UN Warns: Global Drug Use Hits Record High, with 292 Million People Affected in 2022
Table of Contents (Show / Hide)
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has released its World Drug Report 2024, revealing a staggering 20% increase in global drug use over the past decade, with a record-breaking 292 million people worldwide affected in 2022.
According to the report, one in every 18 people aged 15-64 used drugs in 2022, with cannabis being the most widely used drug, followed by opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy. The report highlights the alarming rise in drug-related illnesses and treatment services, with 64 million people suffering from drug-related health problems in 2022.
The UNODC emphasized that only one in 11 individuals with drug-related health problems can access treatment services, with women being significantly disadvantaged in this regard. The report also highlighted the geographical disparities in access to healthcare services, with patients in South America having a higher chance of receiving treatment compared to those in Central Asia and Transcaucasia regions.
The report also sheds light on the devastating impact of drug use on health, with 13.9 million people injecting drugs in 2022, resulting in a significant number of HIV and hepatitis C infections. Liver diseases caused by hepatitis C account for more than half of drug-related deaths.
The UNODC noted a significant increase in global cocaine supply and demand, with coca tree cultivation covering a record 354,900 hectares and a record 2,757 tons of cocaine produced in 2022. The global cocaine market is concentrated in Western and Central Europe and the US, but is rapidly spreading in developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Southeast Europe.
In contrast, illegal opium production in Afghanistan decreased by 95% in 2023 compared to 2022, attributed to the Taliban's ban on opium production. Myanmar's production increased by 36%, however.
The report also detailed the amount of drugs seized by security forces in 2022, including 2,027 tons of cocaine, 1,194 tons of cannabis resin, and 6,168 tons of cannabis seeds.
Globally, around 7 million people faced police intervention for drug offenses, with 2.7 million being prosecuted and 1.6 million being sentenced to prison. The report emphasizes the need for effective measures to combat drug trafficking and address the root causes of drug addiction.
URL :
News ID : 3433
What is cancer exactly?
Which is better for us: "Real" meat or "fake" meat?
Which Vitamins Are Our Bodies Hungry For?
Amazing Benefits of Waking Up Early
Why do Many Young People Die of Heart Attack while Sleeping?
What Causes Opioid Addiction, and Why is it So Tough to Combat?
Why is South of Italy Poor?
Major sports events of 2022
10 Worst Foods that Reduce Testosterone
20 Benefits of Walking Every Day
