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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How is UNODC addressing the challenges posed by synthetic drugs and the opioid crisis?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. According to the UNODC’s latest report, nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, which marks a significant increase of 20% over the past decade. Can you help us understand the primary reasons behind this uptick?
**Angela Me:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there’s the growth in global population. More people inherently lead to more users. Secondly, we’ve observed a rising trend in the percentages of individuals engaging in drug use. For example, drugs like cocaine and cannabis have seen substantial increases in consumption internationally, with notable spikes in regions such as Europe.
**Editor:** That highlights a significant shift in drug consumption patterns. You mentioned cocaine and cannabis—are there other substances that are particularly concerning right now?
**Angela Me:** Yes, in addition to cocaine and cannabis, opioids, including fentanyl, continue to pose serious challenges. Over the past year, we’ve noted an alarming rise in opioid-related deaths, particularly in North America. The emergence of synthetic drugs, which are often more potent and dangerous, is exacerbating the crisis.
**Editor:** Given the increase in drug use and the rising potency of substances, what steps is UNODC taking to combat this issue?
**Angela Me:** The UNODC is focused on a multi-faceted approach. We work on strengthening international collaboration to combat trafficking and deliver targeted education and prevention programs. Additionally, we emphasize the need for improved treatment options for those struggling with addiction, ensuring they have access to the help they need.
**Editor:** With the introduction of more resources to tackle these issues, why do you think we’re not seeing a decrease in usage?
**Angela Me:** It’s a complex issue. While resources are being deployed, drug markets are often resilient, adapting quickly to new interventions. Moreover, sociopolitical factors, mental health considerations, and socioeconomic issues contribute to sustained or increased drug use rates. We need to address the root causes of addiction comprehensively to see meaningful change.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela. It’s clear that this is a multifaceted issue that requires continued attention and coordinated efforts. We appreciate your insights today.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these discussions going.
