PAZARDZHIK — The emergency department in Pazardzhik has reported a worrying surge in cases involving underage patients hospitalized after consuming alcohol, stimulants, or engaging in hazardous behavior.
Over the past two weeks, five adolescents have required urgent medical attention, highlighting a troubling trend that local healthcare professionals warn is becoming increasingly prevalent.
The most recent incident occurred shortly after midnight on March 4, involving a 16-year-old girl who was brought to the hospital by her mother.
The girl, who had just returned home from a gathering with friends, was found in an incoherent state after consuming an unspecified amount of vodka.
Medical staff at the Second Pediatric Ward confirmed that she was admitted in an intoxicated condition and is currently receiving treatment.
Just days earlier, on March 1, a 17-year-old boy was rushed to the emergency department after drinking more than half a liter of vodka during a social gathering.
Despite receiving immediate care and a detailed explanation of the potential health risks from medical staff, the boy’s parents declined hospitalization.
In another alarming incident on February 28, a 14-year-old boy was admitted following a high-speed scooter crash in Pazardzhik. The teenager, who admitted to driving at approximately 90 km/h, sustained multiple abrasions and a subcutaneous hematoma.
While a drug test returned negative, the boy disclosed that he had used a “Geek” vape two weeks earlier and consumed energy drinks on the day of the accident. He was treated in the Neurosurgery Department and was later discharged in stable condition.
On February 21, two more 17-year-olds—a boy and a girl—were treated for separate cases of intoxication.
The girl was found to have been using tobacco products and an unidentified herb, while the boy suffered severe shortness of breath and chest pain after consuming three high-caffeine coffees and six energy drinks in a short period.
Healthcare professionals in Pazardzhik have expressed deep concern over the growing use of alcohol, stimulants, and other harmful substances among adolescents.
“Despite our repeated warnings and efforts to raise awareness, we continue to see young patients engage in extremely risky behavior,” said a senior physician at the emergency department. “Parents and guardians need to be more vigilant and proactive in addressing these issues.”
Authorities have urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of substance abuse and to monitor their activities more closely.
Meanwhile, local healthcare providers are advocating for more robust prevention programs in schools and communities to combat the rising trend of substance use among teenagers.
The recent cases have sparked a broader discussion in Pazardzhik about the availability of alcohol and stimulants to minors and the need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
As medical staff brace for the possibility of more cases, they emphasize that prompt intervention and comprehensive education are critical to preventing further incidents.