Norway Among Europe's Leaders. The Truth Revealed... by Sewage Data
Norway remains at the forefront in Europe when it comes to drug use. The latest wastewater analyses also show a decline in cannabis use in Oslo. The data also indicate a growing importance of other substances.
Survey research complements data from wastewater.
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The study was based on wastewater samples from Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. Analyses were carried out as part of a European project covering 115 cities in 2025. The method makes it possible to determine the level of drug use per capita. The results show Norway's high position in Europe. At the same time, changes in the structure of substances used are evident.
Decline in Cannabis, Stable Cocaine Levels
A clear decline in cannabis use was recorded in Oslo in 2025. The data comes from wastewater analysis. The information is confirmed by the Norwegian Health Authority. This is one of the few positive trends in the study. The decline concerns the capital, not the entire country.
At the same time, the level of cocaine use in the three surveyed cities remained at the 2024 level. However, in the longer term, there has been a marked increase in Oslo. Over five years, cocaine use has nearly tripled. The substance is mainly used on weekends and is often combined with alcohol.
At the same time, the level of cocaine use in the three surveyed cities remained at the 2024 level. However, in the longer term, there has been a marked increase in Oslo. Over five years, cocaine use has nearly tripled. The substance is mainly used on weekends and is often combined with alcohol.
Samples are collected at the entrance to the treatment plant during regular weeks, without holidays or unusual situations, so that the results better reflect everyday conditions.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard (illustrative photo)
Norway Ranks High in Europe, Growing Importance of Other Substances
Compared to the rest of Europe, Norway stands out for its high level of use of several drugs. The highest levels of amphetamine were recorded in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The country is also among the leaders in methamphetamine use. The results indicate high availability of these substances. The study is based on a standardized comparative method.
Drug use is also increasing elsewhere in Europe. The amount of cocaine traces in wastewater rose by 22 percent year-on-year. More than half of the cities recorded an increase. Ketamine use is rising even faster, by 41 percent annually. In Norway, high results in individual samples may be due to incidents of substances being dumped into the sewage system.
Drug use is also increasing elsewhere in Europe. The amount of cocaine traces in wastewater rose by 22 percent year-on-year. More than half of the cities recorded an increase. Ketamine use is rising even faster, by 41 percent annually. In Norway, high results in individual samples may be due to incidents of substances being dumped into the sewage system.
The analyses also show differences in the timing of use of particular substances. Cocaine and MDMA are more often used on weekends. Amphetamine maintains a similar level throughout the week. Wastewater data is compared with social research. It shows that about 5 percent of young adults report using cocaine in the past year.
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