site.bta92% of Bulgarians View Drug Use as Serious National Problem

A total of 92% of Bulgarians consider drug use a serious problem for the country, according to a survey by the Trend Research Centre, commissioned by the 24 Chasa daily and focused on public attitudes towards drug use. 

More than 40% of respondents said they know someone who has used or is using drugs, with 26% indicating that the person is not someone they are close to. Among respondents' close social circle, the most frequently mentioned were a friend or acquaintance (11%), a colleague or classmate (7%), and a close family member (2%). These shares were above the average among people under the age of 30.

Nearly six in ten respondents believe that drugs are easily accessible in their community. According to the survey, Bulgarians see curiosity and the desire to experiment (50%) as the main reasons why young people start using drugs, followed by peer pressure (42%), easy access to drugs (39%), and a lack of parental supervision (37%).

The findings also show broad support for stricter sanctions and stronger enforcement measures. The most frequently cited proposals were tougher penalties for drug dealers (65%), stricter controls on drug distribution (64%), and a greater police presence around schools and other high-risk areas (45%).