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Germany: The number of lives lost to drugs, at a record level

2024-05-30 09:09:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The number of drug-related deaths in Germany has reached a historic record: 2,227 drug-related deaths were recorded in 2023, Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert announced, 1,844 men and 383 women. This figure is twelve percent higher than a year ago and about twice as much as ten years ago.

Blienert said he considers the situation "very serious": "I fear that in reality there must be even more deaths related to drug consumption" because there are "very few toxicology and autopsy reports".

Germany: The number of lives lost to drugs, at a record level

According to him, it is also established that "more and more substances are consumed mixed together, that there are increasingly stronger substances on the market and that drug users take whatever is available on the market". According to Blienert, the average age of the dead was 41 years and it continues to rise. About two-thirds of the deaths - 1,479 cases - were found to be related to the mixed consumption of different illegal substances - 34 percent more than in 2022.

Heroin use remains the most common cause of death

According to the data, the cause of 712 cases of death was heroin, making this drug the most frequent substance that causes death. However, a slight decrease is observed. On the other hand, there was a significant increase - from 507 to 610 deaths - related to the consumption of cocaine and crack drugs.

An even more significant increase - from 528 to 654 cases of death - is marked by the consumption of drugs to replace opiates. The number of deaths from methamphetamine use also increased significantly from 47 to 122 cases.

Germany: The number of lives lost to drugs, at a record level

According to Blienert, the global trend is towards cheaper and more effective opioids and stimulants, which are being dumped on the markets by cartels operating around the world. At the same time, the supply of cocaine in Germany and Europe is increasing significantly. It is therefore necessary to strengthen prevention, counseling and assistance systems.

Also, according to the Federal Drug Commissioner, more centers for controlled drug use are needed. Currently in Germany there are 31 such centers where drug consumption is less dangerous, because it is carried out under controlled conditions. However, such centers do not exist in all countries. Europol identifies the most dangerous gangs in Europe./ DW