Mar 18 โ€ข 17:05 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท Greece Naftemporiki

Drug consumption in Attica, through the analysis of sewage โ€“ Cocaine on the rise

A study analyzing sewage in Attica reveals a marked increase in cocaine use, with MDMA also showing a rise during 2024-2025, especially during weekends.

The analysis of sewage conducted by the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of EKPA in collaboration with the Psyttalia Wastewater Treatment Centre has unveiled a rapidly changing picture regarding the use of psychoactive substances in Attica from 2020 to 2025. This analysis highlights fluctuations in both the levels of presence of these substances and the weekly consumption patterns. Notably, cocaine has exhibited the most significant increase over the years, with its main metabolite, benzoylecgonine, remaining at consistently high levels, confirming an ongoing rise in consumption.

In addition to cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy) has shown an increase during the 2024-2025 period, with peaks occurring over the weekends, which indicates its recreational use during social gatherings. This trend illustrates the changing dynamics of drug consumption in Attica, where activities such as weekend parties may contribute to spikes in certain substances. In contrast, cannabis demonstrates a more complex and less stable weekly pattern than other drugs, lacking a consistent peak exclusively on weekends.

Amphetamines and methamphetamines continue to be present in Attica but at generally lower levels compared to cocaine and MDMA. This nuanced understanding of drug use patterns is crucial for public health strategies and interventions aimed at addressing substance abuse and its implications in urban areas.

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