Position of the Polish Pharmacy Students' Society of 31 January 2026 on the escalation of the problem of normalization and promotion of recreational drug use in public space and social media.

Due to the growing phenomenon of promoting content on social media in which drugs are presented as part of cultural, aesthetic or marketing trends, including in the context of the so-called "„artist's merch”, The Polish Pharmacy Students’ Association expresses deep concern about the scale of this problem, especially among young recipients.

We are increasingly seeing situations in which the symbolism of drugs, their names, or their methods of use function as elements of artistic, fashion, or image narratives, contradicting their actual therapeutic function. This type of message, replicated and amplified by social media algorithms, can lead to a distorted image of pharmacotherapy, blurring the lines between creativity and real life, and normalizing recreational drug use. It is important to emphasize that drugs are not a neutral cultural prop or a lifestyle element. Every medicinal product carries a real risk of adverse effects, interactions, and serious health consequences, especially when used without medical indications, specialist supervision, or in a manner inconsistent with its intended use. Promoting the recreational use of drugs, even indirectly or symbolically, is irresponsible and socially harmful.

In an era of widespread and relatively easy access to medications, including over-the-counter products, promoting their use in the context of entertainment, aesthetics, or fashion poses a significant threat to public health. Young people are particularly susceptible to such messages, for whom social media is a primary source of shaping attitudes, behaviors, and health decisions. At the same time, the phenomena described clearly indicate an existing educational gap in public health, rational medication use, and understanding their effects on the body. The lack of widespread, reliable health education fosters the perpetuation of simplifications, myths, and dangerous behavioral patterns, which are rapidly gaining popularity in the digital sphere.

The Polish Society of Pharmacy Students emphasizes the need to strengthen health and pharmaceutical education, both formal and conducted in the public space, which will build social awareness of the safety of pharmacotherapy, responsibility for one's own health and the role of drugs as treatment tools, not elements of cultural trends.

As future pharmacists, and therefore healthcare professionals, we firmly oppose the normalization of recreational drug use and its use as a trend or a means of self-promotion. Public health, patient safety, and social responsibility must remain paramount. Furthermore, we believe that medications should be viewed solely as a therapeutic component, used in accordance with current medical knowledge.

We appeal for caution in creating and disseminating media content and for the development of educational initiatives that will support the rational, safe and informed use of medicinal products.

Mateusz Boszczyk
Spokesperson of the Polish Pharmacy Students' Society