The latest developments in European drug policy show a comprehensive and evidence-based approach. This approach seeks to address drug challenges in Europe . The report includes data from the EU, Turkey and Norway until the end of 2023.
Cannabis and cocaine are the most widely used drugs. Heroin is the most widely used opioid. Reducing demand and supply remains key.
Despite progress, there are challenges in collecting data on drugs. The report highlights the EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025. This strategy seeks to balance reducing supply and demand, with evidence-based policies.
The market for new psychoactive substances is constantly evolving. This requires vigilance and adaptive responses.
Key points
- Cannabis and cocaine are the most widely used illicit drugs in Europe
- Heroin is the most widely used illicit opioid, creating a significant health burden .
- Harm reduction strategies are essential to mitigate the negative effects of drug use
- The EU Drug Strategy 2021-2025 promotes a balanced and evidence-based approach
- The market for new psychoactive substances requires continuous monitoring and adaptive responses
Analysis of the drug situation in Europe until 2024
The drug landscape in Europe is changing. There are new challenges and changes in the way drugs are consumed. This analysis shows important developments and their policy implications . This way, we can better understand the drug situation in Europe up to 2024 .
Key developments to understand the drug situation in Europe in 2024
The illegal drug market in Europe faces health and safety issues. There is increasing interaction between different types of drugs. The availability of illegal substances has increased, with trends towards more potent drugs and new forms of consumption. Some key developments are:
- Drug seizures have been on the rise, especially in European ports. Around 70% of seizures occur in ports. For example, 9.5 tons of cocaine were seized in Spain in a single shipment.
- Violence related to drug trafficking and the exploitation of minors is a major problem. It is a priority for European law enforcement agencies.
- Deaths from psychoactive substances have increased, with 1,046 deaths in 2021.
- Demand for harm reduction services has grown. In 2021, 34,478 people were assisted and 1,208,141 syringes were distributed.
Important implications for drug policy and practitioners in Europe
Illegal drug use affects everyone in Europe. It directly or indirectly affects everyone. Some key policy and professional implications are:
- It is important to have evidence-based policies. Both the supply and demand for drugs need to be addressed.
- International collaboration and information sharing are key to addressing drug challenges.
- Strengthening prevention, treatment and harm reduction services is essential . This helps address public health issues.
- It is important to train and support professionals who work with drugs. This includes health care, law enforcement and social services personnel.
The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) will play a key role. It will help anticipate future challenges, issue alerts, assess responses and support evidence-based policies. This will be important in Europe until 2024 and beyond.
Supply, production and drug precursors
The illegal drug market in Europe is a huge problem. In 2021, the value of drugs sold in the European Union was at least €31 billion. This shows that it is an important source of income for organised crime .
Overview of drug supply in Europe based on the latest data
Large quantities of drugs have been seized in the European Union. This shows that there are many illegal substances available. The market offers many new drugs, such as very potent psychotropic substances.
Recently, very powerful opiates such as benzimidazoles (nitazenes) have appeared. This complicates the fight against drugs.
Recent trends in drug seizures and drug-related crimes
Drug seizures in Europe have changed in recent years. Some substances have been seized more, others less. Drug-related crimes have also changed, with more focus on synthetic drugs .
Some important data are:
- More synthetic drug production and waste dumping seen in Belgium
- Methamphetamine is the most illegally produced stimulant in the world .
- The production of amphetamines, MDMA and methamphetamines takes place mainly in the European Union.
2022 data on drug production and seizures of precursors
The Netherlands and Belgium are the main production sites for synthetic drugs. A large production of methamphetamine has been seen in these countries.
Synthetic drugs are made from chemical precursors . Production laboratories have been found in places such as vehicles and homes.
289 articles published in Flemish newspapers between 2013 and 2020 were analysed. The environmental damage caused by the production of synthetic drugs in Belgium was investigated .
In conclusion, drug supply, production and precursors are major challenges in Europe. It is necessary to work together to combat illicit drug trafficking and its negative effects.
Cannabis: the current situation in Europe
Cannabis is the most widely used drug in Europe. An estimated 7% of adults have tried it in the past year. Consumption rates vary, but there is a trend towards stability or decline in some countries.
Prevalence of use, demand for treatment, seizures, price and purity
Young adults (15-34 years) are the most likely to use cannabis. Demand for cannabis treatment has grown, reaching 30% of drug treatment requests in Europe.
Cannabis is the most seized drug, with more than 700 tons confiscated each year. Prices and purity vary, but cannabis potency has increased in Europe.
Cannabis-related harm and more
Cannabis can cause health problems , especially in regular users. Effects include respiratory problems, cognitive impairment and mental disorders. It also increases the risk of dependence.
Cannabis is linked to road accidents in Europe. This has led to stricter laws and awareness campaigns about its dangers.
Cannabis is a challenge for drug policy in Europe. Approaches are needed that reduce demand and supply, protecting public health and reducing harm .
In conclusion, cannabis remains a problem in Europe. It affects public health, security and criminal justice. It is crucial that politicians and professionals follow the trends to address this challenge.
Cocaine: the current situation in Europe
Cocaine remains a widely used illegal drug in Europe. Its use is causing public health and safety concerns. In 2022, a record 323 tonnes of cocaine were seized in the EU.
The countries with the most seizures were Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. This shows the huge problem that Europe faces with this drug.
Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest port, saw a surge in cocaine seizures, rising from 110 tonnes to 116 tonnes in 2023. Spain also had its largest cocaine seizure in 2023, with 9.5 tonnes.
In 2022, 39 cocaine laboratories were dismantled in the EU. This shows the fight against drug trafficking in the region.
Wastewater tests showed more cocaine residue in several cities. Cocaine was the most frequently tested drug by drug-checking services in 2022. It was also linked to around 20% of overdose deaths that year.
The prevalence of cocaine use varies considerably between European countries, but a general upward trend has been observed in recent years.
Cocaine and other stimulants have caused outbreaks of HIV in seven European cities. This is a serious problem for public health.
Treatment for stimulant problems includes cognitive behavioural therapy and contingency management. However, coverage of harm reduction services is limited in some EU countries.
| Country | Cocaine seizures in 2022 (tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Belgium | 98 |
| Spain | 49 |
| Netherlands | 47 |
The drug situation in Europe is changing rapidly. This poses challenges for harm reduction and risk communication. Although HIV infections have declined, more investment is needed to eliminate HIV and viral hepatitis by 2030.
Synthetic stimulants: the current situation in Europe
Synthetic stimulants , such as amphetamine , methamphetamine and cathinones , have grown rapidly in Europe. This is a challenge for public health and drug policies on the continent.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs shows that the market for synthetic drugs has grown significantly in 20 years. Between 1998 and 2017, synthetic drugs outstripped traditional drugs in seizures. The biggest increase was in new synthetic psychoactive substances and stimulants.
Amphetamine, methamphetamine and synthetic cathinones on the European drug market
Supply has fuelled the growth of the synthetic drug market. Traffickers produce large quantities at low cost. The EMCDDA monitors more than 950 new psychoactive substances, with 26 new ones in Europe in one year.
Since 2009, 81 new synthetic opioids have emerged in Europe. This increases the risk of poisoning and death. In 2023, six new synthetic opioids were reported , the highest number in one year.
Prevalence of use, demand for treatment, seizures, price and purity
Amphetamine stimulant use rose from 30.2 million in the 1990s to 50 million in 2017. Women account for nearly half of users, but only 27% of those seeking treatment.
Less than 20% of people with drug problems receive help. The most vulnerable, poor and excluded people suffer the most from the effects of drugs.
| synthetic stimulant | Prevalence of consumption | Demand for treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine | 0.5% of European adults | 35% of people in treatment for stimulants |
| Methamphetamine | 0.2% of European adults | 12% of people in treatment for stimulants |
| Synthetic cathinones | 0.1% of European adults | Limited data |
Strengthening the capacity of Member States to manage information on synthetic drugs is important. Addressing non-medical use of opioids in North America and Africa is also crucial.
MDMA: the current situation in Europe
MDMA is the second most widely used illegal stimulant drug in Europe, after cocaine. In 2022, 2.2 million young people aged 15 to 34 reported having tried it. This represents 2.2% of this age group. It is mainly used in nightlife and entertainment events.
In 2022, 48 MDMA labs were closed in the EU, an increase of 25 compared to 2021. 19.9 tonnes of precursors for making MDMA were seized, an increase of 7.5 tonnes. Although seized MDMA tablets fell, their purity and MDMA content did as well.
Health risks and prevalence of MDMA use
Ecstasy tablets typically contain between 140 and 157 milligrams of MDMA. This can be dangerous. In 2022, MDMA was part of almost 5% of presentations in 23 Euro-DEN hospitals, with an increase in 10 hospitals.
MDMA was responsible for almost 5% of fatal overdoses in Germany in 2022. There were more MDMA deaths in Turkey. Sometimes, MDMA is found adulterated with other substances, such as synthetic cathinones .
Wastewater analysis and presentations in hospitals
63% of European cities found more MDMA residues in 2023 than in 2022. In 2022, MDMA was part of 4.7% of presentations to Euro-DEN Plus hospitals. In Belgium, France and the Netherlands, MDMA affected more than 1 in 10 presentations to sentinel hospitals.
MDMA is chemically related to amphetamines but with different effects. The European Drug Report highlights the current drug supply situation in Europe, where availability remains high across all types of substances.
The report on MDMA use in Europe includes data on seizures, price, purity and more. Heroin use remains a major health problem in Europe. Harm reduction programmes such as naloxone and drug consumption rooms are used to combat drug-related harm.
Heroin and other opioids: the current situation in Europe
Heroin is the most widely used opioid in Europe. In 2021, an estimated 1 million people, or 0.33% of the EU population, were using opioids. Although heroin use has not changed much, opioids remain a major problem in Europe.
In 2021, 71,000 people entered opioid treatment, representing 25% of all drug treatment in Europe. Heroin was the primary drug for 74% of these new patients. Only 19% of new patients reported injecting heroin.
In 2021, an estimated 419,000 clients were treated with opioid agonists in 23 EU Member States, reflecting continuity from the previous year.
Heroin was responsible for 15% of acute drug toxicity presentations in Euro-DEN Plus hospitals in 2021. Opioids were detected in 19 of the 23 European hospitals participating in the study. Opioids caused approximately 74% of fatal overdoses in the EU.
Some relevant data on opioid use in Europe:
- Between 28% and 38% of individuals with persistent pain in the European population used weak or strong opioids.
- The increased availability and overprescription of opioids has led to an epidemic global increase in the prevalence of opioid abuse, dependence, and deaths.
- In patients with chronic non-cancer pain treated with opioids, the prevalence of opioid abuse has tripled in the last three decades, reaching values of 12% to 15%.
- The median rate of opioid use disorder (OUD) is 8% of patients prescribed opioids, and the combined rate of OUD/misuse/deviant behaviors is between 15% and 26%.
| Country | Prescription opioid consumption per capita | Opioid abuse | Opioid dependence | Opioid overdose deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | The highest in the world | The highest figures | The highest figures | The highest figures |
The U.S. has implemented stricter controls on opioids, but overdose mortality remains high. Opioid prescriptions increased fourfold between 1999 and 2014. In January 2018, the FDA announced safety changes to cough and cold medications containing codeine or hydrocodone.
In January 2018, the FDA also held a public hearing to explore implementation strategies to improve opioid safety. These measures highlight the need to address the opioid problem comprehensively, considering prevention, treatment, and harm reduction.
New psychoactive substances: the current situation in Europe
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a major challenge for public health and drug policies in Europe. In 2021, 8.5 tonnes of these substances were seized, showing their increasing illegal availability. The detection of new synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones is worrying. They are sold as “legal” substitutes for known drugs.
Overview based on seizure data and newly detected substances
In 2022, 24 new cannabinoids were detected, accounting for more than half of the new substances reported. One new synthetic opioid was also reported, with signs of increasing availability and harm. By the end of 2023, EMCDDA was monitoring 950 NPS, 26 of which were reported for the first time that year.
Since 2009, 81 new synthetic opioids have emerged in Europe, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and tailored policy responses.
Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, new synthetic opioids and nitazenes
Synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones are the most commonly detected NPS in Europe. There is an increase in the detection of masked cathinones being sold illegally. This raises concerns about inadvertent exposure to synthetic cannabinoids among those who use cannabis.
New semi-synthetic cannabinoids, such as HHC, are also causing concern. They are sold as “legal” substitutes for cannabis. Synthetic opioids have been linked to overdose deaths, especially in Latvia and Lithuania.
- In 2022, signs of an increase in synthetic cathinones sold as MDMA or to adulterate MDMA were reported in several EU Member States.
- There is concern about THC in edible cannabis products and the possibility that they may include synthetic cannabinoids .
- Nitazenes, a class of new synthetic opioids, have been detected in several European countries and have been linked to overdose deaths.
In summary, the NPS market in Europe is dynamic and requires continuous vigilance. It is important to assess the risks and respond with tailored policies to protect public health and safety.
Other drugs: the current situation in Europe
In Europe, in addition to the most well-known drugs, other drugs with hallucinogenic, anaesthetic, dissociative or depressant effects are used. These include LSD , hallucinogenic mushrooms , ketamine , GHB and nitrous oxide . Let’s take a look at the status of these drugs in Europe, with data on seizures, use and damage.
Prevalence and patterns of use of other drugs in Europe
Use of these drugs is less common than cannabis or cocaine, but remains important in certain groups. LSD and mushrooms are used in parties and nightlife. Ketamine and GHB are linked to “chemsex” in some gay men.
Seizures and availability of other drugs on the European market
Seizures of these drugs vary by country in Europe. Although they are available on the illicit market, their purity and potency can vary. Ketamine is of particular concern because of its risk of abuse and harm.
Damage and demand for treatment related to other drugs
Using these drugs can cause harm, including mental problems and accidental injuries. Ketamine and GHB are examples of risks. It is important to continue to monitor and respond to these challenges.
“The use of LSD , mushrooms, ketamine, GHB and nitrous oxide poses public health challenges. We need prevention and harm reduction approaches to protect users.”
In conclusion, although less common than other drugs , LSD, mushrooms, ketamine, GHB and nitrous oxide remain a problem in Europe. Monitoring them and developing responses to protect public health is key.
Injected drug use: the current situation in Europe
Injected drug use in Europe has declined somewhat in recent years. But it still causes a lot of damage to health. Syringe studies and other analyses help us to better understand this problem.
La forma de usar heroína ha cambiado, ahora más gente la fuma que la inyecta. Pero la heroína sigue siendo el principal problema, causando la mayoría de los tratamientos en prisiones. La cocaína también es un gran problema, con un buen número de casos en los tratamientos por drogas.
Entre el 20-50% de la población en prisiones son considerados consumidores problemáticos de drogas.
En España, el Observatorio Español sobre Drogas informó de 1,755 personas que entraron en tratamiento en prisiones en 1998. Se piensa que entre el 25-70% de los reclusos en España usan drogas.
El análisis de jeringas nos dice mucho sobre cómo y qué drogas se usan. Estos estudios muestran que muchas drogas, incluyendo estimulantes y nuevas sustancias, se usan por las personas que se inyectan drogas. Esto indica que muchos consumidores usan varias drogas a la vez.
- Más del 40% de las personas que consumen fármacos con fines no médicos son mujeres.
- Casi una de cada dos personas que consumen estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico es mujer.
- De cada cinco personas que reciben tratamiento por el consumo de estimulantes de tipo anfetamínico, solo una es mujer.
| País | Prevalencia del consumo de drogas inyectadas (%) |
|---|---|
| España | 0.2 |
| Reino Unido | 0.5 |
| Alemania | 0.3 |
| Francia | 0.2 |
Es clave seguir mejorando y ampliando los programas de reducción de daños. Esto incluye programas de intercambio de agujas y jeringas y tratamientos de sustitución de opioides. También es importante encontrar formas de llegar a las personas más vulnerables.
Enfermedades infecciosas relacionadas con las drogas: la situación actual en Europa
Las enfermedades infecciosas por drogas son un gran desafío para la salud pública en Europa. Los que toman drogas por vía inyectable corren un alto riesgo de contraer VIH y hepatitis B y C. Esto se debe al compartir de equipos de inyección.
En Europa, el 5% de los casos de VIH se debe al uso de drogas inyectables. Más de 1 de cada 10 nuevos casos de SIDA en la UE están vinculados a esto. Algunos países europeos tienen tasas de anticuerpos del VHC del 50% o más entre los usuarios de drogas inyectables.
Datos clave sobre infecciones por VIH y virus de la hepatitis B y C
- Alrededor del 75-80% de las personas infectadas con VHC desarrollan una enfermedad crónica.
- Se estima que hasta un 10% de los consumidores de drogas inyectables pueden estar infectados por el virus de la hepatitis B en Europa.
- El consumo de estimulantes por inyección se ha asociado a prácticas más arriesgadas y a brotes de VIH en Europa.
Además, inyectarse drogas puede llevar a infecciones bacterianas. Por ejemplo, Staphylococcus aureus, infecciones por estreptococos del grupo A y botulismo por herida son riesgos.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction report for 2007 discusses drug-related illnesses and deaths in Europe. It mentions that drug use remains high, but has stabilised in many places.
Although there are challenges, there are signs of hope in Europe on the drug problem. Compared to other regions, the situation in Europe seems relatively good.
| Infection | Prevalence among injecting drug users in Europe |
|---|---|
| HIV | About 5% of transmission diagnoses |
| Hepatitis C | Antibody prevalence rates above 50% in some countries |
| Hepatitis B | Up to 10% may be infected |
Drug-induced deaths: the current situation in Europe
In Europe, drug deaths remain a major problem. Every year, thousands of people die from overdoses and drug-related problems. Despite efforts to prevent and treat these deaths, the situation remains serious in several countries.
Most drug deaths in Europe are linked to opioids, such as heroin and synthetic opioids. There are also deaths from other drugs , such as cocaine, amphetamines and new psychoactive substances.
The factors causing these deaths are many and complex. Among the most important are:
- The increasing purity and potency of drugs on the illicit market
- Polydrug use and mixing of several drugs
- Lack of access to harm reduction and treatment services
- The stigmatization and marginalization of those who use drugs
To address this problem, Europe is implementing various strategies and approaches. Some of them are:
- Improve treatment programs with opioid agonists , such as methadone and buprenorphine
- Increase harm reduction services, such as needle exchange and supervised consumption rooms
- Making naloxone, an opioid overdose medication, more accessible
- Improve education about the risks of drugs and how to use them safely
It is crucial to understand that drug deaths are preventable. Comprehensive, evidence-based approaches are needed. Collaboration between health, social services, justice and civil society is key to saving lives and improving the well-being of those who use drugs.
Tackling drug deaths in Europe requires an approach centred on public health and human rights. Working together and with evidence-based policies is essential. This way, we can move towards a future with fewer overdose deaths and drug-related problems.
Opioid agonist treatment: the current situation in Europe
In Europe, opioid agonist treatment is the main method of helping people with opioid problems. About 50% of high-risk opioid users in Europe use this opioid agonist treatment . However, the availability of this treatment varies greatly from one country to another.
Opioid users are the largest group seeking help for drugs in Europe. Every year, around 85,000 patients, or a quarter of those seeking drug treatment, mention opioids as their main problem.
Coverage of opioid agonist treatment in Europe
Coverage for opioid agonist treatment varies widely across Europe. Some countries have good availability, but others need to improve significantly. This affects who can access this treatment.
Access routes to treatment with opioid agonists
In Europe, there are several ways to access opioid agonist treatment. Some countries use specialist services, while others rely more on primary care and family doctors.
In more than a third of countries, there are home-delivered naloxone programs . This helps save lives in the event of an overdose. In addition, almost a third of countries have supervised drug consumption rooms , offering a safe place to use drugs.
Despite progress, opioid use remains a problem. Social exclusion and disadvantage are both risk factors and consequences. It is important to continue improving the accessibility and integration of treatment services in Europe.
Harm reduction: the current situation in Europe
Harm reduction is key to tackling drug use in Europe. It focuses on minimising risks and negative consequences. This prioritises the health and wellbeing of those who use drugs.
In recent years, Europe has made progress in harm reduction strategies. A recent study shows that many countries have adopted the European Drug Prevention Quality Standards (EDPQS). Minimum Quality Standards (MQS) are also applied in drug demand reduction.
Despite these advances, implementation of quality standards varies. Lack of funding and the unrecognized importance of assessment are challenges. There are also professional competencies and system fragmentation that complicate broader implementation.
Key interventions include opioid agonist treatment, naloxone programs , and supervised consumption rooms. These measures prevent overdoses and reduce disease transmission. They also improve access to health services and social support.
“Harm reduction is an essential component of a comprehensive and balanced response to the drug problem. We must continue to invest in these evidence-based interventions to protect the health and well-being of people who use drugs and communities at large.” – EU drug policy expert
To move forward, it is key to implement quality standards and ensure sustainable financing. It is also important to educate and train professionals. Addressing gender disparities and ensuring the inclusion of a gender perspective in policies and programmes is crucial.
In conclusion, although there is progress in harm reduction in Europe, there is much to be done. With continued commitment and adequate investment, we can build healthier and more resilient societies in the face of the challenges of drug use.
Conclusion
The European Drug Report 2024 shows the current drug situation. It focuses on drug use, harm and supply. It provides national data and harm reduction strategies.
Highlights important developments for drug policy. While there is progress, it is key to be careful when analysing data. Integrating human rights into drug policies is a challenge.
The debate on cannabis in Europe has grown. Countries such as Spain have implemented unique policies. Europe is seeing an increase in cannabis policy reform. It is important to adapt policies based on evidence to address the drug problem.