Bulgaria ranks second in Europe for youth amphetamine use

Bulgaria ranks second in Europe for amphetamine use among young people, according to data from the European Union Drugs Agency. Only Estonia reports a higher rate at 5.1%, while Bulgaria stands at 4.3%. Other countries mentioned include Finland at 4%, Croatia at 2.3%, Germany at 1.7%, Romania at 0.8%, and Malta at 0.1%.

National research indicates a concerning trend among students, with nearly one in five children in grades 8 through 12 having tried drugs. Furthermore, one in four students has been offered narcotics. Experts note that the age of first exposure is decreasing, with some encounters occurring as early as sixth grade.

Amphetamines are currently the second most used drug in Bulgaria after marijuana. There is also a rising trend of combining stimulants with highly toxic opioids like fentanyl. Health experts warn that such use can lead to rapid tolerance, liver and kidney damage, and severe psychosis.