Romania and Addiction Treatment
A roundtable on “The Drug Epidemic in Schools and High Schools” took place at the Parliament Palace in Bucharest
Mihai Pelin, 19.03.2025, 14:00
Updating the legislation to curb drug use and trafficking among students was the main topic of a roundtable organised by Parliament’s abuse investigation committee, which brought together authorities, psychologists and parent organisations.
In fighting drugs, a strengthened response capacity through an efficient partnership between schools, local authorities and families is a priority, said the interim Senate speaker, Mircea Abrudean. He emphasised that the government has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug traffickers, and highlighted the importance of treatment and reintegration of users, which requires integrated medical, psychological and social assistance services.
In turn, the education minister Daniel David spoke about the involvement of parents and teachers in prevention:
Daniel David: “Prevention must be done by those who know how to do it. But you can’t have prevention done only by specialists. You need to get parents involved, to have teachers involved and to have centers that provide scientifically validated treatments, which is still a weakness for us.”
Prosecutors with the Directorate Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism Offences have reported that some dealers are students recruited by trafficking networks. In fact, children are the ones who fall most easily into the trap of narcotics.
In this context, the development of a national network of treatment centers for drug users is increasingly closer to being achieved. The Senate endorsed an emergency order on the prevention of drug use, a bill that stipulates that the recovery of addicts will take place in mental health centers. The funding will be provided by the government, from the budget of the health ministry.
The Liberal Senator Nicoleta Pauliuc pointed out that the bill addresses the real problems faced by young people and society, life-shattering drug, alcohol, gambling or screen addictions.
Nicoleta Pauliuc: “Unfortunately, in Romania we do not have enough specialised addiction treatment centers. Many people who want to recover have nowhere to go, and the support they need comes too late and I think it is time to change this.”
The document was also supported by the parties in opposition. The SOS Romania Senator Ninel Peia proposes tougher measures against drug traffickers:
Ninel Peia (TRACK): “It is too little if we are to stop drug trafficking and use in Romania. Without coercive measures, we will not stop drug trafficking and use. Let’s cut the evil at the root, because otherwise Romania will become a country of not only 10% drug users, but a country of major drug users. We will get to 5-6 million users in the years to come.”
After being endorsed by the Senate, the bill goes to the Chamber of Deputies for the decisive vote. (AMP)
