Narcotic Substance Abuse among Minors in Albania during 2020-2024

Background: The use of narcotic substances among minors represents an increasing public health concern in Albania and globally, carrying significant physical and mental health consequences.The goal of this study was to provide clinical and epidemiological evidence of psychoactive substance use among minors to inform national policy, optimize preventive strategies, and enhance therapeutic frameworks tailored to youth at risk in Albania. Methods and Results:This study employed a retrospective observational design and was conducted at the Clinical Toxicology Service of the University Hospital Centre "Mother Teresa" in Tirana.The study included all patients who were treated for confirmed or suspected of intoxication by psychoactive substances from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024.Data were collected from clinical records and included types of substances used, treatment provided, and demographic factors.A total of 1,032 patients were treated for psychoactive substance intoxication.Among them, 27 (2.6%) were minors (<18 years), while 1,005 (97.4%) were adults.Among minors, 25 (92.6%) were male and 26 (96.3%) resided in urban areas.The majority of minors, 18(66.7%),lived in Tirana prefecture.Among minors, cannabis was the most prevalent substance used (37.0%),followed by opioids (22.2%), polysubstances (22.2%), and cocaine (18.5%).No alcohol-only intoxications were recorded among minors.A significantly higher proportion of minors had cannabis-related intoxication than did adults (37.0% vs. 5.7%), while cocaine use was more common among adults (39.1% vs. 18.5%).These differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion:This study highlights the urgent need to address narcotic substance use among minors in Albania.Strengthening national surveillance systems and integrating mental health services into prevention efforts will be key to protecting vulnerable populations and shaping effective policy responses.(