Age of first drug use among adolescents is falling, psychologist warns

The age at which young people first experiment with drugs is falling sharply, with cases now being recorded among 11- and 12-year-olds, psychologist Boyana Karadjova said in an interview with Nova TV.

Commenting on the recent tragedy in Blagoevgrad, in which a 16-year-old girl died and another teenager suffered serious injuries after a group of youths reportedly took LSD, psychologist Boyana Karadjova said drug use among young people had become more widespread than alcohol consumption.

She said that the reasons behind the increase in drug use among adolescents were complex but closely linked to excessive digital communication combined with emotional isolation among young people.

She also highlighted the limited time parents are able to spend with their children.

“Parents are very busy, but children need them — they need someone to talk to when they are suffering or in need of help,” Karadjova said.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova