Cannabis addiction on the rise   

By The Holland Times Friday 28 May 2010, 12:05

The number of cannabis users suffering from addiction is on the rise. Opiate use, however is decreasing says data from the 2009 National Drug Monitor from the Trimbos Institute on Friday.

Between 1994 and 2008, the number of reported marijuana and hashish addicts soared from 1,951 to 8,410. The drugs are most commonly used among teenage youth, particularly boys. According to the monitor, one in seven boys between 12 and 18-years-old smoked drugs ten times a day.

The report also shows that the party drug, GHB is increasingly popular among select groups of young people. Furthermore, hospital admissions due to GHB abuse has increased. Between 2003 and 2008, 980 cases were admitted. 

Harder drug use, including heroin have decreased, according to the report.