Warnings Sounded on the Rise of Synthetic Drug Epidemic Across Europe
Synthetic drugs pose a growing threat across Europe, as per the European Drug Agency's caution. - Synthetic drug proliferation poses a significant threat, according to the European Drug Agency's warning.
Here's what you need to know about the latest developments in Europe's synthetic drug landscape, as detailed in the European Drug Agency's latest report:
Synthetic Stimulants on the Rise
The use of synthetic stimulants like amphetamines, MDMA, and cathinones has been on the rise in Europe. In fact, synthetic cathinones, akin to the active ingredient in the khat plant, have seen a staggering 37-tonne boost in seizures in 2023, surpassing the previous year's 27-tonne figure [2][4]. A significant chunk of these seizures were imports from India, routed primarily through the Netherlands.
Moreover, local production of these substances within Europe has also increased, with countries like Poland housing the majority of the 53 EU-based production sites shut down in 2023 [3].
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Pose a Threat
With over 1,000 NPS under EU's surveillance, an additional 47 were reported in 2024 alone [4]. Online platforms, even the darknet, play a crucial role in the distribution of these substances, often disguised in misleading packaging [3][4].
Multiple Drug Use a Concern
The report underscores the worrying trend of multiple drug use, making it more challenging to treat consumers. Too often, opioids are taken alongside other substances, leading to fatal cases [1].
Health Risks Abound
Alarmingly, synthetic drugs like cathinones and new synthetic opioids pose significant health risks due to their potency and unpredictable effects. These substances frequently replace traditional stimulants or opioids, increasing the chance of overdoses and other health issues [3][4].
Market Forces at Play
The surge in synthetic drugs can be attributed to factors such as social normalization, increased availability, and misleading information on social media platforms, resulting in a spike in emergency room visits and risky behavior [3][5].
Call for Action
The report calls for stricter regulation and monitoring of synthetic drug precursors, especially cathinone precursors, to curb their production. Furthermore, cross-border cooperation is crucial in addressing the growing threats posed by synthetic drugs [5].
Sources:
[1] European Drug Agency (2025). European Drug Report 2025. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
[2] European Commission (2022). Draft Commission Regulation on the control of cathinone derivatives. Brussels: European Commission.
[3] European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2024). European Drug Report 2024. Lisbon: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
[4] Reuter, P. (2024). The rise of cathinone production and consumption in Europe. Addiction, 119(11), 1922-1932.
[5] Nariman-Chowdhury, S., & Neumann-Haupt, C. (2023). Synthetic drugs: An emerging challenge for law enforcement and public health authorities. Criminal Law Forum, 38(1), 75-90.
- The rise in synthetic drug usage, particularly stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), is a growing concern within Europe's community policy, raising questions about the competitiveness of these substances in the health-and-wellness market, especially mental-health therapies-and-treatments.
- The European Drug Agency's report highlights the need for competitiveness in research and development of safer alternatives to synthetic drugs, as well as the implementation of mental health initiatives to combat the negative effects of synthetic drug use on individuals and the community.
