REITOX Annual Report 2024 on the situation of illegal drugs published

12.12.2024 15:27

On December 12th, the German Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (DBDD) published its annual report on the situation of illegal drugs in Germany. According to the new report, 3.6 percent of all adults in Germany consumed illegal drugs within the past year (including cannabis, the figure was 9.6 percent; the survey was conducted before decriminalization).

The figures vary considerably between the federal states: for example, 19.3 percent in Berlin and 7.0 percent in Saxony (including cannabis).

The report shows a trend toward increasing consumption of cocaine and other stimulants. Within six years, the proportion of adults aged 18 to 59 who had used cocaine at least once a year rose from 0.6 percent (2015) to 1.6 percent (2021).

The number of consultations and treatments related to cocaine use – both outpatient and inpatient – has also risen slightly. Approximately ten percent of consultations and treatments for illegal substances involve cocaine users. Most users are men.

Police and customs seizures of cocaine have also reached a record high: While eight tons of cocaine were seized in Germany in 2017, this figure rose to 43 tons in 2023.

The health consequences of consuming illegal substances are significant. The number of drug-related deaths (first published in spring 2024) reached its highest level since data collection began, with 2,227 cases in 2023.

The risky combination use of more than one drug, whether legal or illegal, is particularly dangerous: In two-thirds of all drug-related deaths, more than one psychoactive substance has been found.

Burkhard Blienert, Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues:

„"The numbers speak for themselves: the situation is serious. Even in these uncertain times, when crises and wars worry many people, we must not continue to push drug users and addicts to the margins of society or even into the invisible.".

Rather, the fight against illegal drug trafficking must be more successful, with a clear focus on organized crime. We need a concerted effort from the federal government, states, municipalities, and social security providers for more prevention, better health protection, and even more targeted counseling and therapy.

Those who now undermine the addiction and drug support system are causing even more consumption, risking youth and health protection, and also playing with human lives.“

Esther Neumeier, head of the German Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (DBDD):

„"In the future, in addition to long-term trends, which we use to scientifically assess the overall situation, we will also need faster ways to obtain and disseminate new information.".

This requires more and faster toxicological analysis data in cases of poisoning and death, but also on substances found. And closer networking of all actors in the field of illegal substances, at the national and local levels – from law enforcement and support services to the users themselves – is also needed.“

The REITOX report provides a comprehensive overview of drug use patterns among 12- to 64-year-olds. Furthermore, it highlights current developments in prevention, counseling, treatment, harm reduction, and supply control regarding illegal drugs in Germany and offers relevant background information.

The report also covers drug use and treatment options in prisons.

The REITOX report 2024 and all workbooks are available here: www.dbdd.de