Why is it important a European federation of addiction societies? [Perché è importante una federazione europea delle società delle tossicodipendenze?]

Introduction: In the European Union, alcohol use and substance use disorders are among the top five causes of morbidity and mortality due to neurological disease, with an impact on general population comparable to that of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, despite this situation research in the field of Addiction Medicine is hampered, first of all because of a lack of funds and the influence of the European Commission in steering them. In addition, the lack of stable links between research groups working in this field limits the possibility to share related knowledge and experience and the development of training networks. In the summer of 2010, 23 scientific societies from 16 European countries established the European Federation of Addiction Societies (EUFAS), with the aim to deal with these issues and to facilitate the development of prevention, treatment, research and health policy programs in relation to substance use disorders. Conclusions: EUFAS' efforts should contribute to the development of research, training and clinical practice in the field of Addiction Medicine, thanks to the collaboration between professionals working in the field, not only within the European Union but also in collaboration with organizations and institutions outside Europe. © 2012 Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.