The Czech Republic is grappling with significant addiction issues, as highlighted in the annual report on addiction presented by Pavla Chomynova, the head of the National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addictions. The report reveals alarming statistics, indicating that approximately one-tenth of adults in the country, equivalent to around 900,000 individuals, consume alcohol daily. Furthermore, between 1.5 and 1.7 million people engage in risky drinking behavior, with 800,000 to 980,000 categorized as harmful drinkers. The average Czech consumes approximately ten liters of pure alcohol per year, making the country one of the highest-ranking nations in terms of alcohol consumption.

Gender differences are evident in drinking patterns, with men consuming more alcohol and being more prone to addiction. Men tend to combine various alcoholic beverages and favor spirits and beer. On the other hand, women exhibit different drinking behaviors, often starting with innocent evening drinks that gradually escalate into daytime drinking. Chomynova notes a slight increase in the proportion of women seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, although the overall number of patients in facilities is declining. Instead, more individuals are opting for outpatient treatment.

The consequences of alcohol abuse in the Czech Republic are substantial, resulting in approximately 60 deaths from alcohol overdose annually, with an additional 6,000 to 7,000 deaths linked to alcohol-related causes. The negative impact on society is estimated to range between CZK 35 and 55 billion. To combat addiction, the government has expressed its commitment to adopting a scientifically proven and balanced approach to risk prevention and harm reduction.

In addition to alcohol addiction, the report sheds light on other forms of substance abuse. About one-fifth of adults in the Czech Republic are daily smokers, with men more likely to smoke than women. While smoking rates among teenagers have been declining for conventional cigarettes since 2011, there has been a rise in the popularity of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco. Chomynova identifies the transition from primary to secondary school as a critical period when smoking rates increase.

The misuse of medications is another pressing concern, with 13 to 15% of adults using sedatives, hypnotics, or opioid analgesics in potentially dangerous ways. A significant portion, approximately 1.35 million individuals, take these medications for more than six weeks without a prescription or against medical advice. Furthermore, 9% of teenagers have used over-the-counter sleeping or tranquilizing drugs in the past year, with girls being more likely to do so.

The report also highlights the prevalence of cannabis use as the most common illicit drug. Approximately one-tenth of adults have used cannabis in the past year, with around 200,000 individuals using it more frequently. Notably, the gender gap in cannabis use has diminished, with similar rates observed among boys and girls.

In addition to substance-related addictions, the report addresses emerging concerns related to technology. Around 450,000 adults are at risk of developing addiction to digital technology, and 200,000 individuals are grappling with gaming problems.

These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures and policies to address addiction in the Czech Republic. Effective strategies should focus on prevention, early intervention, access to treatment and support services, and public awareness campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles and behaviors.

Article by Prague Forum