Cologne fights against drug flood: number of drug -related deaths is alarming!

Cologne fights against drug flood: number of drug -related deaths is alarming!

Drug policy in Cologne faces considerable challenges. At the last meeting of the health committee before the summer break, the situation in the city was extensively discussed. An alarming trend shows that the number of drug deaths in Cologne continuously increases, and in the past five years by two thirds to 83 people. For many a worrying sign that action is urgently needed. Rundschau online reports that 2019 set two buses for mobile advice and consumption under medical supervision. But the problems were soon obvious: one of the buses burned out in 2021, the other was activated again in 2022, but is now standing still.

The planned list of a second bus in Mülheim failed due to the lack of locations and security concerns. The current state is also characterized by high costs. The repairs for the operating bus alone amount to 25,000 euros this year, while the renovation costs would be around 80,000 euros. The two remaining stationary drug consumption rooms at Neumarkt and Central Station are still in operation, with the lavish consumption at the Neumarkt closed and now only offers four six places instead of the intended. Online

a growing problem

In Germany, the problem is even more serious. According to a report by Tagesschau , a total of 2,227 people died in 2023 due to the consumption of illegal drugs, which corresponds to an increase of 237 compared to the previous year. This represents the highest number of drug deaths ever registered, while the average age of the deceased was 41 years old. It is also worrying that the number of deaths has increased in connection with cocaine and crack, especially through mixed consumption, which emerges as a growing problem.

The Federal Drugs Commissioner Burkhard Blienert therefore urgently calls for the expansion of prevention, advisory and help systems. In addition to the demand for more drug consumption rooms, the expansion of the drug checking is also required. This makes it possible to identify harmful substances and to advise them comprehensively.

project in Cologne

Cologne reacts to these developments with various measures. A model project is planned to submit a substitute for crack, but this still has to be clarified and financed. At the same time, working groups of the police, regulatory office and the Cologne traffic businesses implement stripes in affected areas and address persons at risk of dependency. Rundschau Online

The social service of Catholic men is also involved and offers consultations in several languages. A project for "milieus -specific social work" on Ebertplatz has been running since March, but remains limited until the end of the year. The continuation in 2026 is uncertain, since no funds are currently planned in the responsible department. An examination of whether you can save in other departments to secure the financing is still pending. Rundschau online

These developments reflect the challenges that many cities in Germany are currently standing. The Reitox annual report 2024, published by DBDD, offers a comprehensive analysis of the drug problem and the necessary prevention measures in Germany. It is an important source of information for everyone who wants to recognize the urgency of the situation and react to it. dbdd