ABC Barometer reveals data inconsistencies in Romanian youth drug use

The Alianța Binelui Comun has launched the first edition of the ABC Barometer, a report focused on the effects of drug consumption among young people. Data obtained from public institutions indicate 6,548 medical cases or patients under the age of 25, 3,827 individuals in this age group sent to trial, and 477 individuals who have entered the penitentiary system.

The report highlights significant discrepancies in how data is collected and reported by various institutions. Authorities have provided data for different time periods and utilized inconsistent reporting criteria, which prevents an accurate determination of the real number of youths facing drug addiction. These inconsistencies make it difficult for authorities to compare regional situations and allocate resources effectively for prevention, counseling, and treatment.

Regional data shows vast differences, such as Cluj County reporting 1,751 cases for the 2021–2025 period, compared to only nine cases in Dâmbovița and Vrancea. However, the report notes these figures do not necessarily mean consumption is higher in Cluj; rather, they reflect that some regional medical centers treat patients from other counties, and some institutions report the number of patients while others report the number of medical presentations without clarifying if the same person was recorded multiple times.