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 main factors contributing to the 20% increase in global drug usage over the past decade?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. The latest UNODC report highlights a concerning trend: nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, marking a 20% increase over the last decade. What do you attribute this surge to, especially in light of the resources allocated to combat drug trafficking?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can be attributed to several interrelated factors. First and foremost is the global population growth. As the number of people on the planet increases, naturally, so does the number of people experimenting with or using drugs.
**Editor:** That makes sense. You mentioned that more people are using drugs, but what specific substances are driving this increase?
**Angela Me:** Over the past ten years, there has been a significant rise in the consumption of many substances. Cocaine use has surged, particularly in Europe, but we’re also seeing increases in cannabis consumption globally. Interestingly, the emergence of synthetic drugs has also contributed to higher usage rates. This year, we particularly noted a worrying uptick in the use of fentanyl and other opioids.
**Editor:** Speaking of fentanyl, it’s making headlines because of its association with homelessness and addiction crises in cities like Los Angeles. How does the UNODC view the relationship between drug misuse and social issues like homelessness?
**Angela Me:** It’s a complex relationship. Drug misuse often exacerbates social issues. Individuals experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable; they may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for their circumstances. It’s crucial that our responses address both the supply of drugs and the social conditions that lead to addiction.
**Editor:** Given the ongoing challenges, what solutions does the UNODC propose to combat this growing issue effectively?
**Angela Me:** Solutions need to be multifaceted. We advocate for a combination of harm reduction strategies, education, and improved access to treatment and rehabilitation services. It’s also vital to empower communities and support socioeconomic initiatives that can help reduce vulnerability to drug use.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela, for shedding light on these critical issues. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of drug use and treatment globally.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we have these conversations to foster understanding and collaboration in tackling these challenges.