The problem of addiction to sedatives is one that exists but is not discussed in Hungary, even though it is a big public health issue and must be talked about, he added.

Addiction to opiate-type painkillers is not as big a problem in Hungary as it is in the United States, where 90 people die each day from overdoses of opiate pain medicines, Zacher said.

A survey about the alcohol and drug consumption habits of 15-16 year olds was conducted with the participation of 96 thousand young people from 35 European countries.

Hungary’s results show above the average tendencies when it comes to legal psychotropic drugs; smoking and drinking among students in Hungary appears to be higher than in other parts of Europe.

According to a fresh report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) released, cannabis continues to be the drug of choice for drug users in Hungary.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.