The number of opiate addicts (especially heroin) has declined during the past decade. This trend is accompanied by a drop in the number of opiate clients receiving treatment for addiction. There were 8% fewer clients in 2008 than in 2007, and a quarter fewer than in 2001. However, the number of cannabis users seeking treatment continues to rise sharply. These were the findings of the 2009 Annual Report of the National Drug Monitor.
The recreational drug, GHB, continues to gain in popularity among certain groups of juveniles and young adults. The number of health incidents associated with this substance has also increased. After cannabis, ecstasy remains the most popular illegal drug in the social scene. Recent years have seen a further rise in the number of people admitted to hospital or an addiction treatment centre for alcohol problems. The rate of heavy drinkers among males aged 18 to 24 is still one in three, but declining. Meanwhile, fewer incidences of smuggling, trafficking and production of illegal drugs were registered by police and the courts in 2007 and 2008 than in previous years. Furthermore, there has been a drop in the number of property crimes perpetrated by opiate users.
Contact: Margriet van Laar
