Feb 24 • 22:02 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia TVNET

15 Years Old, 15 Overdoses: Olga's Story Reveals How the 'Baltic Opioid Belt' Works

A 15-year-old girl named Olga shares her harrowing experience with drug overdoses and the increasing accessibility of psychoactive substances among teenagers in Latvia.

In Latvia, a 15-year-old girl named Olga has experienced 15 overdoses, showcasing the alarming rise of drug abuse among adolescents. Recently, she started using synthetic heroin intravenously, alongside a history of trying various drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and LSD. Following her latest overdose, she was admitted to a motivational program at 'Ģintermuiža' hospital for adolescent narcology, emphasizing the dire situation facing young people in Latvia.

A children's psychiatrist, Artjoms Baharevs, highlighted that psychoactive substances are more accessible to teens than ever before. This growing trend raises serious concerns, as the age of those overdosing appears to be getting younger. Olga's experience sheds light on the challenges and realities faced by teenagers in today's society, confronting issues of addiction and mental health without adequate support systems.

Olga's story also reflects broader societal challenges, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and intervention strategies to address youth drug abuse in Latvia. As she participates in the motivational program, she faces the daunting reality of withdrawal and a life without drugs, which adds to the urgency of tackling this critical public health issue.

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