Božinović on the fight against addiction: Everyone is doing something, but the results are still lacking

More than 5,500 people in Croatia are currently undergoing treatment for drug addiction, according to data released this week. The country’s deputy prime minister and interior minister, Davor Božinović, emphasized during a meeting with officials that the fight against substance abuse requires coordinated action across all relevant institutions and specific measures, as current efforts have yet to yield results. He stressed the importance of prevention and working with children and young people, warning that failing to act early often leads to long-term consequences that can only be addressed through remediation later. Božinović chaired the first session of the newly established Council for Addictions and Behavioral Dependencies, formed under a government decree dated July 9, 2026. During the meeting, he outlined the challenges facing Croatia in combating addictions, noting that the issue represents one of the most complex social problems of today. He pointed out that while many agencies and organizations are taking steps to address the issue, tangible outcomes remain elusive. This lack of progress, he argued, underscores the need for the council to identify concrete solutions that can lead to lasting change. The discussion highlighted several key trends in Croatia’s addiction crisis. Members of the council noted that the country is not deviating from European and global patterns in the area of substance abuse. A particular concern is the rising use of stimulant drugs, along with increasingly pronounced issues related to behavioral dependencies, especially gambling addiction. Representatives from healthcare institutions also drew attention to the growing problem of dependency on legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco products. Data indicates a troubling rise in the consumption of these substances among students, raising alarms about the health and social implications for younger generations. Croatia's geographical position continues to make it a crucial transit point for international drug trafficking routes, which has led to an increase in drug seizures over recent years. According to Interior Ministry records, there were 11,927 drug seizures recorded last year alone. These figures reflect a broader pattern of criminal activity linked to drug misuse, including nearly 2,900 criminal offenses and more than 8,900 violations in the field of drug-related crimes in 2025. The Croatian Institute for Public Health reported that 5,565 individuals received treatment due to drug use. During the meeting, the importance of systematic prevention was underscored, with a call for the development of evidence-based preventive programs tailored specifically for youth. Officials emphasized the need to adapt communication strategies to engage young people through digital platforms and channels they frequently use. They acknowledged that traditional approaches may not be sufficient in addressing the evolving nature of addiction and its impact on different demographics. The council members also discussed the necessity of creating a framework that allows for the implementation of targeted policies through legislative changes, regulatory acts, and inter-agency cooperation. They recognized that the council must serve not just as a forum for information exchange but as a strategic body capable of defining actionable measures that can be effectively executed across multiple sectors. The focus on collaboration and policy formulation reflects a broader commitment to tackling the multifaceted challenge of addiction in Croatia. The discussions revealed a consensus that the existing structures and initiatives are insufficient to meet the demands of the current situation. There is a clear recognition that the complexity of the issue necessitates a comprehensive approach involving all stakeholders. As the council moves forward, its ability to translate these insights into practical actions will be critical in shaping the future response to addiction in Croatia.