Marijuana on top. Is the most commonly used substance after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances in Poland – according to the third edition of the POLDRUGS epidemiological study, conducted under the direction of dr. n. med. Gniewka Więckiewicz from the Department of Psychiatry of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze of the Silesian Medical University.

The study, which takes place cyclically every two years, analyzes patterns of the use of psychoactive substances in the context of psychiatry and reduction of damage. Almost 2.5 thousand took part in this year's edition. people from 13-63. The average age of respondents was 27 years.

The study shows that 97.9 percent respondents confessed to the use of marijuana at least once in their lives, and 85 percent. – In the last 12 months. This makes it the most commonly used psychoactive substance after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. The next places were MDMA (75.9 percent) as well as Mefedron and other synthetic Katynones.

“Marijuana was the most commonly used substance after alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, although generally the largest percentage of respondents use drugs rarely (35.6 percent reported the use of any drugs once every few months or less often) and occurred mainly in a social environment (50.2 percent) or at home (52.3 percent)” – emphasized Dr. Więckiewicz.

Among the respondents, 60 percent He declared that at least once in his life he neglected daily duties due to the use of psychoactive substances, and 16.8 percent. He had problems with the law. Only 40 percent would reveal to the doctor the use of substances regardless of the circumstances.

“The study provides important data in the area of ​​damage reduction. Compared to previous years, currently more people declare problems with the law or neglect of daily duties, which may suggest an increase in social damage related to the use of psychoactive substances” – explained Dr. Więckiewicz.

The scientist also drew attention to the disturbing trend: “It is Height of people taking drugs alone – 25 percent Our respondents were declared by this phenomenon, where in 2021 and 2023 these interest was 18.2 percent, respectively. and 20.2 percent. This can be a symptom of our sense of loneliness in society and this requires further research. “

The authors of the report pay attention to the very low level of quality control of used substances – as much as 83.6 percent. They never tested their composition, and 51.4 percent It consisted of “visual estimation of the dose”.

“The increase in the percentage of people who most often measure the doses of their psychoactive substances + to the eye + is also disturbing and do not examine their colorimetric reagents or send them to the laboratory for the purpose of conducting tests” – noted Dr. Więckiewicz.

There is also the percentage of people buying psychoactive substances from strangers – more and more often via the Internet, using tools ensuring anonymity (darknet). Purchases have dropped from friends, which may mean less access to informal knowledge of safe use.

Almost half of the respondents used psychiatric treatment, mainly privately. The most common reason was depressive disorders. In this group 41.1 percent attempted suicide attempts.

“The use of stimulants and subsequent medical consultations – especially in the case of mephedrone derivatives – are more and more frequent and require further tests. Mephedrone consumption is growing and this trend requires further observation. The use of psychedelic substances decreases, probably because of the lesser interest in the mainstream media” – said Dr. Więckiewicz.

At the same time, he noticed a positive trend of growing acceptance of psychiatry in Polish society.

72.9 percent are admitted to alcohol consumption. respondents. Beer remains the most popular alcoholic drink, although its consumption dropped from 56.3 percent. in 2021 to 48.2 percent In 2025, more people declare abstinence as well as less frequent consumption.

Nicotine uses 67.3 percent respondents-most often in the form of e-cigarettes (26.2 percent) or classic cigarettes (23.8 percent).

The survey was conducted in the form of an anonymous internet survey, consisting of 37 closed one -choice questions and 3 multiple -choice questions. Recruitment of respondents took place through social media. The analysis of the results was based solely on descriptive statistics. (PAP)

JMS/ Zan/