Gender differences in patterns of drug use are addressed in this technical paper. According to the paper, men in the EU are still more likely than women to use illicit drugs. But there are concerns around possible signs of a ‘narrowing of the gap’ between male and female drug use, and greater similarities in lifetime drug-taking experience, particularly among school students. The paper analyses data from three sources: ESPAD school surveys (1995, 1999, 2003); general population surveys; and drug treatment centres.

Table of contents
• Key findings
• Introduction
• Cannabis
• Ecstasy
• Tranquillisers and sedatives
• Alcohol and drug comparisons
• Use of drug treatment services
• Discussion