The European pi reveal an increase in the use of stimulating drugs throughout the continent
The illegal drugs found in the waste water in 130 European cities indicate an increase in stimulating consumption throughout the block, according to a new study. Spain is among the countries that consume most.
Him Greater project for the analysis of European waste water He revealed an increase in the consumption of MDMA, cocaine and amphetamine in 128 cities from 26 different countries. The study, conducted by the Score Group, a network of waste water analysts throughout the EU, and the anti -dogue agency of the European Union (Euda), examined the behavior of use of drugs of about 68.8 million people through the analysis of their waste.
According to EU data, 87 million adults consumed illegal drugs At least once in your life. Cannabis and cocaine are the most consumed illegal drugs in the EU. However, the consumption of substances such as MDMA (also known as “Molly” or Estasi), heroin and other opiates, psychedelic substances and synthetic drugs is increasing. **
The samples of waste water were analyzed in search of traces of five stimulating drugs (amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, mdma and ketamine) and cannabis. This method allows scientists estimate the use of drugs In a community that measures illegal drug levels and their metabolites excreted in the urine.
The study underlines that, although a “relatively stable” model of cocaine consumption in most cities was observed between 2011 and 2015 2016 marked a turning point, With an annual increase in consumption in most places since then. The consumption of cocaine remains higher in the cities of Western and southern Europe, being in Belgium, the Netherlands and Space The countries that notify the highest figures.
2024 revealed data New increases in cocaine waste In most cities, with 39 out of 72 that record higher levels than the previous year. In Belgium, the analysis of Wastewater from Brussels And Antwerp showed an increase compared to 2023.
In Brussels, The daily consumption of cocaine per thousand inhabitants is estimated at 1186.34 milligrams in 2024Almost double in 2023, with 5598.22 mg. The study indicates Saturday as the day of the week with higher concentrations.
Belgium is also one of the countries with Greater consumption of MDMATogether with the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Portugal. If more long -term trends are observed, in most cases, the consumption of ecstasy has increased between 2011 and 2016 and subsequently floated. The analysis also shows it The consumption of this stimulant is higher during the weekendwhich reflects “the predominant use of the ecstasy in recreational environments”.
The exception of cannabis
Cannabis is still The most consumed illegal drugwith an estimated figure of 22.8 million consumers last year. However, unlike other drugs analyzed, most cities have been recorded A decrease in cannabis consumption in 2024 compared to previous years.
The traded waste water indicate that cannabis consumption is more widespread in southern and central Europe, especially in SpaceNetherlands and Portugal. Currently, possession and consumption are illegal in most countries; However, nine practices tolerate and cannabis is legal in certain conditions in Germany, Luxembourg and Malta.
In his 2024 drug report, the Agency for European medicines said that, although the current and dynamic political debate on Europe is probable in Europe How cannabis should be adjusted“It is not clear which direction will take future European policies.”
