Amsterdam is piloting a controversial harm reduction strategy: legally providing crack cocaine to addicts. The initiative, spurred by a surge in crack use, aims to reduce crime and improve public health by offering a regulated supply of the drug. Advocates believe providing a legal alternative will curb the desperate measures users take to fund their addiction, while critics raise concerns about normalization and potential increases in use.
The number of crack users in Amsterdam is rising rapidly, with a single dose now obtainable for as little as five euros, according to reports. This accessibility fuels a cycle of theft and associated societal costs. Researchers and officials are exploring whether regulated access can break this cycle, a concept supported by individuals with lived experience of addiction.
Former addict, Riedstra, recounted a history of funding his addiction through theft, stating, “I have often been detained for that.” He now supports himself by collecting and redeeming deposit cans, and believes legal access to crack could prevent others from following a similar path. “people sometimes do crazy things to get drugs.Prisons are full. I think you can prevent many things, and preventing is better than cure,” Riedstra said.
Responding to the growing crisis, Amsterdam has already opened supervised use rooms for crack cocaine, offering a safe surroundings and access to healthcare. The current pilot program represents a further step toward a more extensive harm reduction approach, with officials closely monitoring its impact on crime rates, public order, and the health of users.
