Catalonia medical emergency service reports 52,576 intoxications in 2025

The Medical Emergency System (SEM) reported that in 2025, it attended to a total of 52,576 cases of intoxication across Catalonia, an increase from the 50,776 cases recorded in 2024. On average, the service treats approximately 156 people per day for various types of poisoning.

Approximately 75% of these cases are related to the consumption of alcohol and psychoactive substances. Other causes include medication, non-medicinal chemical products such as cleaning agents, food poisoning, biological agents, and carbon monoxide. About 70% of those affected require transfer to a health center for treatment.

Demographic data shows that 60% of those affected are men and 40% are women. For men, the primary cause is alcohol and drug consumption (67%), whereas for women, drug-related intoxications are the leading cause (61%).

Regional data for 2025 shows Barcelona City had the highest number of cases with 14,311, followed by the Northern Metropolitan area (11,984) and Southern Metropolitan area (7,009). Other regions included Camp de Tarragona (3,749), Penedès (3,454), Catalunya Central (2,311), Lleida (2,308), Terres de l'Ebre (1,109), and Alt Pirineu i Aran (375).