Drug crisis in MV: More and more young people are dying from overdoses!

Drug crisis in MV: More and more young people are dying from overdoses!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the number of drug-related deaths among young people is increasing alarmingly. According to a report by the Northern Courier The situation is frightening: two teenagers aged 13 and 15 have lost their lives due to drug abuse in the past two years. These are often dangerous substances in a form suitable for young people, such as the tragic cases of a 15-year-old who died after consuming so-called “Red Super Marios” pills, or a 13-year-old who died from a high-dose “Blue Punisher” pill. Such incidents are not the exception, because the numbers are worrying: between 2020 and 2024 there were a total of 74 drug-related deaths in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as the state coordination center for addiction issues reports.

The managing director of the coordination office, Birgit Grämke, calls loudly Northern Courier far-reaching measures to save lives and criticizes the declining drug education in the region. She emphasizes that while getting high is important to young people, they don't want to die. They often lack essential awareness of the dangers of drug use. In 2024, a total of 2,137 drug-related deaths were counted in Germany, 14 percent of which were under 30 years old, recent statistics show. In particular, the combination of drugs and consumption options via social media have encouraged drug use among young people.

The alarm call from the experts

Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck emphasized in his statement that access to illegal drugs has become significantly easier. Dirk Schäffer from the German Aids Association knows from experience that ignorance about drug mixtures is a significant problem. “People often consume what is available without assessing the risks involved,” he warns. Comprehensive drug checking is therefore essential to protect consumers from dangerous substances. Bina, a former drug addict from Cologne, has had painful experiences with drug addiction. She knows how important such measures are because she has experienced firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of dependence.

“The existing prevention strategies are not effective,” says Grämke. In Schwerin, two drug prevention officers were hired and an educational plan was launched, but according to city leader Nico Klose from Neubrandenburg, there is a lack of a concrete drug policy in his city. The wastewater test also showed high drug residues in the city, which underlines the urgency of action.

Future-oriented approaches

A bright spot are the 25 drug prevention workers who have already been trained, and another training course for the same number of workers is imminent. Grämke emphasizes the importance of regular drug education in order to sensitize young people and warn them about the dangers. Drug checking at events is a step in the right direction and could reduce the risk of drug overdoses. In countries with successfully implemented drug checking programs, significant positive effects in drug policy were observed.

It is now up to those responsible to take the wild potpourri of drug offers and the associated risk for young people seriously. The expansion of prevention measures and the necessary educational offers are no longer just a wish list, but an essential part of a successful drug policy in the country.