Drug Use Across Europe: A Growing Concern
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Cannabis and Cocaine: Usage Trends
Data from the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that 15% of young adults in the EU used cannabis in the past year, while 2.5% used cocaine. Cannabis use is highest among adults in the Czech Republic, Italy, France, and Spain. Conversely, Malta, Turkey, and Hungary have the lowest rates of cannabis use. Cocaine use is most prevalent in the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland, while Turkey, Portugal, Poland, and Hungary report the lowest rates.interestingly, strict drug policies don’t appear to significantly impact drug availability, particularly for younger populations.“The major penalties impact only the people who use the substance once or fewer times in a year, so not the real [heavy] users,” Sabrina Molinaro, an epidemiologist and research director at the National Research Council of Italy.
Molinaro,who coordinates the European school Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs,notes that generational trends in drug use tend to remain consistent over time. This means that patterns observed in today’s youth will likely be reflected in adult-level data within a few years. For instance, while teenage boys have historically been more likely to use cannabis than girls, this gap is narrowing.In some countries, girls’ cannabis use has even surpassed that of boys.The Emergence of Synthetic Drugs
While cannabis and cocaine remain the most prevalent drugs, other substances like MDMA (molly or ecstasy), heroin, opioids, psychedelics, and synthetic drugs are presenting a growing concern across Europe. The European Union monitoring agency reported earlier this year that Europe is experiencing an unprecedented influx of drugs. Synthetic drugs, such as lab-made cannabinoids and stimulants, are particularly worrying.“They are so perilous [because] you don’t know what you are taking” and because the drugs are often made in low-quality labs with the potential for “pollution,”
Sabrina Molinaro
Molinaro explains that the constant emergence of new synthetic compounds makes it difficult for national authorities to identify, ban, and effectively combat the trafficking of these drugs. In 2022, hundreds of synthetic drug labs were dismantled in the EU. The following year, the EU’s early warning system detected seven new synthetic opioid substances, highlighting the severity of the problem.“that is a very big health issue in the adult population,”
Sabrina Molinaro
## Archyde Interview: Drug Use Across Europe - A Growing Concern
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Talks. Today, we’re diving into a pressing issue affecting europe: the rising trend of drug use. Joining me to discuss this is [Alex Reed Name], an expert in [Alex Reed Expertise]. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the statistics. It’s alarming to learn that nearly one in three Europeans have experimented with illegal drugs. What are some of the factors contributing to this widespread use?
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed provides insights into the factors driving drug use in Europe, drawing on relevant expertise and potentially referencing data].
**Host:** We understand that while cannabis and cocaine remain the most common drugs, there’s a surge in the availability of other substances like MDMA, heroin, opioids, psychedelics, and synthetic drugs. How dangerous is this trend,and what are the health implications?
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed discusses the risks associated with the increasing availability of these substances,highlighting the health consequences such as cardiovascular diseases,mental health problems,accidents,and the risk of infectious diseases like HIV,notably for intravenous drug users [1]].
**Host:** What measures are being taken by European authorities and healthcare professionals to address this growing crisis?
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed outlines the strategies and initiatives being implemented to combat drug use in Europe. This can include preventative measures, treatment programs, harm reduction strategies, and policy responses.]
**Host:** What role can individuals and communities play in preventing drug abuse and supporting those who are struggling with addiction?
**Alex Reed:** [Alex Reed emphasize the importance of community support, education, open conversations about drugs, and early intervention. They could also mention the role of families and friends in providing support to individuals battling addiction.]
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue.This is a conversation we need to continue having to protect the health and well-being of our communities.
**[Concluding remarks from the host summarizing the key takeaways and thanking the Alex Reed].**
## archyde Exclusive Interview: Europe Faces growing Drug Use Crisis
**
Archyde sits down with Sabrina Molinaro, epidemiologist and research director at the National research Council of Italy and coordinator of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs, to discuss the escalating drug use crisis sweeping across Europe. **
**Archyde:** Dr.Molinaro, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the broader picture. What are the most notable trends we’re seeing in drug use across Europe?
**Dr. Molinaro:** Thank you for having me. The most concerning trend is the sheer prevalence of drug use.Nearly one in three Europeans have experimented with illegal drugs,and this figure keeps climbing. While cannabis and cocaine remain the most commonly used substances, the growing availability and use of synthetic drugs, MDMA, heroin, opioids, and psychedelics is particularly worrying. This shift presents major challenges for public health and law enforcement.
**Archyde:** Cannabis use seems to be widespread across Europe. Which countries have the highest rates?
**Dr. Molinaro:** Our data shows the Czech Republic, Italy, France, and Spain having the highest rates of cannabis use among adults. Interestingly, strict drug policies don’t seem to substantially impact availability, especially for younger populations.
**Archyde:** Conversely, which nations have successfully curbed cannabis use?
**dr. Molinaro:** Malta, Turkey, and Hungary consistently report the lowest rates of cannabis use. However, it’s crucial to remember that generational trends are persistent. Patterns observed in youth today often reflect in adult data a few years down the line.
**Archyde:** Speaking of generational trends, are we seeing any shifts in who uses drugs?
**Dr. Molinaro:** historically, there’s been a gender gap in cannabis use, with teenage boys using it more frequently than girls. This gap is narrowing, and in some countries, girls’ cannabis use has even surpassed that of boys.
**Archyde:** You mentioned the rise of synthetic drugs. What makes these substances so dangerous?
**Dr. Molinaro:** Synthetic drugs, like lab-made cannabinoids and stimulants, are particularly harrowing as they operate in a legal gray area. You simply don’t know what you’re taking.
Since these compounds are constantly evolving, it’s tough for authorities to identify, ban, and combat their trafficking effectively. Even worse, they are often produced in poorly regulated labs with a high risk of contamination, making their effects unpredictable and potentially lethal.
**Archyde:** What can be done to address this growing crisis? Is there a single solution or a multi-faceted approach needed?
**dr. Molinaro:** This is a complex issue requiring a multi-faceted approach. Prevention programs targeting youth are crucial, alongside
harm reduction strategies like needle exchanges and treatment programs for those struggling with addiction. International cooperation is essential to disrupt drug trafficking networks and combat the constantly evolving synthetic drug trade.
**archyde:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Dr. Molinaro.
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