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.
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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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Which specific substances have seen the most significant increases in use according to the latest UNODC report?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Good morning, Angela! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming trends in drug use worldwide as highlighted in the UNODC’s latest report.
**Angela Me:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s essential to discuss these critical issues.
**Editor:** The report noted that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, a staggering 20% increase over the last decade. What do you believe is driving this rise?
**Angela Me:** The increase can be attributed to several factors. First, there is simply a growing global population. More people mean more potential users. However, it’s not just about numbers. Over the past ten years, we’ve seen a significant rise in the percentage of individuals using drugs. For instance, cocaine use has surged, particularly in Europe, and cannabis consumption has also increased significantly.
**Editor:** With increased global efforts to combat drug trafficking and consumption, why has this surge occurred despite those resources?
**Angela Me:** It’s a complex issue. While there are more resources dedicated to combating drug trafficking now, the allure and availability of drugs have also intensified. The drug market is increasingly sophisticated and adapts quickly to enforcement efforts. Factors like socioeconomic conditions, mental health issues, and changing perceptions of drug use also play significant roles in this rising trend.
**Editor:** The report highlights specific substances showing increased use. Can you elaborate on which drugs have seen the most significant upticks?
**Angela Me:** Certainly. Cocaine is one of the notable drugs with marked increases, especially in Europe. Cannabis continues to be widely used globally. Additionally, there has been a concerning rise in fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, which pose severe health risks due to their potency and potential for overdose.
**Editor:** With knowledge of these trends, what recommendations does the UNODC have for policymakers to address the drug crisis?
**Angela Me:** Our recommendation emphasizes a multifaceted approach. It’s essential to enhance prevention strategies, improve access to treatment for substance use disorders, and bolster international cooperation to disrupt trafficking networks. Additionally, addressing underlying issues such as mental health, poverty, and social inequality is crucial for long-term solutions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela, for sharing your insights on these pressing issues. It’s clear that addressing the rise in drug use requires comprehensive and collaborative efforts.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. It’s a challenging but vital conversation if we want to make progress toward a healthier society.
