rssSep 16, 2026, 08:50

Mayors in letter to cabinet: medicine for crack addicts is needed

The mayors of four major Dutch cities have sent a joint letter to the cabinet requesting urgent support to tackle the escalating crisis of homelessness and crack addiction. They are seeking authorization for a medical pilot program to treat crack dependency and are calling for an additional one hundred million euros in annual funding to restore mental healthcare services.

The mayors of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague have collectively written to the Dutch cabinet to urgently request government intervention regarding the rising number of homeless individuals suffering from addiction. The leaders emphasize that the deteriorating condition of these individuals and the resulting impact on public spaces in major cities have reached an unsustainable level, warning that current quality-of-life standards are at risk across the Netherlands. To address the crisis, the mayors are requesting permission to launch a pilot program involving medical treatments, such as the use of dexamfetamine, to help crack cocaine users reduce or end their dependency. They draw a parallel to the historical use of methadone for heroin addiction and argue that scientific research shows promising results for this new medical approach. Furthermore, the coalition is calling for an additional one hundred million euros in annual national funding, along with the reversal of cuts to mental healthcare services. They argue that these investments are essential to provide proper care for those who are currently confused, addicted, and in visible distress.

Politics Lifestyle Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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