EUROPE SEES RISE IN MDMA AND COCAINE USE, CANNABIS CONSUMPTION DECLINES

BRUSSELS • A new study analyzing wastewater reveals an increase in MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine use across Europe in 2024, while cannabis consumption has decreased. The report, conducted by the SCORE group in collaboration with the EUDA, highlights trends in 128 European cities, plus Turkey and Norway.

Brussels, March 19, 2025 – 6:11 PM – A new study from the European SCORE (Sewage Analysis CORe group Europe), in collaboration with the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), has revealed an increase in the consumption of MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamines across Europe, while cannabis use is declining. This research, based on wastewater analysis, surveyed the presence of major illicit drugs in 128 European cities, along with locations in Turkey and Norway. Key findings indicate that MDMA consumption has risen, particularly in Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Italy also shows an upward trend in Milan and Bolzano.

The Study: What You Need to Know

The study, titled "Wastewater analysis and drugs: a European multi-city study," analyzed daily wastewater samples from treatment plant catchment areas over a one-week period between March and May 2024. Samples from approximately 68.8 million people were examined for traces of six specific illicit substances: amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, and cannabis. While results varied significantly between study locations, all six types of drugs were detected in nearly every city included in the research.

Rising MDMA Consumption

The primary data indicates a surge in MDMA use. Of the 76 cities with comparable data between 2023 and 2024, 41 reported an increase in consumption, 24 saw a decrease (mainly in Central Europe and the Baltic regions), and 11 showed stable consumption. The highest levels of this substance were found in the wastewater of Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Italy also shows an increasing trend in both Milan and Bolzano, where 2023 and 2024 data can be compared.

Cocaine Use on the Rise

Cocaine consumption is also increasing. Residues of this substance remain highest in cities across Southern and Western Europe (particularly Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain). Of the 72 cities with comparable data from 2023 to 2024, 39 showed an increase, 17 remained unchanged, and 16 saw a decrease. The rise in cocaine consumption has been an ongoing trend since 2016, despite some fluctuations during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Countries like Brazil, Chile, and Switzerland exhibit similar or higher consumption levels compared to European cities.

In Italy, comparing 2023 and 2024 data, cocaine consumption increased in Milan but saw a slight decrease in Bolzano. However, the overall national trend has been upward since 2016, mirroring the broader European pattern.

Amphetamine Consumption

Amphetamine consumption is also on the rise. According to the study, amphetamine residue levels are highest in cities in Northern and Eastern Europe (Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway). Much lower levels were found in Southern European cities, though recent data still indicate some increases. Of the 68 cities with amphetamine residue data for 2023 and 2024, 34 reported an increase, 14 a decrease, and 20 a stable situation. In Italy, amphetamine use is sporadic and very low, making it difficult to observe specific consumption trends.

Methamphetamine Declines

Conversely, methamphetamine consumption has decreased. Traditionally concentrated in cities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this substance is now also present in cities in Belgium, Croatia, Eastern Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries (such as Denmark, Lithuania, Finland, and Norway). Of the 71 cities with 2023 and 2024 data, 32 reported increased consumption, 27 a decrease, and 12 a stable situation. In the rest of European cities, methamphetamine loads were low or negligible, although some increases were reported in Central European urban centers. In Italy, methamphetamine consumption remains largely constant and higher in larger cities compared to smaller ones.

Ketamine Consumption

2024 data from 82 cities revealed relatively low levels of ketamine residues. Of the 42 cities with data for both 2023 and 2024, 14 reported an increase, 15 a stable situation, and 13 a decrease. The highest mass loads of this substance were found in cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Norway. In Italy, ketamine was analyzed in Bologna, Rome, and Milan, where it shows a progressive increase.

Cannabis Consumption Decreases

Cannabis consumption, however, is decreasing. The highest loads of the cannabis metabolite, THC-COOH, were identified in Western and Southern European cities, particularly in Croatia, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. In 2024, downward trends were recorded in 25 out of 51 cities, while 13 centers showed an increase compared to 2023. In Italy, cannabis consumption remains stable in both Milan and Bolzano.

Study Results and Wastewater Analysis

"At a European level, looking at cities with historical and comparable data, such as Milan, Italy is not among the countries with the highest drug consumption, despite use remaining constant, or slightly increasing," commented Sara Castiglioni, head of the Environmental Epidemiological Indicators Laboratory at the Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute. "Compared to the 2024-only data, which included two new cities – Bologna and Rome – the figures are consistent, with a slightly higher consumption percentage in Bologna."

The SCORE group has conducted wastewater monitoring campaigns since 2011. Initially, 19 cities in 10 different countries were monitored for four types of illicit drugs. Thanks to the continuous participation of 76 cities for at least five years, it has been possible to analyze consumption trends. In Italy, Milan and Bolzano have historically been examined. Since 2024, Bologna and Rome have also been included.