Psychoactive substances, users and markets: trends in 2024

The TREND scheme shows that dealers’ use of social media has become widespread. In 2024, the announcement of compliance checks on the Telegram application led many accounts operated by dealers on this platform to migrate to other applications and instant messaging services.

The TREND scheme pays particular attention to the consequences of the collapse in global heroin production. However, in 2024, the availability of this substance did not diminish in France and supply disruptions remained limited.

The living conditions and health of drug users experiencing severe social deprivation continue to deteriorate due to a range of factors. The use of free base cocaine continues to play a key role in polydrug use, to the detriment of opioids.

Certain individuals engaging in chemsex experience increasing social vulnerability and significant difficulties in access to health care, despite a growing but still limited range of specialised health services.

Among other trends observed in 2024, the spread of synthetic cannabinoids appears increasingly wide-ranging. These substances are used by individuals with diverse profiles, sometimes without their knowledge, and are also employed as substitutes for or adulterants in other substances.