Italy drug trends: Cocaine overtakes heroin in overdose deaths

Drug consumption patterns in Italy are undergoing a significant shift, with cocaine now surpassing heroin as the leading cause of overdose deaths. According to data from the Department for Anti-Drug Policies and Dependencies, cocaine accounted for 46% of the 249 recorded overdose deaths in 2025, compared to 29% for heroin.

In Rome, particularly in the Tor Sapienza and Quarticciolo neighborhoods, residents have reported increasing social degradation and visible drug use. Viral videos showing individuals in states of physical immobilization have sparked public alarm regarding the potential arrival of fentanyl, often referred to as the ‘zombie drug’ in North America.

Research conducted by the National Research Council (CNR) highlights a concerning trend among youth, noting that approximately 46,000 students aged 15-19 used cocaine in the last year. Additionally, wastewater analysis indicates that cocaine remains the second most prevalent illegal substance in urban areas after cannabis.