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 strategies could be implemented to effectively combat drug use worldwide?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Angela. The latest UNODC report indicates that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, marking a significant 20% increase over the past decade. Can you help us understand the factors contributing to this rise?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. There are several key factors at play. Firstly, the global population has grown significantly over the last ten years, which naturally leads to a greater number of individuals engaging in various activities, including drug use.
**Editor:** That makes sense. Are there any specific trends in drug consumption that you’ve observed in recent years?
**Angela Me:** Yes, there are clear trends. We’ve seen notable increases in the use of several drugs, particularly cocaine, which has seen a marked rise in Europe, among other regions. Additionally, cannabis consumption has also grown, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes towards its use.
**Editor:** Given the increased resources being directed toward combating drug trafficking and limiting consumption, why do you think these efforts have not correlated with a decrease in use?
**Angela Me:** While significant resources have been allocated to combating drug trafficking, the issue is multifaceted. Simply increasing enforcement isn’t sufficient on its own. We must also address underlying causes of drug use, including social, economic, and psychological factors. Comprehensive approaches, including prevention, education, and treatment, are critical to reducing consumption.
**Editor:** That’s an important point. As we face this ongoing challenge, what are some strategies that you believe could be effective in combating drug use worldwide?
**Angela Me:** A multifaceted approach is essential. This includes enhancing access to treatment and social services, implementing educational programs that inform people about the risks associated with drug use, and developing supportive policies that reduce stigma. It’s about creating an environment that promotes health and well-being rather than solely focusing on punitive measures.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela. Your insights into this pressing issue are invaluable, and we appreciate your perspective on how to address the complex challenges of drug use in our society.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues!