The European Drug Report 2025 indicates a rising trend in synthetic drug use across Europe, particularly cathinones, alongside the enduring popularity of cocaine. While previously trafficked primarily from abroad, synthetic drug production is now escalating within Europe, catering to growing local demand. The report underscores significant health risks associated with synthetic drugs, many of which possess high potency and are not well understood in terms of long-term effects. The prevalence of polysubstance use continues to be a major contributor to drug-related fatalities in the region.
"This is a result of the demand for taking synthetic [drugs]," said Andrew Cunningham, head of policy, crime and markets at the EUDA in Lisbon, Portugal.
Synthetic drug use is a major public health concern. Many synthetic substances have very high potency, and because they are relatively new and ever-evolving, scientists have not been able to track the long-term effects.
The findings were published in the European Drug Report 2025, June 5. Cocaine, however, is still Europe's most popular illicit stimulant drug.
As in previous years, so-called polysubstance use is the leading cause of drug deaths in Europe.
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