Methamphetamine Becomes Leading Cause of Admission at Barcelona's Hospital del Mar

The stimulant has overtaken cannabis as the primary substance among dual pathology patients in the city.

Generic image of a hospital interior with blue lighting.
IA

Generic image of a hospital interior with blue lighting.

The Dual Pathology Unit at Hospital del Mar in Barcelona reports that methamphetamine has become the most consumed substance among its patients since 2025.

This potent central nervous system stimulant, often referred to as crystal or ice, has displaced cannabis as the leading drug for hospital admissions in this specialized unit. Medical experts confirm a significant rise in consumption across the city of Barcelona.

"Normally, the main substance in our unit was cannabis, but since 2025 it has been methamphetamine. Clearly, there is an increase in consumption in Barcelona."

Rosa Sauras · Doctor at the Dual Pathology Unit
The increase is attributed to changing lifestyles and its prevalence in chemsex contexts. Specialists warn that the drug is gaining ground over cocaine, creating a growing public health challenge for local addiction services.