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

Cocaine, amphetamines and heroin are perceived by European citizens as the ‘addictions’ with the most severe consequences to society, whereas tobacco, despite being responsible for the largest share of premature deaths caused by addictive substances, is perceived as having one of the least severe impacts on society.

Key words: addictions, severity, popular perceptions, addictiveness

Lead author(s): Blomqvist

Comparative analyses of historical and conceptual developments in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden show differences in the drug policy agenda and governance, despite fundamental similarities in these Nordic welfare states.

Key words: Drug policy agenda, Nordic countries, welfare, conceptualisation

Lead author(s): Bjerge

Although evidence supporting young people’s addictions policies is accumulating, the field is underdeveloped compared to adult orientated actions. Currently, for many areas of concern it is difficult to make strong evidence based recommendations to EU policy makers on effective policy actions for young people.

Key words: Young People, Policy options, evaluation framework, addiction

Lead author(s): Brotherhood & Sumnall

Governance of addictions in Europe can be classified into four typologies based on the strategy of their policies and the organizational structure of their governments.

Key words: policy strategy, organizational structure, typologies, governance of addictions

Lead author(s): Ysa & Albareda