France Urged to Overhaul Youth Addiction Policies as Cour des Comptes Highlights Crisis

The Cour des Comptes calls for a national strategy to address alarming levels of drug and alcohol use among young people, citing inadequate prevention and treatment measures.

• France reports one of the highest rates of youth drug use in Europe, with 28% of individuals aged 15-24 using drugs in the past year.
• The Cour des Comptes finds current prevention and treatment policies insufficient, with 10% of young people self-reporting addiction to drugs or alcohol.
• Key recommendations include adopting a multi-year national strategy with measurable objectives and drawing inspiration from successful international models like Denmark's MOVE program.
• The report emphasizes the need for large-scale awareness campaigns, a minimum alcohol pricing policy, and expanded access to youth-specific addiction treatment services.
• Multidisciplinary support structures, such as Maisons des Adolescents, are highlighted as vital for addressing youth mental health and addiction challenges.

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