2024-11-16 09:00:00
Two homeless drug addicts share a small piece of fentanyl in a Los Angeles alley, August 18, 2022. AP PHOTO/JAE C. HONG
Angela Me is Head of Research and Trend Analysis at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In particular, she directs the world report on drugs published each year by this institution.
In 2022, nearly 300 million people will have used drugs, according to the latest annual report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), or 20% more than ten years ago. How do you explain this increase, taking into account the increased resources implemented to combat trafficking and limit consumption?
The first reason is the increase in population. There are more of us on earth, and therefore more of us doing all kinds of things and using drugs. But this increase is also partly due to the increase in the percentage of people who have used drugs. Over the past ten years, most drugs have seen an increase in their consumption worldwide. Cocaine, in particular, the increase in use of which is particularly marked in Europe, but not only. Cannabis has also seen an increase in consumption over the last decade. Above all, we have also observed this year the increase in the use of stimulants, particularly methamphetamine, while for downers (drugs with sedative effects), the market is rather stable. In Europe, for example, but also in Southeast Asia, a whole generation of heroin users continues to age.
However, there is not really any research that establishes a cause and effect relationship leading to drug use. We have of course identified certain recurring factors, including mental health. The increase in mental health-related disorders, which is particularly significant during Covid, has links to drug consumption and dependence. Another factor is the availability of substances. This supply is always linked to demand, and one leads to the other, like a vicious circle.
This article is taken from “Special Issue Le Monde – Drug traffickers: their networks, their crimes, the response”November-December 2024, on sale at kiosks or online by going to on our store website.
This vicious circle you speak of particularly concerns cocaine. Recent figures, in terms of seizure and consumption, show that its diffusion is massive, within a market associated with sometimes uncontrollable violence, both in South America and in Europe. Do you consider this substance to be the priority for action at the international level?
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What are the key social issues that contribute to the complexities of drug use as highlighted by UNODC?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Angela, thank you for joining us today. The latest UNODC report indicates that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, a significant rise from ten years ago. What do you believe are the primary factors driving this increase?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can largely be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, we have to consider the growing global population. As the number of people rises, so does the likelihood of drug use as individuals seek various means to cope with life’s pressures. Additionally, there’s been a marked increase in the actual percentage of people experimenting with drugs. We’ve observed a rise in the use of not just traditional substances, but also emerging ones.
**Editor:** You also mentioned other specific drugs in your report, like cocaine and cannabis. Can you elaborate on the trends observed in those substances?
**Angela Me:** Certainly. Cocaine use has particularly surged in Europe, but we’re seeing increases in many regions worldwide. It’s noteworthy how cultural shifts and changing perceptions can impact drug consumption patterns. For cannabis, its legalization in various places has contributed to greater accessibility and, consequently, higher usage rates. The stigma surrounding cannabis is decreasing, leading to more people openly using it.
**Editor:** Despite increased resources committed to combating drug trafficking and limiting consumption, these numbers continue to rise. What challenges is the UNODC facing in addressing this issue?
**Angela Me:** One of the biggest challenges we face is the evolving nature of drug trafficking and production. Traffickers are often a step ahead, adapting to enforcement efforts and finding new avenues to circumvent regulations. Additionally, the complexity of social issues tied to drug use—such as mental health, poverty, and social unrest—means that a multifaceted approach is needed in tackling drug problems, which goes beyond just enforcement.
**Editor:** Moving forward, what strategies do you think are essential for effectively addressing the rising trend of drug consumption?
**Angela Me:** We need to prioritize comprehensive prevention and education programs that address the root causes of drug use, alongside continued law enforcement efforts. It’s also crucial to foster international cooperation, as drug trafficking is a global issue. Lastly, we must enhance treatment options for those struggling with addiction, integrating health services with social support. Only by addressing the issue from multiple angles can we hope to make a real impact.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela. Your insights into the complexities of drug use and trafficking are invaluable as we try to understand this growing problem.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. I hope our discussion raises awareness and encourages further dialogue on these critical issues.