Record number of drug deaths in Germany in 2023 – mixed use is increasing

The number of drug-related deaths in Germany has risen to a record high. 2,227 people died last year due to the consumption of illegal substances, 237 more than in 2022, as the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD) announced on Wednesday. This is the highest number ever recorded. There was a sharp increase in cocaine and crack. The most common cause of death continued to be cases related to heroin. More and more consumers are taking several drugs together. Blienert called for stronger prevention work nationwide and a curbing of alcohol and tobacco as well.

The figures are alarming and are now about twice as high as they were ten years ago, said the Federal Government Commissioner during a visit to a drug consumption room in Berlin. “There are many things available that have a strong effect, that are lethal and that, in many areas, can quickly lead to death if mixed with other drugs.” However, we know from practical experience “that many substances are cheaper than many glasses of beer.” What is needed is “very concrete progress in prevention and social help on the ground.”

Of the 2227 drug deaths recorded in 2023, 1844 were men and 383 women. The average age continued to rise slightly to just over 41 years. It is usually not first-time users who die in the first year, explained Blienert. “That can happen through overconsumption, through ignorance.” But as a rule, these are people who have been able to grow older for many years in the help system. Behind the numbers lies endless suffering for those affected, their families and those around them.

cocaine

Significantly more people died in connection with cocaine and crack. According to data from the state criminal police offices, the number of deaths rose to 610 last year, up from 507 the year before. Another reason for this is that large quantities of cocaine are being found in European ports. This “flood” is having an impact on supply, said Blienert. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) said: “We have therefore stepped up the fight against international drug cartels even more.” The number of deaths from crystal meth (methamphetamine) rose to 122, up from 47 previously.

heroin

Heroin and morphine continued to be the most common cause of death. However, the number of deaths has now fallen slightly from 749 to 712. In relation to all substances, there is generally a high number of unreported cases, as the commissioner made clear. “I fear that in reality there are even more drug-related deaths – we have far too few toxicological reports and autopsies.” According to this, 1,167 deaths were autopsied in the states in 2023, and there were 882 reports.

Mixed consumption

The consumption of various illegal substances alongside one another is becoming an increasingly serious problem. 1,479 of the 2,227 drug-related deaths were due to mixed consumption, 34 percent more than in 2022. In some cases, there is a “breakdown” in support, said Blienert. Consumers then also obtain substances on the black market, and it is not known what is in them.

Help

Blienert called for drug consumption rooms to be set up wherever they are needed. According to the information, there are currently 31 such facilities nationwide for less risky consumption under controlled conditions – not in all states. Special offers for crack will also be considered, especially since “consumption processes” sometimes cost relatively little. The German Central Office for Addiction Issues warned that many publicly funded counseling centers cannot cover their costs. Blienert emphasized that “every euro invested in addiction support is returned to society several times over.”

Legal drugs

“If we are talking about 2,227 deaths from the consumption of illegal drugs, we must also be talking about 150,000 deaths from the consumption of tobacco and alcohol,” said the commissioner. Restrictions on sponsorship and marketing for tobacco and alcohol must finally be introduced. The ban on children aged 14 and over being allowed to drink alcohol when accompanied by an adult should also be abolished. Blienert does not expect the partial legalization of cannabis to lead to a significant change in the number of drug-related deaths overall. However, more can now be done in prevention and youth protection and the black market can be pushed back.