MDMA: use continues to increase

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is used in the form of tablets (often called ecstasy), and also in the form of crystals and powders; tablets are usually swallowed, but crystals and powder are taken orally and can also be ‘dabbed’ or snorted. Most European surveys have historically collected data on ecstasy rather than MDMA use, although this is now changing.

It is estimated that 14 million European adults (aged 15–64), or 4.2 % of this age group, have experimented with MDMA/ecstasy at some time in their lives. Figures for more recent use, among the age group in which drug use is highest, suggest that 2.3 million young adults (15–34) used MDMA in the last year (1.8 % of this age group), with national estimates ranging from 0.3 % in Cyprus, Lithuania and Romania to 6.6 % in the Netherlands.

Until recently, in many countries, MDMA prevalence had been on the decline from peak levels attained in the early to mid-2000s. In recent years, however, monitoring sources indicate increased use of MDMA. Among the countries that have produced new surveys since 2014 and reported confidence intervals, results suggest a continued increasing trend in Europe, with 5 countries reporting higher estimates than in the previous comparable survey and 9 reporting stable estimates.

Where data exist for a statistical analysis of trends in last year use of MDMA among young adults, the more recent data suggest changes. Following stability or gradual increase since 2000, France and Finland report large increases in 2014. In the United Kingdom, the increase observable since 2012 has been reduced by the 2015 data, while in Spain, the long-term trend remains downward, although recent values are stable.

Last year prevalence of MDMA use among young adults (15–34): selected trends and most recent data (percent)

A 2016 multi-city analysis found the highest mass loads of MDMA in the wastewater in cities in Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway. Of the 32 cities that have data for 2015 and 2016, 17 reported an increase, 11 reported a decrease and 4 a stable situation. Looking at longer-term trends, in most cities with data for both years, wastewater MDMA loads were higher in 2016 than in 2011, with sharp increases observed in some cities.

MDMA residues in wastewater in selected European cities: trends and most recent data

MDMA is often taken alongside other substances, including alcohol, and has historically been closely linked with nightlife settings and especially with electronic dance music. Current indications suggest that, in higherprevalence countries, MDMA is no longer a niche or subcultural drug limited to dance clubs and parties, but is used by a broad range of young people in mainstream nightlife settings, including bars and house parties.