The use of cocaine in Attica Region in the years 2020-2025 has risen noticeably, and its main metabolite benzoylecgonine remains at high levels, according to an analysis of wastewater by the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of the University of Athens released on Wednesday.
The analysis was based on samples from the Wastewater Processing Center on Psytalia island.
The use of MDMA (ecstasy) showed a rising trend, with spikes during weekends, which points at higher used during recreation events during 2020-2025.
Cannabis use, on the other hand, had a more complex profile, and less stable weekly profile compared to other substances.
Amphetamine and methamphetamine use remained present in Attica samples, but generally at lower levels and at greater fluctuations among the years examined, while ketamine was first recorded in Attica wastewater in 2025, with an overall low load in the related population’s wastewater.
Compared to European cities, the greater Athens area is classified in the middle of loads, neither among highest nor among the lowest, while loads of stimulants like amphetamine and ketamine are low.
Evidence from wastewater analysis show trends and patterns of use in the entire population, but do not provide data on the number of individuals using psychodrastic substances, or frequency and ways of use.
