According to the annual wastewater analyses conducted by the Institute of Forensic Medicine (GMI) at the Medical University of Innsbruck, drug consumption in Austria in 2024 seems to follow the trends of previous years. While cannabis remained the number one among illegal drugs, cocaine continued to be on the rise. In the west, more stimulants and synthetic drugs were consumed than in the east, the university announced on Wednesday.

Wastewater Analysis of 135 Cities and Regions in Austria and South Tyrol

For a Europe-wide study by the European Union's Drug Agency (EUDA), 17 sewage treatment plants from 135 cities and regions - including the federal capital Vienna - were examined. The consumption markers of the drugs cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine (speed), MDMA (ecstasy), and methamphetamine - the active ingredient of crystal meth - were used. Additionally, the legal drugs alcohol and nicotine were included. It was shown that the Alpine republic is in the "European midfield" in terms of drug consumption.

The data provide insights into 3.5 million people in Austria and South Tyrol. "An inhabitant from one of the 17 examined regions in Austria drinks on average slightly more than a glass of wine daily, smokes three to four cigarettes, and consumes 0.07 joints as well as around 1.5 milligrams of stimulating drugs," illustrated Herbert Oberacher, head of the wastewater laboratory at GMI, the results.

West-East Disparity in Most Illegal Drugs

A closer look reveals that there are indeed regional differences. For example, more stimulants and synthetic drugs are consumed in the west than in the east. The highest per capita consumption of cocaine was once again recorded in Kufstein, the second largest city in Tyrol. The white powder seems to be becoming increasingly popular in general: "A trend we have been observing in Austria's wastewater for years is the increase in the amount of cocaine residues," said Oberacher. In 2024, 1.4 grams per 1,000 inhabitants were measured. The largest per capita consumption of the active ingredient amphetamine (speed) was found in Ried im Innkreis, Upper Austria. MDMA consumption was generally higher in urban areas than in rural ones - however, the highest value per inhabitant was observed in the Purgstall region (Lower Austria).

Cannabis Drug No. 1 Among Viennese

In contrast, the consumption of alcohol and nicotine showed a more uniform picture. It was said to be quite similar within Austria. Among the illegal drugs, cannabis dominated in all regions - with consumption being higher in urban areas than in the countryside. On average, eleven grams of the active ingredient THC are consumed per 1,000 inhabitants. Vienna was at the top here.

Apparently Used as "Party Drugs"

It also became apparent that in many regions higher residues of alcohol, cocaine, and MDMA were detected on weekends. This suggested to the experts a use of the substances as "party drugs." For the annual SCORE study, samples were taken and analyzed daily from the inflow of sewage treatment plants over a period of one week in the spring and early summer of 2024.

(APA/Red)

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