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 key factors contributing to the rise 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. The latest UNODC report indicates that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. What do you attribute this rise to?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. The increase in drug use can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, there’s the rise in global population. As our population grows, naturally, there will be more individuals using drugs. However, beyond sheer numbers, we’re also witnessing an increase in the percentage of people using drugs overall. Over the last decade, we’ve seen a marked rise in the consumption of various substances, including cocaine and cannabis.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the use of cocaine has been particularly high in Europe. Can you elaborate on that trend?
**Angela Me:** Certainly. Europe has seen a notable uptick in cocaine use, with many countries reporting increased availability and consumption rates. This trend is influenced by factors like enhanced trafficking routes and social conditions that make drug use more prevalent. The data shows that as supply increases and more people are exposed to the drug, usage rates climb correspondingly.
**Editor:** The report also mentions that despite increased resources aimed at combating drug trafficking and consumption, use is still on the rise. Why do you think that’s the case?
**Angela Me:** This presents a complex challenge. While many governments have invested significant resources in prevention and law enforcement, the illicit drug market is very resilient. Traffickers continuously adapt to enforcement efforts, finding new ways to distribute substances and evade capture. In addition, there are socio-economic factors at play, such as poverty, unemployment, and mental health challenges, which can drive people to drug use despite these measures.
**Editor:** As we look toward the future, what steps do you think are necessary to address this issue effectively?
**Angela Me:** A multifaceted approach is essential. This includes not only stricter law enforcement but also comprehensive public health initiatives focusing on education, prevention, and treatment. We need to address the root causes of drug use and provide support for those affected, ensuring access to rehabilitation services and mental health care.
**Editor:** Thank you, Angela, for sharing your insights on such a critical issue. It’s clear that addressing drug use requires both immediate and long-term strategies.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. It’s an ongoing challenge, but with concerted efforts, we can make progress toward healthier communities.
