Overview

• New research from the Trimbos-instituut and Stichting Mainline reports a sharp rise in crack use nationwide.
• Care registration has fallen to about 60% across the target group and to roughly 30% for people who use only crack.
• Unlike the past heroin crisis addressed with methadone and medical heroin, there is no established medical treatment for crack dependence.
• Early studies are examining long-acting amphetamine and prescribed crack, and their safety and effectiveness are still being evaluated.
• Experts recommend low-threshold harm reduction and direct outreach, including providing clean mouthpieces and guiding users to consumption rooms, with special focus on homeless people who face admission barriers and long waitlists.