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 can prevention education be tailored to effectively resonate with different communities in addressing drug use?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Your latest report indicates that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, marking a significant increase from ten years ago. What are the primary factors contributing to this rise?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can be attributed to a couple of key factors. Firstly, the global population has grown significantly over the past decade. More people mean more potential users. Secondly, we’ve seen a notable rise in the percentage of individuals experimenting with or regularly using drugs. This trend is evident across various substances, with cocaine usage in Europe and cannabis consumption growing particularly rapidly.
**Editor:** That’s quite alarming. Despite efforts to combat drug trafficking and consumption, it seems the problem is escalating. What challenges do you believe are impeding these efforts?
**Angela Me:** One major challenge is the ever-evolving nature of drug trafficking networks. These organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to combat them effectively. Additionally, societal factors such as mental health issues, social isolation, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have driven more individuals towards substance use. Our approach to drug policy and treatment needs to adapt and become more holistic to address these underlying issues.
**Editor:** You mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic. How has it impacted drug consumption trends, particularly in vulnerable populations like the homeless?
**Angela Me:** The pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Many individuals faced increased isolation, economic hardships, and limited access to healthcare and support services. In many urban areas, this led to an increase in substance use as a coping mechanism, particularly among marginalized groups. Addressing the needs of these populations is critical in reversing these trends.
**Editor:** It sounds like a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive response. What steps can be taken to improve the situation?
**Angela Me:** We need to invest in more accessible treatment programs and mental health resources. Prevention education should also be tailored to different communities to ensure it resonates effectively. Furthermore, improving cooperation between countries to tackle trafficking with a focus on reducing harm for users can create a more comprehensive strategy. Ultimately, we must prioritize compassion and understanding in the way we approach drug use and addiction.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Angela. It’s clear that addressing drug use is a complex issue that requires a concerted effort on multiple fronts.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the dialogue open and continue to explore solutions together.