Drug Abuse in France

Samantha Boss
Salt Lake Community College
 Introduction
● France does not have the largest amount of drug related deaths in Europe but
it is higher than average.
● In 2017 there were 257 drug related deaths and 86% of those were
overdoses.(UNODC)
● France has some of Europe’s most strict Drug Laws
 Demographics
● In July 2022 the France population was 65,570,087 people
● About 6.6% of the French population are recent users and about 1.5 million
people use regularly
● 14 percent of men consume drugs compared to 5 percent of women
 Trafficking
● Drug Trafficking laws are very strict in France but it is still a common
occurrence.
● The main Cartels that are mostly responsible for drug trafficking in France are
- Hornec gang†
- Unione Corse
- Gang de la Brise de Mer
 Laws
● Public or private drug use in France is prohibited and criminalized by the Law
of 1970 (article L3421-1 of the Code of Public Health).
● Drug use can result in a year spent in prison or a fine of about 25,000 francs
● Law against against drug trafficking are also strict and could result in a life
sentence in prison.
 Harm Reduction
● The Goal of Harm reduction programs in France is to tend to the needs of
people using drugs and they try to build trust at the same time.
● France started one of the first drug consumption room. Drug consumption
rooms create a safe environment for people that use drugs and allow them to
get help if needed.
● Drug consumption rooms are controversial and not legal in the US because it
does create an environment where people can use drugs freely.
 Rehabilitation & Prevention
● France hopes to prevent drug experimentation or at least delay it.
● They plan to do this by limiting the access to substances.
● France also has many rehabilitation programs that target people’s needs in
illicit drug use and other problems such as gambling and gaming.
 Summary
France has very strict laws and is constantly working to help the fight against
drugs. However there is still a problem and there is more to be done. France
doesn’t have an outrageously high number of drug related deaths but it is still
more than most countries in Europe. The laws are strict but there needs to be
more individual help and awareness to prevent more drug related deaths.
 References
● “France Population (Live).” Worldometer, https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/france-population
● Real Reporting Foundation - Doug McVay, Editor. “France.” Drug Policy Facts, Real Reporting Foundation,
https://www.drugpolicyfacts.org/region/france.
● Canada, Senate of. “Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs (37th Parliament, 1st Session).”
SenCanada, https://sencanada.ca/
● Knopf, Taylor. “The Streets Weren't Safe for Drug Users. so These Countries Created Spaces for Them.”
North Carolina Health News, 13 Nov. 2019, https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/
● “France.” International Society of Substance Use Professionals,
https://www.issup.net/knowledge-share/country-profiles/france.