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 recent increase in global drug use according to Angela Me?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Your insights are invaluable, especially with the recently released UNODC annual report showing that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022. This is a staggering increase. Can you help us understand the root causes of this rise in substance use?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can be attributed to multiple factors. Primarily, the global population has grown significantly, which naturally results in a larger number of individuals engaging in various activities, including drug consumption.
**Editor:** That makes sense. But there’s also an observed increase in the percentage of people using drugs. What do you think is driving this trend specifically for drugs like cocaine and cannabis?
**Angela Me:** Absolutely. Over the last decade, we’ve seen a notable rise in the consumption of most drugs, with cocaine use particularly surging in Europe. Several factors contribute to this, including social, economic, and cultural dynamics. Increased accessibility, changes in social norms surrounding drug use, and the evolving nature of the drug market all play critical roles. For cannabis, the shift towards legalization in various regions has certainly reduced stigma and barriers to access.
**Editor:** It’s alarming to think that despite increased resources to combat drug trafficking and limit consumption, these trends continue. Why do you think those efforts haven’t translated into a decrease in use?
**Angela Me:** This is a complex issue. While there have been significant investments in combating drug trafficking, the demand for drugs remains strong. Additionally, drug markets are highly adaptable; traffickers often find new ways to evade law enforcement. It’s also worth noting that addressing drug use requires a multifaceted approach, including education, rehabilitation, and social support systems, alongside strict law enforcement.
**Editor:** Given these challenges, what can be done to effectively address the rise in drug use?
**Angela Me:** A comprehensive approach is essential. This includes not only stricter regulations and law enforcement but also promoting public health initiatives that focus on harm reduction, access to treatment, and education about drug use. It’s also crucial to address the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to substance abuse.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela, for shedding light on this pressing issue. Your expertise is greatly appreciated as we continue to navigate the complexities of global drug use.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. It’s important we keep the conversation going to foster better understanding and solutions.
