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 specific strategies does UNODC recommend to tackle the rising rates of drug use effectively?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Angela. The latest UNODC report reveals some startling statistics—nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, marking a significant increase from a decade ago. What do you attribute this rise to, especially considering the resources allocated to combat drug trafficking and usage?
**Angela Me**: Thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can be attributed to several interconnected factors.
**Editor**: Could you elaborate on those factors?
**Angela Me**: Certainly. Firstly, there’s the increase in global population. With more people on the planet, naturally, we see more individuals engaging in various activities, including drug use. However, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s also about changing social norms and increased accessibility to drugs.
**Editor**: Interesting. You mentioned the shift in behavior. What trends have you observed in specific drugs over the past decade?
**Angela Me**: We’ve documented notable increases in the consumption of various substances. For example, cocaine use has surged significantly, particularly in Europe, which is a trend we’re closely monitoring. Moreover, cannabis use has risen considerably as well, reflecting changing perceptions and legal landscapes around the world.
**Editor**: It seems that despite heightened efforts to limit drug trafficking, demand remains high. What specific challenges do you believe contribute to this persistent demand?
**Angela Me**: The challenges are multifaceted. Law enforcement efforts target supply and trafficking routes, but they don’t always address the underlying issues driving drug use, such as mental health struggles, socioeconomic factors, and the desire for social connection. We also see that some regions experience increased availability of drugs, making them more accessible than ever.
**Editor**: Given these insights, what steps do you think need to be taken to effectively address the issue of rising drug use?
**Angela Me**: A comprehensive approach is vital. It includes not only strengthening law enforcement but also investing in prevention and education, improving access to treatment for substance abuse, and addressing the socioeconomic conditions that contribute to drug dependency. It’s about creating a more holistic strategy that sees drug use through a public health lens.
**Editor**: Thank you, Angela, for providing us with these insights. It’s clear that addressing the issue of drug use requires a multi-pronged effort.
**Angela Me**: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation that needs ongoing attention and collaborative action.
