
The National Drug Report on the Situation and Response to Drugs in Malta for 2023 has highlighted a significant increase in the number of people seeking help for drug addiction. The report states that this trend has been observed in previous years, reflecting a shift towards active intervention rather than passivity in the face of addiction.
Cocaine addiction is gripping Malta harder than ever, with 41% of those seeking drug treatment in 2023 struggling with the substance. Alarmingly, 68% of these individuals relapsed, requiring treatment more than once.
The report revealed that over 2,300 people sought treatment, with heroin remaining the most common addiction. However, cocaine dependency is rising sharply, coinciding with an increase in drug purity levels, which reached 57%. Minister Michael Falzon warned that drug abuse is not confined to any one area or social class, calling for a united effort to combat addiction. Meanwhile, law enforcement recorded historic drug seizures, confiscating 493kg of cocaine and 154kg of cannabis over the course of the year.
Despite growing awareness, the battle against addiction is far from over. Experts stress that greater access to treatment and long-term support is crucial in tackling this escalating crisis.
The National Report on the Drug Situation and Response in Malta is compiled annually, and provides a clear picture of drug consumption trends in the country. It highlights the steady rise in individuals seeking treatment, particularly for cocaine addiction.
While this increase in treatment seekers may be a positive sign, indicating a greater willingness to fight addiction, the growing presence of high-purity drugs poses a serious and ongoing challenge.