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 does Angela Me propose to address the challenge of increasing drug consumption through prevention and harm reduction programs?
**Interview with Angela Me, Head of Research and Trend Analysis at UNODC**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Angela. Your recent report indicates that nearly 300 million people used drugs in 2022, which reflects a 20% increase compared to ten years ago. What do you believe is driving this significant rise?
**Angela Me:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s indeed concerning. The primary factor contributing to this increase is population growth. As the global population continues to rise, we naturally see more individuals involved in various activities, including drug use.
**Editor:** That makes sense. But do you think societal factors also play a role in this trend?
**Angela Me:** Absolutely. Beyond population growth, we’ve seen a notable increase in the percentage of people who have engaged in drug use over the last decade. Specifically, we’re seeing heightened consumption across various substances, particularly cocaine, which is on the rise in Europe and beyond. Cannabis usage has also surged in many regions.
**Editor:** In a time when resources dedicated to combatting drug trafficking and reducing consumption have increased, how do you account for this rise?
**Angela Me:** It’s a complex situation. Despite the efforts to combat drug trafficking and promote health awareness, the demand for drugs continues to grow. Additionally, factors such as social and economic stressors can drive individuals to drug use as a form of coping mechanism. The accessibility and availability of drugs have also increased, making them easier to obtain for those in need.
**Editor:** It sounds like a multifaceted issue. What can be done moving forward to address this challenge effectively?
**Angela Me:** A comprehensive approach is required. This includes not only stricter enforcement against trafficking but also investing in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction programs. It’s crucial to tackle the root causes of drug use, including mental health support and socio-economic development, to create a healthier society.
**Editor:** Those are insightful points. Thank you for your time, Angela, and for shedding light on such a vital issue.
**Angela Me:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical situation. It’s essential we keep these conversations going to inspire change.
