Drugs are being made alarmingly accessible, cautions Streeck
In a recent warning, Germany's Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck (CDU) has highlighted the growing danger of accessible drugs, particularly for young people. Among the substances of concern, crack stands out as the most worrying.
Streeck has warned of the increasing spread of potent and unexpected substances in Europe, including crack, fentanyl, and synthetic opioids like nitazene. He has expressed grave concerns about the ease with which these substances can be ordered on the darknet or even regular internet, and delivered directly to teenagers' homes, often by taxi or other means.
The commissioner's concerns are not unfounded. Crack, a potent form of cocaine, can lead to permanent addiction with a single use, and can be fatal on first use. It causes severe health damage and aggressive behaviour, making it a significant problem for youth protection.
Unlike heroin, there is no substitution therapy for crack; only behavioural therapies and psychotherapy are options. Streeck has stated that there is currently nothing to counter the effects of crack, emphasising the urgency of the situation.
In response to this growing problem, Streeck has called for a nationwide early warning system for emergency services, addiction help, and those affected. This system would provide support to those dealing with crack addiction, and help to address the issue at its roots.
Streeck has identified the ease of drug accessibility as a significant problem for youth protection. He has urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to be vigilant and to educate young people about the dangers of drugs like crack.
Crack is the drug that concerns Streeck the most, due to its potency, ease of access, and the severe risks it poses to young people. His warning serves as a call to action for all of us to take action to protect young people from the dangers of accessible drugs.
