Antenna, an annual study by Jellinek and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, has found that since 2000 the amount of alcohol and tobacco use by young Amsterdammers has decreased, but cocaine use has been on the rise.
According to the study, Amsterdammers who visit bars drink an average of 6 glasses, constituting a 45% population considered to be alcoholic. 6 in 10 bar visitors say they feel they drink too much. Still, the number of “at-risk” drinkers has decreased from 2000 by 12%. Additionally, the number of young adult smokers in the Dutch capital has decreased by some 30%, from almost half the demographic in 2000 to 20% in 2018.
The other side of the coin, however, is that cocaine use amongst the same young adult demographic is on the rise. In 2000, 18% of Antenna respondents admitted to “recent use” of cocaine. In 2018, the number was 38%. Further results said that Ecstasy/MDMA is generally used 1-5 times per year, while laughing gas has also increased. Also, Cannabis is the second most widespread addiction (treated by Jellinek) at 17% of respondents, while opioids are third with 14%.
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