Cocaine use rises among young adults in Germany and Austria

A new “Drogenaffinitätsstudie” by Germany’s Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG) shows that cocaine consumption among 18‑ to 25‑year‑olds has jumped from 1.2 % in 2015 to 4.1 % in 2025. Overall, 18.7 % of young Germans (12‑25) reported experience with at least one illegal drug, with men nearly twice as likely as women (≈24 % vs ≈13 %). Use among 12‑ to 17‑year‑olds rose from 1.5 % in 2003 to 2.5 % in 2025, though gender differences were minimal.

In Austria, drug consumption is broadly stable but officials warn of a sharp increase in high‑risk mixed use, especially involving opioids, cocaine and synthetic cannabinoids. Christian Korbel of the Austrian Medical Chamber notes that 35 000 people are at risk of opioid‑related harm and that 84 % of drug‑related deaths in 2024 involved mixed intoxication. Daily nicotine use remains at about 24 % of the population, with 8 % of 15‑year‑olds vaping daily. Problematic alcohol use affects roughly 15 % of adults.

Vienna’s wastewater analysis confirmed a one‑third rise in cocaine concentration, indicating higher market availability and purity, according to drug coordinator Ewald Lochner. He stresses the need for expanded treatment and prevention programmes.

Health officials in both countries, including Germany’s drug commissioner Hendrik Streeck, warn that cocaine is not a “party” drug and can quickly create dependence and severe heart, brain and psychological damage.