Drug use is a major issue in Europe. Cannabis and cocaine are the most widely used illegal drugs. A recent study shows that nearly one-third of Europeans have tried these substances. The use of these drugs differs from country to country, with varying consequences for public health.

In 2024, 15% of young adults in the European Union reported using cannabis. About 2.5% admitted to using cocaine. These rates vary widely across Europe. For example, cannabis use is high in countries like the Czech Republic, Italy, France, and Spain. On the other hand, Malta, Turkey, and Hungary report much lower levels of use. Cocaine use is highest in the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland. However, Turkey, Portugal, Poland, and Hungary have lower cocaine use.

Drug Trends Across Europe

Sabrina Molinaro is an expert at Italy’s National Research Council. She studies drug use among young Europeans. Her research shows that drug laws are strict in many countries, but penalties are often aimed at occasional users rather than regular users. This results in high drug availability, especially among young people.

Molinaro has also tracked drug use trends among 16-year-olds in Europe for many years. Historically, boys used cannabis more than girls. However, recent trends show this gap narrowing. In some countries, girls now use cannabis at rates similar to or higher than boys.

These changes are important because they show how drug habits evolve over time. As cannabis and cocaine remain the most popular drugs, it’s clear that drug use is a major concern for public health.

Rising Risk of Synthetic Drugs

While cannabis and cocaine dominate the drug scene, synthetic drugs are becoming a bigger threat. These drugs include MDMA (ecstasy), heroin, opioids, psychedelics, and more. Synthetic drugs are especially dangerous because they are made in unregulated labs. This makes it harder to know what users are consuming.

“These drugs are risky because users often don’t know what’s in them,” says Molinaro. These drugs can be contaminated with harmful chemicals. In 2022, authorities dismantled hundreds of synthetic drug labs across Europe. In 2023, seven new synthetic opioids were found, raising further health concerns.

Synthetic drugs are often designed to mimic other substances, like cannabis or ecstasy. However, their chemical makeup is unpredictable, which makes them more dangerous. The rise in synthetic drug use has led to an increase in overdoses and health problems across Europe.

Health Risks and Public Safety

Drug use poses serious health risks. It is linked to heart problems, mental health issues, accidents, and the spread of diseases like HIV, especially among users who inject drugs. The growing use of synthetic drugs adds more danger to the situation. Many synthetic drugs can cause severe reactions because users can’t know what they are taking.

As drug use continues to increase, experts say it’s crucial to focus on prevention. Molinaro emphasizes the need for early intervention and flexible laws to address the changing drug market. “This is a critical public health issue,” she warns. Governments need to act quickly to reduce the harm caused by drugs.

Policymakers must consider new ways to address the drug crisis. Public health campaigns, education, and drug addiction treatment programs are essential. They need to work together to reduce the damage caused by drugs, especially among younger people.

Synthetic Drugs: A Growing Threat

The rise of synthetic drugs is changing the landscape of drug use in Europe. These substances are often produced in unregulated laboratories, making it harder for authorities to control their production. This lack of regulation is a major reason why synthetic drugs are becoming more dangerous. Unlike traditional drugs like cannabis or cocaine, synthetic drugs can have unpredictable effects, which increases the risk of overdose and long-term health problems.

In 2022, the authorities in Europe uncovered hundreds of synthetic drug labs. These labs are part of a growing global trend of synthetic drug production. In 2023, the discovery of new synthetic opioids only increased concerns about the spread of these dangerous substances. These drugs are often more potent than traditional opioids, making them even more dangerous to users.

Addressing the Issue with Public Policy

The rise in drug use, particularly synthetic drugs, presents a serious challenge to public health systems in Europe. Governments must act fast to prevent further harm. They need to create policies that are flexible and can adapt to the changing drug landscape. This requires a combination of prevention, education, and treatment.

Some countries, such as Switzerland and Portugal, have pioneered harm-reduction strategies. These include supervised drug consumption rooms and the decriminalization of drug use. These strategies have been shown to reduce the harm associated with drug use, but they are not yet widespread across Europe.

In addition to harm reduction, governments need to invest in early intervention programs. These programs help prevent young people from getting involved in drugs. Education is also key. By teaching young people about the risks of drug use, governments can help reduce the number of new users.

The Path Forward for Europe

As cannabis, cocaine, and synthetic drugs continue to spread across Europe, it’s clear that urgent action is needed. Governments must focus on prevention, early intervention, and education. Harm reduction strategies should be adopted more widely. Only by working together can Europe reduce the public health risks caused by drug use.

For further updates on Europe’s drug trends, visit Wall Street Storys.