With Flanders' rising use of cocaine inciting increasing drug-related gun violence, authorities are stepping up efforts to tackle the growing drug use.
The latest available figures show that cocaine use is on the rise in Flanders. In 2018, 1.7% of people in the region had taken cocaine in the last 12 months. Although this use rate remains very low, it has nevertheless more than doubled since 2008 (0.8%). Cocaine use is highest in men aged 25 to 34.
"Cocaine has serious consequences for many people, including in terms of health," said Minister of Welfare and Public Health Hilde Crevits. The reasons for cocaine use vary, from partying with friends to a means of dealing with high pressure working environments, among other things.
Flanders is specifically focusing on a preventative approach. Crevits argued that there is a need for low-threshold measures to avoid cocaine use and to recognise signs of drug-related issues as early as possible.
Effects of use
The Flemish Alcohol and Drugs Expertise Centre (VAD) carries out targeted, preventive actions and informs users in the region, helping them to find counselling if needed.
As cocaine prevention is complex due to the varied reasons for taking it, Crevits announced that the VAD will receive additional resources to launch tailored campaigns. This will better inform and sensitise risk groups about the short- and long-term effects of cocaine use.
The focus is also on preventing or delaying cocaine use, reducing problems associated with use and its consequences through early intervention. The so-called 'knowledge test and cocaine self-test' (anonymous tests to help people find out how risky their cocaine use is or how much they know about cocaine) will also be updated and shared on social media.
The region will work with ambassadors from nightlife and performance-sensitive work contexts who will distribute digital materials to target groups.
Finally, online modules will be used to increase the expertise of liaison people who come into contact with the target groups, such as occupational doctors or prevention advisers.
