The evaluation of the Portuguese drug policy 1999‐2004: the process and the impact on the new policy

This paper focuses on the main aspects of the 1999‐2004 Portuguese drug policy evaluation. The general objectives of the Portuguese National Strategy and Action Plan for that period are briefly presented and both the internal and the external evaluation processes and results are described. Using data from the national information system on drugs, several demand and supply reduction indicators are discussed to show the influence of policy implementation on drug use related health and social consequences. The recommendations from the evaluation exercises were taken into account and had a clear impact in the drafting of the new National Action Plan on Drugs ‐ Horizon 2008.