Young Amsterdammers drink less as ketamine gains ground

Young people in Amsterdam are drinking less alcohol, but drugs like ketamine have become far more popular at the same time, according to an annual monitor of drug and alcohol use commissioned by addiction care organisation Jellinek.

The researchers say Gen Z drinks less often and more consciously, partly because of rising prices.

The Antenne Amsterdam 2025 report was published on Wednesday by the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA). It draws on a survey of 1,183 vocational college (mbo) students, interviews with 22 nightlife insiders and five youth workers, and close to 5,000 drug samples handed in to testing services.

Of the students surveyed, 59% had drunk alcohol in the past year and 46% in the past four weeks. Both figures are lower than among their peers at hbo colleges and universities.

Ketamine on the rise
Ketamine use is widespread in Amsterdam’s nightlife and has risen sharply again since 2024, the report says. Ketamine, MDMA and other powder drugs are relatively cheap, going for €25-30 per gram, and are easily obtained via home delivery services.

Demand for 3-MMC, a synthetic stimulant, appears barely affected by a ban on several groups of related substances that took effect on July 1 last year. Drugs sold as 3-MMC often turn out to contain other substances, such as 2-MMC.

Among vocational students, however, 3-MMC is relatively rare: 7% have ever tried it and 5% used it in the past year. Laughing gas has almost disappeared since the sales ban. Just 9% of students said they had ever used it, down from 24% in 2021.

Vaping and gambling
Fewer students smoke than in previous years, but nicotine products remain popular. Some 24% smoke, 18% vaped in the past four weeks, and 7% used nicotine pouches, known as snus.

The share of students who gambled online in the past year has tripled, from 6% in 2021 to 18%. The researchers caution that the question was worded differently in 2025.

Less drinking is a positive development but it brings new concerns, Jellinek prevention specialist Raoul Koning said in a statement. He named vaping, snus, 3-MMC, ketamine, and gambling as particular problems.

If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s use of alcohol, drugs, or gambling, the Jellinek addiction helpline can be reached on 088 505 1220 or at jellinek.nl. The line is staffed in Dutch and English on weekdays, 1pm to 5pm.