In 2023 they were registered in Germany more deaths from drug use than ever before. Federal Narcotics Commissioner Burkhart Blinert expresses his concern and calls for better prevention.

According to Mr. Blinnert, in 2023, 2,227 people died due to drug use, the largest number ever recorded. The deaths were 237 more than the previous year. They were 1,844 men and 383 women, with an average age of 41 years. In 712 cases the cause of death was the use of heroin, while deaths from cocaine and crack are on the rise. The data also show that the problem of “mixed” use is getting worse in Germany, with more and more users using more than one drug at the same time. Moreover, although the global trend shows a preference for cheaper and stronger opioids and stimulants, promoted by international cartels, in Germany and Europe the supply and demand for cocaine is skyrocketing.

The Federal Commissioner also expressed the belief that the true number of drug deaths is much higher, as toxicology tests and autopsies are not carried out in many cases of death. He requested an extension of the preventive measures. “We know what to do! We need to support particularly vulnerable young people early and consistently and not just write off people with addiction,” he stressed, pointing to emergency “drug use rooms” which he said must increase throughout the country. The director of such a place in Berlin Nona Pritzens told German public television ARD that through controlled use it is possible to get immediate medical help and avoid a significant number of deaths.

“The situation is extremely painful. Behind the cold numbers, there is endless pain for the victims, their families and the environment,” noted Commissioner Blinert.