Crack and fentanyl use on the rise in German cities

The German Centre for Addiction Issues (DHS) has issued a warning that crack and fentanyl use is on the rise in cities across the country. Both of the drugs are highly addictive and dangerous.

DHS issues warning about crack and fentanyl in Germany

According to the DHS, the use of crack cocaine and fentanyl, a strong opioid painkiller, is increasing in many German cities. “These substances pose significant health risks to consumers,” the organisation said in an announcement ahead of Addiction Advice Action Day on November 13.

DHS head Christina Rummel added that cocaine powder and crack cocaine are the most commonly consumed illegal drugs in Germany. Cocaine powder is typically snorted or orally ingested, but when dissolved in water with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate and heated it becomes crack cocaine.

Crack cocaine is considered a purer form of cocaine, it gives users a high of between just 5 and 10 minutes but is highly addictive. “Consumption often comes with a rapid and dramatic decline in the affected person’s social situation,” the DHS explained in its announcement.

10 million people face addiction in Germany

The DHS, Rummel and others in the addiction prevention sector hope that Addiction Advice Action Day will lay bare the prevalence of the problem in Germany. According to the DHS, around 10 million people in the federal republic are currently impacted by addiction issues, including alcohol and tobacco dependence, across a range of ages and class backgrounds.

“Addiction is not a fringe issue, but one that impacts the whole of society,” the DHS announcement explained. The organisation is also hoping to draw particular attention to the government funding drained from addiction prevention services in recent years.

“For years we have been pointing out the terrible financial situation that advice centres are in, many have already had to close,” Rummel explained, “Politicians cannot let it continue this way.”