This report presents the results of an innovative method for gathering information on the substances used by people who inject drugs. In this pilot study, chemical analysis of the contents of used syringes collected from exchange sites reveals the drugs and drug combinations injected in the six participating European cities (Amsterdam, Budapest, Glasgow, Helsinki, Lausanne and Paris). This approach can provide local and timely information that can be used for city-level monitoring and interventions.

Table of contents

◦ESCAPE at a glance

◦Study rationale and methods

◦Detected drugs

◦Polydrug use

◦Reuse and sharing of syringes

◦Adulteration

◦Limitations

◦Key issues

◦Conclusion

◦ESCAPE network

◦References

◦Appendices