Flakka users overwhelm Dutch police as shelter shortage worsens
Police in West-Brabant and Zeeland are struggling to handle disturbances caused by flakka users. Flakka is a synthetic stimulant that makes individuals aggressive, confused, and unpredictable. With no available shelters for these users, law enforcement is the first to respond to incidents.
National Addiction Reporter Arnt Schellekens observed that the police are so overwhelmed by flakka-related emergencies that the system is failing. “The lack of proper care results in more street disturbances,” Schellekens said. This prompted an investigation into the drug’s impact on the region.
The study, conducted by Stichting Mainline, included interviews with healthcare providers and users. The findings revealed that many flakka users suffer from severe psychological issues and lack stable housing, income, and social support. While the total number of users is not large, local communities, particularly in smaller towns, experience disproportionate levels of disruption.
Mainline Director Machteld Busz noted that the flakka crisis is concentrated in West-Brabant and Zeeland, though the exact reasons remain unclear. “This region has historically had limited healthcare services. It’s also where GHB use was widespread, and there is a significant overlap in the user groups,” Busz said.
Though flakka’s active ingredient has been banned and usage has peaked, Busz warned that another designer drug will likely emerge soon. “The issue isn’t the specific drug—it’s the ongoing vulnerability. The lack of shelters and treatment facilities means police are handling crisis cases that should be managed by healthcare services.”
The study reportedly highlights a nationwide trend where budget cuts to mental health services leave individuals with complex conditions without care, leading to public disturbances.
Schellekens said that substance abuse plays a key role in erratic behavior, making care even more challenging. “Psychiatric facilities refuse treatment if addiction is present, while addiction services are unavailable outside office hours. Homeless shelters often reject individuals due to behavioral issues. That leaves only the police—or the streets.”
Both Schellekens and Busz advocate for increased investment in low-threshold care centers where individuals can use drugs safely. “These spaces are disappearing, which is concerning,” Schellekens said. “Since they don’t operate under strict medical protocols, people seek help there more readily. Right now, few would approach addiction services through a general practitioner’s referral.”
