The Association Between Substance Use Prevalence and Youth Mortality: A Comparative Study of Selected EU Countries

INTRODUCTION:Psychoactive substance use constitutes a significant determinant of morbidity and mortality among adolescent and emerging adult populations across European Union member states.This study aims to examine associations between substance use prevalence and drug-induced mortality rates, with a focus on age-and gender-specific disparities and spatiotemporal patterns across selected EU countries.METHODS: The research design employed a quantitative descriptive-comparative analysis of EMCDDA and EUDA datasets spanning the years 2010-2022, complemented by predictive modelling using linear regression (OLS).Mortality rates were standardised per million inhabitants and stratified by gender, age group, and geographic region to identify high-risk cohorts.RESULTS: Findings reveal substantial heterogeneity in drug-induced mortality, with the highest rates recorded in Germany, Spain, and Sweden, and a marked predominance among males aged 15-44 years.Forecasting indicates a continuing upward trend in mortality, particularly among young males, underscoring the urgent need for targeted prevention and treatment interventions.CONCLUSIONS: Substance use among youth remains a pressing public health concern, characterised by pronounced demographic and regional disparities requiring a multidimensional approach.This study makes a significant contribution to the understanding of drug-related mortality in Europe.It provides an analytical framework to support the development of targeted public health policies and harm reduction strategies.