Lisbon among top European cities for weekend ecstasy use
While ecstasy use is on the rise, cocaine consumption in Portugal appears to be declining.
Lisbon has emerged as one of the top 10 European cities with the highest levels of ecstasy consumption on weekends, according to a groundbreaking study analyzing wastewater across the continent.
The findings, part of the Wastewater Analysis and Drugs — A European Multi-City Study, shed light on shifting drug trends in Portugal and beyond, revealing a rise in MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) and a decline in cocaine use.
The study, conducted by the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and the SCORE group, analyzed daily wastewater samples from 128 cities across 26 countries -including EU member states, Turkey, and Norway - between March and May 2024.
The samples, representing 68.8 million people, were tested for traces of five stimulant drugs: amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA/ecstasy, and ketamine, as well as cannabis.
Lisbon’s Ecstasy Surge
Lisbon’s inclusion among the top 10 cities for weekend ecstasy use highlights a growing trend in Portugal.
The study found that MDMA residues in Lisbon’s wastewater have increased, reflecting a broader European pattern.
Amsterdam topped the list for the highest MDMA concentrations, but Lisbon’s rising levels suggest a significant shift in recreational drug preferences.
The increase in ecstasy use is likely tied to greater availability and a return to pre-pandemic production levels in Europe.
João Matias, a scientific analyst at the EUDA, explained that the affordability of ecstasy compared to cocaine may also be driving its popularity.
“A single ecstasy pill is significantly cheaper than a gram of cocaine, making it more accessible to users,” he noted.
Other drugs
While ecstasy use is on the rise, cocaine consumption in Portugal appears to be declining.
This trend aligns with broader European patterns, although cocaine residues remain highest in Western and Southern Europe, particularly in cities like Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
Cannabis use, however, tells a different story. While most European cities show a decline in cannabis residues, Lisbon and Almada are exceptions, with stable or even increasing levels.
Porto, on the other hand, has seen a decrease in cannabis traces, marking a divergence in drug use trends among Portugal’s major cities.
Ketamine, a 1960s anesthetic now used recreationally, was detected in the wastewater of Lisbon, Almada, and Porto, particularly on weekends.
This suggests that the drug is being used in social or party settings rather than for medical purposes.
João Matias emphasized that while ketamine use has risen slightly, the levels remain relatively low, especially in Porto, where they are “absolutely insignificant.”
European and Global Patterns
The study revealed that over 75% of cities had higher levels of cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA residues from Friday to Monday, indicating a clear pattern of weekend recreational use.
In contrast, amphetamine, cannabis, and methamphetamine use were more evenly distributed throughout the week.
The highest concentrations of MDMA were found in cities in Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
Cocaine residues were most prevalent in Western and Southern Europe, particularly in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Interestingly, the study also included data from cities outside Europe, such as Brazil, Chile, and Switzerland.
These cities showed similar weekend drug use patterns, suggesting a global trend of recreational drug consumption peaking on weekends.
A Complex and Widespread Issue
Alexis Goosdeel, EUDA’s Executive Director, described the study’s findings as a clear reflection of a “widespread and complex drug problem.”
He noted that all six substances analyzed were detected in nearly every location, underscoring the pervasive nature of drug use across Europe.
The study also highlighted the volatility of drug markets, particularly in urban areas.
Amphetamine use, for example, increased in more than half of the cities analyzed, while cocaine and ecstasy trends varied significantly between regions.
Ecstasy, which surged in popularity during the 1990s rave culture, had seen a decline in the early 2000s due to concerns over quality and side effects.
However, its resurgence suggests a shift in perception, with Europe now self-sufficient in MDMA production and even exporting the drug.