rssSep 16, 2026, 08:50

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

The mayors of four major Dutch cities have appealed to the national cabinet for funding and permission to research medical treatments for crack addiction. They argue that rising numbers of homeless and addicted individuals are overwhelming public spaces and require urgent state-supported interventions.

The mayors of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague have sent a joint letter to the national cabinet highlighting a crisis regarding the rising number of homeless and drug-addicted individuals in major cities. They argue that the current situation is causing a rapid decline in public safety and living standards. To combat this, the officials are requesting authorization to launch pilot studies into using dexamphetamine as a medical treatment for crack addiction, drawing comparisons to the historical use of methadone for heroin dependency.

In addition to medical intervention, the mayors are calling for structural policy changes and increased funding. They estimate that an additional 100 million euros annually is necessary for social welfare programs across the Netherlands. They also advocate for reversing previous budget cuts to mental health services, noting that the visible presence of confused and desperate individuals on the streets has become an urgent national issue that requires immediate government attention.

Politics Health Amsterdam Netherlands

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

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