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 reasons for the 20% increase in drug use over the past decade according to Angela Me?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Let’s delve into the recent figures from the UNODC report indicating that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, which is a staggering 20% increase over the past decade. What are the main factors contributing to this rise?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. There are several factors at play. First and foremost, the global population has grown significantly in the last ten years. With more people, it’s natural that we’d see an increase in various activities, including drug consumption. However, it’s important to note that there’s also a higher percentage of individuals using drugs, which indicates a cultural shift towards acceptance and increased access.
**Editor:** That makes sense. You mentioned that the increase in drug use is not limited to one specific substance. Could you highlight some drugs that have seen notable increases in consumption?
**Angela Me:** Absolutely. Cocaine usage is particularly rising in Europe, and we’ve seen an overall uptick in cannabis consumption globally. Additionally, there are worrying trends involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which continue to pose significant health risks, especially in places where these substances are prevalent.
**Editor:** Given the increased resources aimed at combating trafficking and limiting consumption, why do you think these efforts have not translated into a decrease in drug use?
**Angela Me:** That’s a complex issue. While resources for combating trafficking have increased, the demand for drugs remains high. Drug markets are very adaptive; as authorities crack down on certain substances, user demand may push traffickers to find new methods to supply them. We also need to consider that many individuals use drugs for various reasons, including social, psychological, or economic factors, which can make simply limiting supply inadequate.
**Editor:** It seems we’re facing a multifaceted challenge. What role do you believe education and community outreach play in addressing this growing issue?
**Angela Me:** Education and community outreach are crucial. By informing people about the risks associated with drug use and providing support services, we can help mitigate consumption. However, we also need to approach the issue of addiction with compassion, offering rehabilitation and mental health support rather than solely focusing on punitive measures.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela, for your insights on this pressing global issue. It’s clear that effective solutions will require a multifaceted approach involving education, support, and continued research.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential we keep the dialogue going as this situation continues to evolve.