According to statistics, the number of drug overdose deaths in Germany has risen to a historic high, with the average age of the deceased being 41 years old.
On May 29th (Wednesday), Burkhard Blienert, the Federal Drug Commissioner of Germany, announced that last year, 2,227 people in Germany died from drug-related causes, which represents a 12% increase compared to the previous year and is approximately twice the number from a decade ago.
Blienert described the situation as “very serious,” stating, “This is the highest number on record – I fear that the actual number of deaths related to drug use may be even higher.” The lack of toxicological reports and autopsies means that the actual figures could be even more staggering.
The statistics show that the deceased include 1,844 males and 383 females, with an average age of 41 years old. Approximately two-thirds of the deaths (1,479 cases) involved the consumption of a mix of various illegal drugs, which marks a 34% increase from 2022.
Among these cases, 712 deaths were attributed to heroin, which remains the most common drug leading to death. Deaths related to cocaine and crack increased from 507 to 610 cases. The number of deaths related to opioid substitute drugs like methadone or buprenorphine increased from 528 to 654 people. Deaths related to methamphetamine use also significantly rose from 47 to 122 cases.
Overall, there have been shifts in drug consumption patterns in recent years. For example, the influence of heroin has weakened, leading more addicts to turn to other drugs like crack.
Blienert noted that the supply of cocaine in Germany and Europe is rapidly increasing, highlighting the need for improved prevention, advice, and support systems.
Christina Rummel, Executive Director of the German Addiction Issues Center (DHS), expressed that addiction counseling in Germany is facing financial difficulties: “Preliminary results from a survey conducted nationwide by the Department of Homeland Security in Germany show that three-quarters of publicly funded addiction counseling centers will not be able to cover their costs this year, resulting in restrictions or complete cancellation of counseling services.”