Implications of heroin shortages in Europe: the emergence of synthetic opioids

A previous short-lived ban on opium production in Afghanistan led to heroin shortages in Europe which, in some countries, have been associated with long-term changes in patterns of opioid consumption. A concern is that any shortage in the availability of heroin may drive an increase in demand for synthetic opioids. This means it would be prudent for Europe to be prepared to respond to any possible impact of a potential decline in heroin availability from 2024 onwards.

As developments in this area currently remain uncertain, intensive monitoring is required. Should changes be observed, mitigating measures may be needed, which could include increasing treatment capacity, reviewing harm reduction strategies and introducing more robust enforcement measures to target synthetic opioid supply.