Cocaine use on the rise in the workplace on the Côte d’Azur

Cocaine use on the rise in the workplace on the Côte d’Azur - According to the French Observatory for Drugs and Addictive Trends (OFDT), cocaine use is on the rise in France, with a record 1.1 million users reported in 2023 that’s nearly double the figure from 2017. Figures show that the sharpest increase is among working adults aged 25–44, particularly in sectors like hospitality, construction, and the arts. On the Côte d’Azur, the Nice prosecutor’s office reported a 27% spike in drug-driving charges in 2024, many testing positive for cocaine. In high-pressure jobs like restaurants, employees often turn to cocaine to keep up with demanding workloads. “They take it to stay active, focused, and productive,” explains Dr. Faredj Cherikh, head of the addiction unit at Nice University Hospital. Some employers in the hospitality sector are even reported to tolerate—or encourage—drug use during shifts to maintain performance. Despite its increased use, many users still underestimate the serious health risks linked to cocaine consumption.