Significant use of methamphetamine in Cyprus, but lower levels of use than the European average for other substances, shows a Pan-European Wastewater Analysis Survey, as stated in an announcement by the Cyprus Addictions Authority (AAEK).
It is noted that traditionally in Europe the use of methamphetamine was mainly limited to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, but now it appears that significant use also exists in Belgium, Germany, Spain, some northern countries, and Cyprus. Nevertheless, the research shows that the increasing trend observed in the use of methamphetamine in our country in recent years does not continue this year, with most areas showing a small decrease in the consumption of methamphetamine, while in Paphos and Ayia Napa similar levels are observed with last year.
As stated by Dr. Despo Fatta-Kassinou, Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the International Water Research Center NIREAS of the University of Cyprus, Nireas has been participating since 2012 in the European network SCORE, with data on the use of amphetamines, MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine (Nicosia and Limassol ), while in recent years, with the full support of the Cyprus Addictions Authority, data has been analyzed that now concern all the urban areas of the country (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and Ayia Napa). In addition, with the financial support of AAEK, in the NIREA laboratories in 2021, it was developed by the researcher Dr. Psychedelic methodology that tests wastewater for levels of oxycodone, mephedrone, ketamine and its metabolites, as well as heroin and its metabolites.
Europe-wide research published today presents trends in the use of amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, with findings of particular interest.
Amphetamine
Amphetamine use was found to be relatively low in most southern European countries, while higher levels of use were recorded by the EMCDDA in cities in northern and north-eastern Europe (Sweden, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands). In Cyprus it is reported that amphetamine appeared for another year to have a low consumption compared to the rest of the European countries, but showing a small upward trend.
Cocaine
Research shows relatively low levels of cocaine use in most European countries. The trio of Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain for another year hold the reins in the consumption of this substance, as the highest concentrations were again measured in the cities of these countries. In Cyprus, it is noted that a small increase was found in Limassol and Ayia Napa, with the use of cocaine fluctuating at last year's levels in the rest of the country's cities, and relatively low compared to the European average. The EMCDDA also highlights the small but increasing trend in the use of the substance across Europe.
MDMA
Greater use of MDMA seems to take place in the cities of central Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands) and also in Spain. In Cyprus the levels of MDMA consumption are low, but its use was found to be increased in most cities of Cyprus (except Limassol and Larnaca) compared to the previous year.
Hemp
Cannabis use shows mixed trends in this year's survey, with about half of the participating cities showing an increase in its use, and a steady or declining trend in the rest. The highest usage is recorded in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia. In Cyprus, although widespread, the use of cannabis is quite low compared to the European average.
Ketamine
The use of ketamine has been monitored in Europe for two years. The results of the latest research show that the use of this substance is quite limited on the European continent, with the highest consumption occurring in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Spain, while very low levels were also found in Cyprus.
It is also reported that the President of the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority Dr. Christos Minas, emphasizes the importance of urban wastewater analysis research as a critical tool for AAEK. This approach, he notes, incorporating international scientific practices and theoretical models, allows for a more detailed understanding of trends in substance use in different regions and countries.
Source: KYPE