A new study analyzing wastewater from 130 European cities has indicated an increase in the consumption of stimulant drugs across Europe, as per recent findings. This comprehensive project examined drug usage patterns in 128 cities across 26 countries, representing approximately 68.8 million people, by analyzing their waste. The study, conducted by the SCORE group, an EU-wide network of sewage analysts, alongside the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), sheds light on the increasing use of MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamines. Meanwhile, despite being the most widely used illicit drug in Europe, cannabis use showed a decline in most cities in 2024. The study found that cocaine use, particularly, has increased annually in many locations since 2016, with Western and Southern European cities reporting the highest levels. MDMA consumption, on the other hand, varies but tends to peak during weekends, suggesting recreational use. This detailed analysis highlights the complex and differing trends in illicit drug use across the continent and calls into question the future direction of drug policies in Europe.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/03/21/european-pee-reveals-hike-in-stimulant-drug-use