Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.326

Trends in Drug Use Among Patients Receiving Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Experience From the Mental Health and Addiction Prevention Service

Boris Gracin ; Teaching Institute of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Mirogojska 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Danica Romac ; Teaching Institute of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Mirogojska 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Krešimir Radić ; Teaching Institute of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Mirogojska 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Suzana Jonovska ; Teaching Institute of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Mirogojska 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Viktora Cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Martina Bekić ; Teaching Institute of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Mirogojska 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Kušan Jukić ; Teaching Institute of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Mirogojska 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Introduction: The Department for Prevention and
Outpatient Treatment of the Teaching Institute
of Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“ carries
out diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation of
substance-related and behavioral addictions. It
covers addictions epidemiologically, coordinates
and implements programs to reduce the demand
for drugs, and conducts preventive activities in
line with strategic documents. Treatment is indicated
with a multidisciplinary, multimodal, and
individualized approach. The Department engages
in multisectoral collaboration with institutions
regarding addiction-related problems and in the
analysis of trends in Zagreb and Croatia. Aim and methods: To present trends in drug use among
patients of the Mental Health and Addiction
Prevention Service of the Teaching Institute of
Public Health „Dr. Andrija Štampar“. Data were
obtained using the TDI 3.0 protocol, which is
used in the EU to collect information on people
in treatment for drug addiction and to monitor
trends. Results: A total of 517 individuals were in
treatment due to drug use, marking an end to the
previous downward trend. Of the total number,
the majority were men (81.8%) and previously
treated (79.7%). First-time treatment was sought
by 105 people (20.3%), with an upward trend in
new non-opioid patients. By type of drug, opioids
were the most represented (59.8%), followed by
cannabinoids (24.2%), cocaine (10.3%), and psychostimulants
(5%). Among people in treatment
for opioid dependence, the trend of aging persisted,
indicating the need for more demanding
health care due to higher rates of somatic and psychiatric
comorbidity. Among people in treatment
for non-opioid dependence, the most represented
age group was 15 to 19 years (31.5%), most often
due to cannabinoid use, followed by the 40 to 44
age group (12.5%), most often due to cocaine use,
which is a change compared to the previous period.
The incidence of HCV is low, and employment
rates are higher – indicators of recovery. Conclusion:
There is a slight increase in the number of
people in treatment, a stable share of increasingly
older opioid users, and more people in treatment
due to cocaine and psychostimulants. The trend
involving psychostimulants and cocaine is significant
and calls for new solutions. An effective response
to new challenges includes strengthened
prevention at all levels, intersectoral cooperation,
empowerment of young people, public education
on risks, and the development of new treatment
programs tailored to emerging needs.

Keywords

drugs; trends; prevention; cooperation

Hrčak ID:

353017

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353017

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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