A large-scale wastewater analysis shows drug use in England climbs sharply during heatwaves, bank-holiday weekends and major events such as football matches and the Eurovision Song Contest.Scientists inspected over 1,700 wastewater samples from 15 treatment works across England in 2022, revealing distinct weekly and seasonal patterns. Cocaine was the most frequently detected substance, followed by heroin, ketamine, amphetamine and MDMA.Although weekend peaks were obvious, cocaine consumption stayed relatively high throughout the working week.
Event-linked spikes
Use rose markedly around major occasions such as World Cup fixtures, summer heat spells and national events including the late Queen’s platinum jubilee.The Eurovision Song Contest emerged as one of the nights with the biggest increases, with rises seen in cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and methamphetamine.
Ketamine raises alarm
Unlike many other drugs, ketamine levels stayed consistent between weekdays and weekends, suggesting habitual use.At several locations researchers recorded levels higher than those found elsewhere in Europe, prompting worries about its growing use and associated dangers.
Heatwaves heighten health risks
Experts caution that consuming drugs during very hot weather raises the chance of dehydration, overheating and overdoses. The research also warned about mixing drugs, particularly combining cocaine with alcohol, which can form harmful chemicals in the body.
Aiding emergency services’ planning
The results can help authorities predict times of higher drug use and related incidents.By pinpointing event-driven peaks, emergency teams can prepare more effectively and public health warnings can be scheduled when they will have greatest effect.
Seizures affect consumption
The study also demonstrated that big drug busts can reduce usage. A substantial cocaine seizure in Southampton in March 2022 caused a clear fall in consumption across several cities for almost a month.Officials say rising ketamine use, especially among 16 to 24-year-olds, is increasingly worrying. Often seen as a “safe party drug”, it can lead to serious long-term physical and mental harm.
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