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The increase in drug consumption by young people, alarm bells/ What the institutions said about the CNA

2024-12-22 12:20:00, Denoncim CNA

The increase in drug consumption by young people, alarm bells/ What the

The dangers that threaten teenagers in Albanian society have become the headlines of public opinion.

Recently, the use of "TikTok", a platform that was seen as an instigator of violence among young people, has been stopped.

This decision came in the wake of increasing conflicts recorded between teenagers, with one ending fatally for a 14-year-old, just a short time ago.

But it's not just social networks. Another major concern is the widespread use of narcotics.

CNA has focused on this very serious phenomenon with serious consequences for the health of young people and their future. A lowering of the age limit is noted. CNA also sent a request for information to the responsible authorities, for data related to the increase in drug use.

The Ministry of Health informs that the number of patients who were treated in the Addiction and Clinical Toxicology Service at QSUT in 2023 was 491, of which 328 were hospitalized patients and 163 were treated on an outpatient basis.

The largest number of drug users in our country, who received treatment at the Addiction and Toxicology Service, were from the region of Tirana.

Regarding the number of high school and 9-year-old students treated as drug users, during the period 2023-2024, 5 children of this age group were registered. They have had mental health disorders.

According to the ministry, these problems have resulted from the use of "balloons", or nitrous oxide, the use of which marked a significant increase in the last year.

However, the Ministry of Health says that the most used drug by young people is cannabis. But it turns out that the largest number of patients, who presented for specialized help, were cocaine users, mainly people over 18 years old.

CNA is not satisfied with that.

We also addressed the State Police for information, which in its response informed us that regarding the role of policing in the community, specialists in this sector, in all 12 Police Directorates, periodically hold meetings, lessons and campaigns sensitizing with students of 9-year-old schools and high schools, with the main theme of the fight against the use of drugs, tobacco and alcohol in schools.

In the letter, it is also evident that in addition to the daily work, to prevent and attack the production or sale of narcotics in schools, the State Police, in 2023, designed and implemented the police mega-operation coded "Temple". We recall that this operation echoed in the media, as criminal groups were hit, which distributed cocaine near schools.

The Ministry of Education and Sports was another institution where we sought information about this phenomenon.

In response, the ministry says that students are informed through the lessons about the danger that comes from the use of narcotics. He also said that the security officer in the educational institution constantly monitors the environment around suspicious situations, the entry of unauthorized persons, prevents and manages emergency and violence cases. According to the ministry, in cases where it is evident that the student uses drugs, it cooperates with parents and social protection institutions, which cooperate with health institutions and rehabilitation centers to provide psychological and medical assistance.

In a recent report by the World Health Organization on the use of illegal substances among teenagers, it shows an increase from 7% (2015) to 11% (2022) of the number of minors in Albania who have tried at least one times cannabis.

Drugs in schools remain a big challenge for Albania and require a joint commitment of all actors: schools, parents, civil society and authorities. Only through coordinated interventions and continuous support can sustainable change and a safer and healthier environment for young Albanians be achieved.

CNA will continue to address this important topic, bringing forward the voices of experts, the concerns of parents and more. This is an issue that requires immediate and serious measures./ CNA





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