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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How does UNODC plan to engage communities in destigmatizing addiction and promoting access to treatment programs?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Interviewer (I):** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Your recent report on global drug use has raised significant concerns. In 2022, nearly 300 million people were reported to have used drugs, which is a 20% increase over the past decade. Can you explain what factors are contributing to this rise?
**Angela Me (AM):** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. One of the primary reasons for this increase is global population growth. As the world’s population expands, naturally, we see a higher number of individuals potentially engaging in various activities, including drug use.
**I:** That makes sense. But is there more to it beyond just an increase in population?
**AM:** Yes, indeed. We’ve also observed a notable rise in the percentage of individuals who have used drugs. Over the past ten years, the consumption rates for many drugs have increased. For example, cocaine use has surged, particularly in Europe, while we’ve seen a consistent rise in cannabis consumption as well.
**I:** It sounds concerning. The increase in drug use is happening despite increased resources being allocated to combat trafficking and limit consumption. Why do you think that is?
**AM:** This is a complex issue. While resources have been directed towards combating drug trafficking, the demand for drugs continues to rise, often outpacing these efforts. There are multiple factors at play, including socio-economic conditions, mental health issues, and social stigma surrounding addiction, which may deter individuals from seeking help.
**I:** Speaking of socio-economic conditions, how do you believe they impact drug use trends?
**AM:** Economic instability can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which may drive individuals to seek relief through substance use. Furthermore, areas with limited access to healthcare and support services often see higher rates of addiction. Policy and community support play essential roles in addressing these challenges.
**I:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Angela. It seems like a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach. What recommendations does UNODC have for combating this trend?
**AM:** We advocate for a balanced approach that combines prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. It’s crucial to destigmatize addiction, enhance access to treatment programs, and focus on education to inform communities about the risks of drug use and available resources for those in need.
**I:** Thank you, Angela, for your valuable insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your work at UNODC and look forward to seeing how these recommendations can be implemented on a global scale.
**AM:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue this conversation and work towards effective solutions.
