Amsterdam officials seek intervention after crack addiction study halt

Amsterdam officials are calling on Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Sophie Hermans to intervene after the Inspectorate of Healthcare and Youth (IGJ) halted a medical study aimed at treating severe crack and cocaine addiction.

The REDUCE study, which has been in preparation for twelve years, investigates whether long-acting dexamfetamine—a medication typically used for ADHD—can effectively reduce cravings and help users taper off crack cocaine. While the first patients had already begun treatment, the IGJ has stopped the production of the necessary study medication.

Mayor Femke Halsema and Alderman Alexander Scholtes expressed frustration in a letter, stating that the reasons for the production halt remain unclear. They have requested that the Minister convene relevant parties before November 1 to find a solution, noting that the halt threatens a unique Dutch research project at a time when crack use is increasing in major cities.