Illegal drug use remains a pressing issue in Europe, with nearly one-third of Europeans having experimented with drugs at some point in their lives. Cannabis and cocaine continue to dominate as the most commonly used substances, with alarming prevalence among young adults aged 15-34. Across the EU, 15% of young adults reported using cannabis in the past year, and 2.5% admitted to using cocaine, according to data from the EU and OECD. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain report the highest rates of cannabis use, while Malta and Hungary show lower levels.

The health consequences of regular drug use are severe, linked to a rise in mental health struggles, cardiovascular diseases, and public health challenges like the spread of HIV through injectable drugs. Adding to the concern, synthetic drugs are flooding the European market, posing a unique threat due to their potency and the difficulty authorities face in identifying and controlling them. These lab-made compounds, often produced in poor-quality conditions, increase the risks of contamination and unpredictable side effects.

Despite strict penalty systems implemented in some nations, experts argue that tougher laws do not effectively limit drug availability among youth or curb regular use. Generational shifts also suggest these patterns are unlikely to change drastically any time soon, with teenage girls now overtaking boys in cannabis use across several countries.

The surge in synthetic drugs, such as new lab-made cannabinoids and opioids, exacerbates the crisis. These substances are pushing Europe into uncharted territory, even as law enforcement works to dismantle drug labs and track new compounds. Their highly addictive nature is a critical health issue among adults, further straining public health systems.

Without urgent action to address the root causes of drug use and the rampant availability of harmful substances, the health and social fabric of European nations risk continued erosion.

Source: Euronews