Rise in Psychoactive Drug Use Among Adolescents Globally, New Study Reveals

Strategic Insights -

A growing concern globally is the increasing use of psychoactive drugs among adolescents, with the Dutch Poisons Information Center reporting a significant increase in the number of poisoning events among this age group between 2014-2023. According to research from the University Medical Center Utrecht, psychoactive drug use has been on the rise worldwide, with adolescents and young adults accounting for a large share of people who use drugs. The study, published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, highlights the need for more education on the potential dangers of these substances and potential legislative changes to reverse this trend.

Key Takeaways:

  • A significant increase in the number of poisoning events involving psychoactive drugs among adolescents was observed from 2014-2023, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.11-1.16, p<0.001).
  • From 2014-2023, the Dutch Poisons Information Center was consulted on 978 poisoning events among adolescents involving psychoactive drugs.
  • The study highlighted the need for more education on the potential dangers of psychoactive substances among adolescents and potential legislative changes to reverse the trend.
  • The research mentions that there is limited information on trends of intoxications with psychoactive drugs among adolescents, particularly with regard to New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
  • The study concluded that more education and upcoming legislative changes could help reverse the trend of increasing psychoactive drug use among adolescents.

Statistics:

  • From 2014-2023, the number of poisoning events involving psychoactive drugs among adolescents increased significantly (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.11-1.16, p<0.001).
  • The Dutch Poisons Information Center was consulted on 978 poisoning events among adolescents involving psychoactive drugs during the investigated period.
  • The number of intoxications with psychoactive drugs among adolescents reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center increased from 2014 to 2023.

Sources:

  • Strong increase in the number of intoxications involving psychoactive drugs among adolescents reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center from 2014-2023. International Journal of Drug Policy, 2025;142:104860.
  • University Medical Center Utrecht Reports Findings in Chemicals and Chemistry (Strong increase in the number of intoxications involving psychoactive drugs among adolescents reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center from 2014-2023). Chemicals & Chemistry. June 13, 2025; p 4810.
  • International Journal of Drug Policy (www.journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-drug-policy/).
  • Elsevier (www.elsevier.com).