it.euronews.com
European Wastewater Analysis Shows Surge in Stimulant Use, Cannabis Use Decreases
A European wastewater analysis of 128 cities across 26 countries revealed a significant increase in MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine use in 2024 compared to previous years, while cannabis use decreased; the study examined 68.8 million people's wastewater.
- What are the key findings of the European wastewater analysis regarding drug consumption trends in 2024, and what are their immediate implications?
- A large-scale European wastewater analysis project revealed a surge in MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine use across 128 cities in 26 countries. The study, involving 68.8 million people, showed increasing trends in several stimulants since 2016, particularly notable in Western and Southern European cities. Cocaine consumption nearly doubled in Brussels between 2023 and 2024.
- How does the study's methodology, using wastewater analysis, contribute to understanding drug consumption patterns across different European cities and regions?
- The study analyzed wastewater samples for five stimulants and cannabis, estimating drug consumption by measuring levels of illicit substances and their metabolites. While cocaine use showed a relatively stable pattern from 2011-2015, a significant increase began in 2016 and continued into 2024. Conversely, cannabis use decreased in most cities in 2024.
- What are the potential long-term societal impacts of the observed increases in stimulant use and decrease in cannabis use, and what policy responses might be considered?
- The findings highlight evolving drug consumption patterns in Europe, with increases in stimulants like MDMA and cocaine despite a decrease in cannabis use. This suggests shifting recreational drug preferences and potential policy implications for regulation and harm reduction strategies. Future research should explore the socioeconomic factors contributing to these trends.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the increase in cocaine and MDMA use as a significant trend. The headline and introduction emphasize these increases, potentially overshadowing the overall context of drug use in Europe. While the decrease in cannabis use is mentioned, the framing places less emphasis on this.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and objective, presenting statistical data and trends without overtly emotional or judgmental language. The descriptions of drug use are factual and avoid sensationalism.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on cocaine and MDMA use, giving less attention to other drugs mentioned like heroin, opioids, and psychedelics. While acknowledging cannabis as the most widely used illicit drug, the report minimizes discussion of its usage trends beyond noting a decrease in 2024. The lack of detailed analysis on other substances might lead to an incomplete picture of overall drug use patterns in the EU.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports an increase in the consumption of MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamines across Europe. This rise in drug use negatively impacts public health, increasing the risk of addiction, overdose, and related health problems. The data directly reflects negative trends in SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), specifically target 3.4 which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, including those related to substance abuse.