Young people in Amsterdam are increasingly turning to designer drugs and gambling.
Young people in Amsterdam are increasingly turning to experimenting with designer drugs and gambling, according to the annual drug monitoring report from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) for the Jellinek Preventie organization. As reported by Het Parool, the survey included more than 1,000 café visitors, most of whom were in their twenties.
Ecstasy (xtc) and cocaine remain the most commonly used illegal substances, with 53% and 48% of participants respectively acknowledging their use. Ketamine was reported at 27%. However, the largest increase was seen in the use of designer drugs. The use of 3-MMC and similar substances like 2-MMC rose from just 2% six years ago to 32% in 2024. Similarly, the use of liquid magic mushroom drops reached 32%, surpassing traditional mushrooms and truffles at 15%.
Some substances have seen a decline in popularity. The use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which was previously common, dropped from 31% in 2018 to just 9% last year. At the same time, alcohol remains almost universally prevalent among young people, with 98% reporting that they drank in the past four weeks. Although daily drinking is rare (1%), patterns of heavy consumption are common. About 70% engage in heavy drinking at least once a week, while more than a third of participants reported excessive consumption weekly.
Nicotine use has remained stable, with 54% smoking tobacco. However, vaping has seen a significant jump, increasing fivefold since 2018 to reach 21% of participants. Researchers indicate that these habits reflect the open lifestyle of Generation Z, who frequent cafes, clubs, festivals, and house parties, where substance use is widespread.
Gambling has seen a significant increase. In 2018, only 1% admitted to gambling, but by 2024, the number rose to 24%. Researcher Metivier Meyer linked this increase to the legalization of online gambling in 2021, making it easier for young people.