. This decline is found in a number of European countries with very different use rates and policy frameworks. In some countries this decline comes despite an increase in adult use.
Life expectancy reaching a new high, changing fertility patterns, and internal and external migration leading to greater diversity are just some of the phenomena of demographic change currently being experienced in Europe. These all exert different pressures on European health systems, and innovations and visionary foresights are needed to turn these challenges into opportunities for sustainable solutions.