Twenty seven million suffer from drug abuse globally
Around 27 million persons in the world indulge in problematic drug
use leading to severe health consequences. Some 250,000 persons die
annually due to drug abuse, half of them from overdose.
Across the world, drug use is mainly a youth problem: prevalence
rates increase through teenage years and peak between 18 and 25. Most
drug users seek treatment only in their late 20s and most drug related
deaths occur in the mid 30s. More men than women use drugs, women being
a more hidden population. Not even a third of those who require
treatment have received it.
Global drug markets continue to change with new drugs emerging.
Organized criminal groups respond to better law enforcement efforts and
diversify their routes and modus operandi seeking to expand into new
markets.
Traditionally known drugs such as cocaine and heroin are consumed in
a variety of markets across the world. The production and use of
synthetic drugs, including amphetamines and ecstasy is spreading
likewise. In some regions, especially in South Asia, prescription drugs
containing narcotic substances are easily available over the counter and
constitute a main substance of abuse.
The devastating effects of drug trafficking across borders on public
health, security, governance and related consequences, such as
money-laundering and corruption, led the world community to agree in
1988 on an international convention that deals with drug trafficking.
The United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 provides comprehensive measures
against drug trafficking, including provisions on money laundering and
the diversion of precursor chemicals used for the production of drugs.
It provides for international cooperation through, for example,
extradition of drug traffickers, controlled deliveries and transfer of
proceedings. Two earlier Drug Conventions from 1961 and 1971 established
internationally applicable control measures for narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances to ensure their availability for medical and
scientific purposes, such as opiates for palliative care and prevent
their diversion into illegal channels.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was created in
1991 to support countries in the implementation of the three Conventions
balancing supply and demand reduction efforts in a holistic and
comprehensive way. The UNODC mainly addresses three areas of concern:
(i) to secure reliable information, data and analyses on the global,
regional and national drug situation, (ii) to adopt legislation,
policies and procedures in line with international commitments,
standards and principles and (iii) provide capacity-building and
training to public officials and practitioners applying evidence-based
approaches, global knowledge products and good international practices.
Since 1997, the UNODC has been producing the annual World Drug Report
which analyzes global data with regard to drug production, drug
trafficking and drug use. Data are based on information provided by
governments and experts. While tremendous progress has been made in
assessing quantities and flows of different drugs, there are still major
gaps with regard to proper data on drug use, both in terms of quantity
and quality. Such data are not only important to assess the drug problem
at a global level, but are essential at the country level, as only
proper evidence can inform policy decisions.
In South Asia, the UNODC has provided technical assistance for India,
Bhutan, the Maldives and Pakistan in producing drug use data of national
scale. However, surveys need to be conducted and updated regularly
considering the changes in drug markets and in fast-changing South Asian
societies. It is most urgent that national drug use surveys be conducted
for Bangladesh, India and Nepal as well as in new emerging hotspots at
the state or local level - out of concern for its large share of young
and vulnerable population. |
