The role and prominence of user groups as stakeholders in European drug policy processes varies greatly, but are generally difficult to fit into existing analytical research frameworks.

Key words: stakeholders, drug policy processes, drug users, analysing voices

Lead author(s): Bjerge

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

International alcohol conferences from 1885 onwards began a process of internationalisation in understanding the concept of addiction, but this influence declined as national differences and tensions between European countries became sharper in the 1930s.

Key words: internationalisation, addiction, concepts, temperance

Lead author(s): Edman

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

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