Abstract
The use of illicit drugs in the Czech Republic has been stable over a long period of time. Cannabis has been the most frequently used illegal drug among the general population, while the rate of lifetime experience with other drugs has been significantly lower.
Problematic drug use includes long-term use of meth (methamphetamine), whereas buprenorphine and to a lesser extent heroin are among the most frequent opiates used in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic has a well-established and stable network of preventive, treatment, and low-threshold services.
The incidence of health consequences related to drug use (infectious diseases and deaths) has been managed at low levels. However, new challenges include the use of new drugs, changes in drug use patterns (higher extent of polydrug use) , use of the opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines, or the aging of problem drug use population associated with more somatic and mental health problems), and in the changes of drug markets (commercialized production of methamphetamine, internet markets).
The phenomenon of illicit drug use cannot be fully understood without the context of the use of legally available substances and other forms of addictive behaviors. The Czech drug policy is currently integrating the issue of legal and illegal drugs with gambling into a joint drug policy strategy.