5. Drug use among non-binary persons in Europe: findings from a web survey

Traditionally, survey-based methods used in drug research tend to be gender blind and not include the experiences of non-binary people who use drugs. This invisibility is related with the use of standard one-step methods in the sex/gender demographic question, specifically the use of the categories male/ female or M/F. This presentation will be based on a gender analysis that include the category non-binary within the data collection methods.

Data were collected through two web-based surveys implemented by the EMCDDA and national partners:

• European Web Survey on Drugs
• Hair testing questionnaire, which included also the analysis of hair samples

Both tools used the following gender categories: women/ men/ non-binary. The data analysis is currently ongoing.

Data disaggregated by gender allow the identification of gender-based differences in the sociodemographic profile, living conditions, drug use patterns, drug-related risks and harms, and access to services. A comparative approach between men, women and non-binary respondents make specific drug use patterns and health and social needs visible. A focus of the analysis concern non-binary persons.

Non-binary persons who use drugs present gender-based specificities in drug use patterns. It is relevant to systematically collect gender inclusive data not based on a binary categorization to monitor gender-specific drug use patterns and trends and to inform the design of gender-responsive policies and social and health responses to drug problems.