European Wastewater Study Highlights Dublin’s Drug Consumption

Dublin ranks among the top 20 of 128 European cities for the presence of cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) in its wastewater, according too a recent survey by the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA). The study, conducted by the Score research group, analyzed sewage samples from cities across 26 countries between March and May 2024. The goal: to understand the drug-taking habits of their populations.

This method of wastewater analysis offers a unique, almost real-time snapshot of drug use within a community, bypassing conventional survey methods that can be subject to reporting bias or lag time. By examining the traces of drugs and their metabolites excreted in urine, scientists can estimate the quantities of drugs consumed by a city’s population.

The implications for public health and law enforcement are significant. “Wastewater monitoring offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of drug use and supply and is a powerful tool for boosting preparedness against emerging challenges,” said EUDA director Alexis Goosdeel.

The 2024 study, which analyzed samples from 68.8 million people, looked for traces of amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA/ecstasy, ketamine, and cannabis.

Dublin’s specific rankings:

Broader European Trends: Stimulant Use on the Rise

The wastewater analysis revealed a significant trend across Europe: an increase in the detection of MDMA, cocaine, and amphetamine compared to 2023. Cannabis detections, however, showed a decrease, a trend also observed in Dublin.

While the study points to overall increases in stimulant use, patterns varied for methamphetamine and ketamine depending on the region. The highest concentrations of cannabis were found in western and southern European cities, notably in Spain, the netherlands, Norway, and Portugal.

Despite these regional differences,the study emphasized a common thread: “it is indeed noteworthy that all six illicit drugs investigated were found in almost every participating city. less divergence is seen in drug-taking habits between large and small cities for some drugs,” the report stated.

Weekend Drug Use: A consistent Pattern

The study also highlighted distinct weekly patterns in drug consumption. More than three-quarters of the cities analyzed showed higher residues of cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA – drugs often associated with recreational use – during the weekend (Friday–monday).

Dublin followed this trend, with cocaine levels increasing over the weekend and peaking on Monday. In contrast, residues of amphetamine, cannabis, and methamphetamine were distributed more evenly throughout the week in Dublin and across Europe.

Wastewater Analysis: A Growing Tool for Combating Drug Abuse

The EUDA views wastewater analysis as a crucial tool in understanding and addressing drug-related problems. According to EUDA director Alexis Goosdeel, this “year’s study, covering a record 128 European cities, paints a clear picture of a drugs problem that is both widespread and complex, with all six substances detected in nearly every location. As the potential of wastewater analysis grows, we look forward to further developing our work in this area to better inform public health and policy responses.”

The score group has been conducting these annual wastewater monitoring studies since 2011. The 2024 study includes an innovative interactive map, allowing users to explore geographical patterns and trends over time and to zoom in on results by city and by drug.

Implications for the United States: Learning from Europe’s Approach

While this study focuses on European cities, the methodology and findings have significant implications for the United States. Wastewater analysis is increasingly being recognized as a valuable tool for monitoring drug use trends in American communities. This data can inform public health initiatives, law enforcement strategies, and resource allocation for addiction treatment and prevention programs.

As an example, several U.S. cities have piloted wastewater monitoring programs to track opioid use during the opioid crisis. These programs provided valuable data to local and state officials, helping them to understand the scope of the problem and target resources to the areas most in need.

However, there are also potential counterarguments to consider. Critics might argue that wastewater analysis is an invasion of privacy or that the data is not accurate enough to be used for policy decisions.It’s critically importent to note that the data reflects community-level trends, not individual behaviour, and is just one tool among many that can be used to understand drug use.

As wastewater analysis becomes more sophisticated and widespread, it’s crucial to ensure that it is indeed used responsibly and ethically, with appropriate safeguards to protect privacy and prevent misuse of the data.