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The findings are based on data collected from the European Web Survey on Drugs (EWSD), conducted between May and July 2024. Over 66,000 people from 31 countries participated in the survey, including 4,442 individuals from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).
Cannabis and Cocaine Are the Most Commonly Used Drugs in Albania
According to the study, cannabis remains the most widely used drug in Albania, with 56% of respondents reporting its use. This is slightly below the EU average (59%) but higher than the Western Balkans average (42%).
Albania is also the only country where cocaine is the second most commonly used drug after cannabis. 41% of drug users in Albania reported consuming cocaine in the last 12 months—double the Western Balkans average and significantly higher than the EU’s 29%.
In contrast, in the rest of the Western Balkans, the second most commonly used substance is benzodiazepines (without a prescription), with 22% of users consuming them, whereas in Albania, only 5% reported using them.
Other commonly used substances in Albania include:
- MDMA/Ecstasy (16%)
- Psychedelic mushrooms and truffles (11%)
Cocaine Use Dominates in Bars
Among Albanian cocaine users, bars are the most popular location for consumption, with 75% of users reporting using cocaine powder in bars. Other common locations include:
- At home (69%)
- At parties or music festivals (51%)
- Inside cars (35%)
- Public spaces like parks (29%)
- Outdoor nature spots (29%)
Meanwhile, crack cocaine is primarily consumed at home (75%), with fewer users reporting consumption in bars (33%).
Why Do Albanians Use Cocaine?
The most common reasons for using cocaine powder include:
- For fun or enjoyment (58%)
- To reduce the effects of alcohol (39%)
- To reduce stress and relax (31%)
- For socializing (24%)
- To stay awake (22%)
Cannabis Is Mostly Used Outdoors to Reduce Stress
Cannabis users in Albania primarily consume it in open-air environments, with 67% reporting they use it in nature. Other common places include:
- At home (61%)
- At parties or music festivals (44%)
The most cited reasons for cannabis use include:
- To reduce stress and relax (70%)
- For fun or enjoyment (58%)
- To improve sleep (43%)
- To manage depression (41%)
- For spiritual reasons (31%)
- Because of addiction (24%)
- For socializing (19%)
Drugs in Schools and Workplaces
The survey also highlights drug use in schools and workplaces:
- 17% of Albanian respondents reported using cannabis at school
- 11% said they used it at work
- 4% reported using cocaine in school
- 20% reported using powdered cocaine at work
- 17% of crack cocaine users reported using it at work
Mixing Substances: Cocaine and Alcohol, Cannabis and Nicotine
Many respondents reported polysubstance use, meaning they consume multiple drugs at the same time. The survey found:
- 70% of cannabis users mix it with cigarettes/nicotine
- 46% mix cannabis with alcohol
- 83% of cocaine users mix it with alcohol
- 83% of cocaine users mix it with nicotine
- 26% mix cocaine with cannabis
Where Do Albanians Get Their Drugs?
The survey also examined how Albanian drug users obtain drugs:
- 46% of cannabis users get it from relatives or acquaintances
- 31% buy it directly through phone calls, emails, or messages
- 68% of cocaine users get it from friends
- 47% purchase cocaine through direct phone or online contact
For substances like methamphetamine, amphetamine, and heroin, most users buy them from friends.
Conclusion
These findings provide critical insights into drug consumption trends in Albania, highlighting the country’s high cocaine use compared to the rest of Europe. The data also emphasize the social settings where drug use is prevalent, the reasons behind consumption, and the methods of acquiring drugs. This study could play an important role in shaping drug policy and intervention programs in Albania and the broader Western Balkans region.