Scarce information on substance use by migrants in Europe

Migrants have specific health needs and face particular health risks, but they tend to seek healthcare less than citizens. Studies suggest that young people from a migrant background are also at higher risk of substance use; it is of high importance to get a better understanding of substance use as a public health concern among this population. Various possible reasons for the lack of data about substance use among migrants in Europe are explored here, along with the results of a literature search on the subject. Preliminary results of local empirical research in the Netherlands are also presented.