Lithuania sees rise in drug use, cocaine use solidifies

Drug use is on the rise in Lithuania, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021. Data from the National Centre for Addictions and Drug Prevention (NTAKD) indicates that the proportion of Lithuanian residents aged 15-64 who have used at least one illicit drug in their lifetime grew from 11.5% to 14.1%. The number of people using drugs in the past 12 months also jumped from 3.1% to 4.5%.

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These data indicate not only a larger number of people who have tried drugs at least once but also a growing proportion of those who have used drugs relatively recently.

While cannabis remains the most commonly used drug, with lifetime use increasing from 10.8% to 13.7% and recent use from 2.7% to 4.3%, other substances are also seeing greater consumption. The use of drugs other than cannabis, excluding cannabis, has risen to nearly 5% lifetime use. Cocaine, in particular, has seen a sharp increase, with its prevalence rising from 0.7% to 1.8%.

Wastewater analysis from the European SCORE network reveals distinct drug consumption patterns in Lithuania's major cities. Kaunas shows a particularly high level of methamphetamine use, while Vilnius exhibits elevated use of amphetamines and ketamine. Cocaine consumption is growing most rapidly across all major cities. In 2025, Kaunas recorded the highest daily cocaine use at 325.57 mg per 1000 inhabitants, followed by Vilnius at 245.93 mg and Klaipėda at 177.3 mg. Weekend use consistently increases across all cities.

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The largest proportion of drug use in Lithuania is cannabis.

Amphetamine use in 2025 was highest in Vilnius at 76.25 mg per 1000 inhabitants per day. After a temporary decrease in 2024, use in Vilnius has risen again, while Kaunas has seen a significant reduction after a peak in 2022. Methamphetamine use varies most significantly, with Vilnius showing consistent growth, Klaipėda remaining stable at low levels, and Kaunas reporting a very high rate of 167.23 mg per 1000 inhabitants per day in 2025, placing it among the top 20 European cities for methamphetamine consumption.

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In Kaunas, an extremely high level of methamphetamine use is evident; in Vilnius, amphetamine and ketamine use; and cocaine use is growing fastest in all major cities.

These trends suggest a strong connection between drug use and social or nightlife activities, alongside differing consumption structures across various Lithuanian cities. The data highlights the evolving landscape of drug use within the country.

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The largest amount of cocaine was detected in Kaunas in 2025. Calculated at 325.57 mg per 1000 inhabitants per day, in Vilnius - 245.93 mg, and in Klaipėda - 177.3 mg. True, a consistent increase is observed in Vilnius, and consumption increases even more in all cities on weekends.