The annual European wastewater drug analysis offers a striking window into drug-taking habits across the continent. This year’s report, covering data from a record 128 European cities, shows a clear rise in the use of certain stimulant drugs like MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine, while cannabis detections appear to be declining. The findings reflect shifting European drug trends that should capture the interest of policymakers, public health officials, and concerned citizens alike.

What is Wastewater Drug Analysis?

Wastewater drug analysis is a scientific method that detects illegal drug residues in urban sewage. By analysing samples from wastewater treatment plants, researchers can estimate levels of drug consumption in the surrounding population. Since 2011, the SCORE group has collected and assessed this data across Europe, tracking both established and emerging trends.

This year’s study examined samples from March to May 2024 in 128 cities across 26 countries—including 24 EU nations, Türkiye, and Norway. Covering almost 69 million people, it remains one of the world’s largest projects monitoring illicit drugs in society.

European Drug Trends in 2024: The Key Findings

MDMA On the Rise in Many Cities

The latest wastewater drug analysis shows a surge in MDMA use in many European regions. Of 76 cities providing comparable data for 2023 and 2024, 41 reported higher levels, while only 24 saw a drop (mainly in central Europe and the Baltic region). The highest concentrations appeared in Belgium, Czechia, the Netherlands, and Portugal, all of which have long-standing traditions of nightlife and club culture often associated with MDMA use.

Cocaine Use Spreads Further East

Cocaine residues continue to be highest in western and southern European cities, especially Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain. However, the study notes rising levels in several eastern locations that previously reported lower use. Out of 72 cities with year-on-year data, 39 reported increased traces since last year, with participating cities in Brazil, Chile, and Switzerland now showing similar levels to the highest European cities.

Amphetamine: Northern and Eastern Peaks

Amphetamine usage remains consistently higher in northern and eastern cities such as Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. Of the 68 cities with data, 34 reported stronger detections compared to 2023, 14 saw declines, and 20 remained steady. Amphetamine residues stay much lower in the south, though some growth is now observed there too.

Methamphetamine Extends Its Reach

Traditionally, methamphetamine (“meth”) was concentrated in Czechia and Slovakia, but 2024’s wastewater analysis shows its growing presence elsewhere. Cities in Belgium, Croatia, eastern Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey, and northern countries (Denmark, Lithuania, Finland, and Norway) all now report significant traces. Out of 71 cities, 32 detected an increase, with some central European cities showing new upward trends.

Ketamine Remains Low, but Lingers

Ketamine, a powerful dissociative drug, continues to be present at low overall levels. Among 42 cities with comparable data, 14 saw increased residues, while 13 showed a decrease. The highest concentrations were in Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Norway. Its presence in wastewater illustrates ketamine’s stable, if limited, foothold in some nightlife scenes.

Cannabis Detections Fall in Many Areas

Significantly, the 2024 European drug trends show a drop in cannabis metabolite traces in the majority of cities. Highest levels were found in western and southern cities such as Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Portugal. However, of 51 cities reporting year-on-year data, 25 showed a decline in cannabis residues. Only 13 reported an increase.

City Size and Drug Use Patterns

An interesting finding from the wastewater drug analysis is how drug use patterns vary (or do not) between larger cities and smaller towns. For cocaine, bigger cities displayed higher average loads. For MDMA and methamphetamine, no clear differences appeared between city sizes, suggesting “urban” usage patterns might be spreading to non-metropolitan areas.

For the remaining drugs, the differences between locations were less marked. This could mean that certain substances are used more evenly across Europe, regardless of city size.

Weekly Patterns in Drug Consumption

One of the unique insights from wastewater analysis is the ability to track changes in drug use across the week. The data shows that cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA levels typically peak at weekends (Friday to Monday), aligning with their common association with nightlife and recreational settings.

Amphetamine, cannabis, and methamphetamine, on the other hand, display more even usage across the week. This steadier pattern suggests different motivations or user profiles for these substances, perhaps including functional use or regular dependence.

Long-Term Trends in European Wastewater Drug Analysis

The SCORE group’s annual monitoring has tracked shifting European drug trends over the past decade. Since 2011, the number of participating cities has grown from 19 to 128, allowing for meaningful time-trend analyses. Seventy-six cities have contributed data for at least five years.

Over this period, a steady climb in stimulant drug detections is evident, with periodic fluctuations, such as those seen during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The widespread detection of all six target drugs in nearly every surveyed city underscores the persistent presence and adaptability of these substances.

Implications for Public Health and Society

Wastewater drug analysis provides valuable, real-time information about drug use in European cities. These objective measurements can inform harm reduction strategies, guide prevention campaigns, and help allocate resources effectively. The data also points to the need for ongoing educational initiatives aimed at reducing the risks associated with illicit drug use, especially in rapidly changing urban environments.

Local authorities and health organisations can use the insights from European drug trends to refine their approaches. For instance, a rise in stimulant use may spark enhanced outreach to nightlife venues and festivals, while steady methamphetamine traces in certain regions could prompt targeted interventions.

Source: Euda.Europe