The treatment demand indicator in Europe: A common monitoring tool across 30 countries and its value for treatment systems planning

This paper describes the epidemiological indicator ‘Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI)’ which provides a common European methodology for collecting and reporting data on the profile and patterns of drug use of clients seeking treatment in specialised drug treatment centres in Europe. The data provide also insight on health and social needs through analysis of their demographic characteristics, their living conditions and the consequences of their drug use. It also provides information on how these factors are changing over time and in different national contexts. The use of a common drug treatment monitoring tool across a group of countries provides a useful instrument for policymakers, professionals and managers working in the drug treatment field and planning treatment systems.