The addictions field is characterised by tensions between groups, by entrenched relationships between some addiction-specific stakeholder groups and powerful political stakeholders, and by the dominance of some forms of evidence over other forms of knowledge. Science and scientists are mainly influential in policy terms only if their scientific findings ‘fit’ with the wider political and economic context.

Key words: decision-making, stakeholders, influence, addiction policy

Lead author(s): Thom

Determinants at the level of the social, economic and political environment are more important in the transition to risky substance use and gambling whilst determinants at the individual and sub-individual level of analysis are more dominant in the transition to harmful behaviours.

Key words: determinants, harmful behaviour, transitions, risky behaviour

Lead author(s): Lees, Gell, McLeod, Bühringer, Meier, Lingford-Hughes, Holmes, Forberger

The role of the EMCDDA in defining concepts of addiction in relation to drugs, alcohol and tobacco since its establishment in 1995.

Key words: addiction, concepts, EMCDDA, poly-drug use

Lead author(s): Berridge, Mold, Taylor, Edman

Imprisoned drug dealers reported that they aimed to sell mainly to regular customers and employed tactics to secure a stable customer base, including offering discounts, providing credit and even occasionally, offering  ‘freebies’ or ‘extras’ to regular customers.

Key words: suppliers, drug dealing, tactics, customer service

Lead author(s): Tzvetkova, Pardal, Disley

Expert committees of the WHO played a significant role in the development, dissemination and standardization of concepts and terminology around addiction in relation to drugs, alcohol and tobacco from the 1940s to the early 21st Century.

Key words: addiction, concepts, WHO, dependence

Lead author(s): Taylor, Berridge, Mold