European Web Survey on Drugs 2021: Emerging findings in Georgia

Introduction

The European Web Survey on Drugs collected data during March to May 2021 from people who use drugs, are aged 18 or older and live in Georgia. In this period, the populations in many European and neighbouring countries were experiencing COVID-19-related lockdown or restrictions. Unless otherwise indicated, the data presented here refer to 396 respondents who reported having used at least one illicit drug during the last 12 months prior to the survey (last 12 months of use) and live in Georgia.

In summary

  • Most survey respondents (97 %) reported using cannabis during the previous 12 months. A total of 55 % had used MDMA/ecstasy, 34 % LSD and 30 % ketamine.
  • The most commonly reported motivations for almost all substances were getting high and relaxation.
  • Home was reported as the most common setting for drug use during the period.
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and national measures were reported to be greatest on the use of cannabis (increased consumption) and MDMA/ecstasy (decreased consumption).

Drug use patterns

Most survey respondents (97 %) reported that they had used cannabis during the previous 12 months. MDMA/ecstasy (55 %), LSD (34 %) and ketamine (30 %) were the next most used illicit substances, followed by new psychoactive substances (NPS) (24 %), amphetamine (23 %) or cocaine (22 %). Methamphetamine use was reported by 12 % and heroin use by 11 % of the respondents.

Figure 1. Last year prevalence (n = 396)

The source data for this graphic are available in Table 1 on this page.

Motivation for drug use

The motivations to use particular drugs often reflect the effects users expect when they use them. The survey responses suggest herbal cannabis is taken to reduce stress and relax, to get high or for fun, to improve sleep, and to treat depression or anxiety. The motivations reported for MDMA use were euphoric effects and to reduce stress.

Figure 2a. Motivation for (herbal) cannabis use in the last year (n = 239)

The source data for this graphic are available in Table 2a on this page.

Figure 2b. The Motivation for ecstasy/MDMA use in the last 12 months (n = 118)

The source data for this graphic are available in Table 2b on this page.

Settings for drug use

The most commonly reported setting for drug use in the last 12 months was the home, which was mentioned by 79 % of the respondents. Home use would be expected to be predominant. This pattern may have been accentuated by the reduced mobility resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns.

Figure 3. Settings for drug use in the last 12 months (n = 396)

The source data for this graphic are available in Table 3 on this page.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on drug use

Respondents reported mixed experiences when they were asked about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their use of illicit drugs. Cannabis resin and herbal cannabis were reported to have been used more, while MDMA and methamphetamine were used less.

Figure 4. Has the COVID-19 pandemic had any impact on your drug use?

The source data for this graphic are available in Table 4 on this page.

Notes

(1) The analysis here covers Georgia, where the web survey was carried out as part of the EU4Monitoring Drugs (EU4MD) project, funded by the European Union. While web surveys are not representative of the general population, when they are carefully conducted and combined with traditional data collection methods they can help paint a more detailed, realistic and timely picture of drug use and drug markets in Europe and the European neighbourhood. As such, they are a key ingredient in the EMCDDA’s responsiveness to an ever-shifting drugs problem.

For more detailed information on the project, please see our webpage on the European Web Survey on Drugs.

The European Web Survey on Drugs in Georgia was implemented by the Addiction Research Center – Alternative Georgia and the National Drug Observatory of Georgia in the framework of the EU4Monitoring Drugs project, financed by the European Union. This document was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

Source data

Below you can find the source data tables used for the graphics on this page.

Table 1. Last year prevalence (n = 396)
  % of respondents
Cannabis 97
Alcohol 94
Tobacco 90
MDMA/ecstasy 55
LSD 34
Ketamine 30
NPS 24
Amphetamine 23
Cocaine 22
Methamphetamine 12
Heroin 11
Table 2a. Motivation for herbal cannabis use in the last 12 months (n = 239)
  % of respondents

To reduce
stress/relax

 70
To get high/for fun 69
To improve sleep 35
To treat depression
/anxiety		 34
To socialise 16
To enhance performance
(school, work, sport, etc.)		 16
To reduce pain/inflammation 14
Out of curiosity
/to experiment		 5
Other 4
Table 2b. Motivation for MDMA/ecstasy use in the last 12 months (n = 118)
  % of respondents
To get high/for fun 83
To reduce
stress/relax		 39
To socialise 14
To treat depression
/anxiety		 12
Out of curiosity
/to experiment		 7
To reduce pain
/inflammation		 3
To enhance performance
(school, work, sport, etc.)		 2
Table 3. Settings for drug use in last 12 months (n = 396)
Setting % of respondents
Home 79
Club or bar 66
Music festival or party 65
Public space (street, park, etc.) 31
Work 14
School/university/training facility 4
Drug consumption room 3
Chemsex site 3
Table 4. Has the COVID-19 pandemic had any impact on your drug use? (% of respondents)
Substance I use less I use the same I use more Don't know/No answer
Ecstasy/MDMA 66 16 9 9
Cocaine powder 42 18 12 28
NPS 36 18 32 14
Amphetamine 36 32 14 18
Heroin 30 45 5 20
Cannabis resin 30 28 40 2
Herbal cannabis 18 42 35 5
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