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 some of the key reasons behind the recent increase in drug use globally, according to your research?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Your insights are crucial, especially concerning the troubling trends in drug use. The recent UNODC report indicates nearly 300 million drug users worldwide—what do you attribute this significant increase to?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. There are a few factors at play here. Firstly, population growth is a key element—more people naturally lead to higher numbers of drug use. But beyond just the numbers, we’ve noticed a marked increase in the percentage of individuals who try and regularly use drugs. For instance, cocaine use has surged, particularly in Europe, while cannabis consumption has also risen in many regions over the past decade.
**Editor:** It’s alarming to see these numbers rise despite increased global efforts to combat trafficking and curb consumption. What do you think is not working in our current strategies?
**Angela Me:** That’s an important question. While significant resources have been allocated to fight drug trafficking and promote prevention, the reality is that drug markets are highly adaptable. They evolve quickly in response to law enforcement efforts, often leading users to new and potentially more dangerous substances. Additionally, social and economic factors, such as mental health issues and addiction, play a critical role. We must also acknowledge the stigma surrounding drug use, which can impede individuals from seeking help.
**Editor:** With the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, how should governments adapt their strategies to address this specific threat?
**Angela Me:** Governments need to adopt a multifaceted approach. This includes expanding harm reduction services, such as safe consumption sites and access to naloxone to counteract overdoses. There is also a vital need for better education campaigns that inform the public about the dangers of synthetic drugs. Moreover, addressing the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to drug misuse, such as poverty and lack of mental health support, is essential for creating meaningful change.
**Editor:** What role does the UNODC play in this evolving drug landscape, especially in terms of supporting countries to implement these strategies?
**Angela Me:** The UNODC serves as a facilitator and a guide. We compile data and analyses that help shape effective policies tailored to each country’s needs. Furthermore, we provide technical assistance, training, and share best practices among member states to foster collaboration in tackling drug-related challenges effectively. Our annual world report is a critical tool to inform and guide such actions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that addressing drug use and trafficking requires not only immediate action but a long-term commitment from all stakeholders involved.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for highlighting these issues. It’s a collective journey, and with concerted effort, we can make progress.
