Charité launches YouTube series to educate youth on drug risks

The Charité university hospital and the educational initiative FAQ YOU have launched a new five-part YouTube documentary series titled ‘High on FAQts’ to educate young people about drug consumption and risks.

Addressing the rise of highly potent substances such as monkeydust, mephedrone, and cyclorphine in Germany, the series aims to provide factual information rather than moral judgment. The initiative seeks to bridge knowledge gaps regarding the contents and dangers of modern drugs, which are increasingly accessible via digital platforms.

The series features contributions from doctors, psychologists, social workers, and affected individuals. Lukas Roediger, a physician and scientist at Charité’s psychiatry department, noted that new psychoactive substances present a particular challenge because their specific risks are not yet fully understood. The project follows the principle: ‘The dealer sells you the stuff, we provide the package insert.’