Cocaine is the second most commonly used illegal substance in Switzerland after cannabis. According to the latest Swiss Health Survey (2022), around 1% of the population has used cocaine within the past twelve months, amounting to almost 60,000 people. Various data sources, including wastewater analyses, however, suggest that the actual extent is much higher. A continuous increase in consumption has been observed since the 2000s. Alongside this, the purity and availability of the substance as well as cocaine-related treatment cases in specialized addiction support and hospitals have been rising, with a marked dynamic since about 2015.
Cocaine use is not confined to groups of severely addicted individuals or the well-known party and weekend consumption. As the analysis of existing data suggests, significant consumption also takes place during the week. Research points to various contexts of use. Noteworthy are certain professional sectors where cocaine is sometimes used functionally, for instance to enhance performance, alertness, or self- confidence. These include gastronomy, the construction industry, and the arts and entertainment scene. Contributing factors include high performance pressure, long or irregular working hours, pronounced group dynamics, and job-related insecurity.
Cocaine use has permeated wide parts of society. Men and young adults between 18 and 34 years are particularly frequent users. A large portion of users are socially integrated, well-educated, and employed. Besides occasional users, there is a group that exhibits regular to intensive use and carries an increased risk for health and social problems. The transition from occasional to problematic use usually happens gradually, and affected individuals often seek help only when serious personal, social, or professional issues become visible.
'Cocaine use in Switzerland is a growing and multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses both leisure and work contexts. Effective prevention must take this reality into account more strongly and explore new approaches,' emphasizes Frank Zobel, Deputy Director of Sucht Schweiz. It is likely that existing prevention offers have so far inadequately reached many employed persons with emerging problematic use. The report therefore advocates for targeted measures in risk- prone work contexts. Selective and indicated approaches that specifically target certain professional groups and individuals with pronounced risk characteristics are promising.