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Rising Global Drug Use: A Growing Concern
Context
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reported a significant increase in global drug use, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the issue.
Increasing Trends in Global Drug Use
- Introduction to the Issue: The UNODC report, released on June 27, 2024, reveals that global drug users numbered 292 million in 2022, marking a 20% increase over the past decade.
- Cannabis as the Most Widely Used Drug: Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million), amphetamines (30 million), cocaine (23 million), and ecstasy (20 million).
- Treatment Gap: Despite 64 million people suffering from drug use disorders, only one in 11 receives treatment, with women facing even greater barriers—only one in 18 women with drug use disorders receive treatment compared to one in seven men.
Implications for Gender Equality and Social Stability
- Gender Disparities in Treatment: The significant barriers faced by women in accessing treatment for drug use disorders underscore the need for gender-sensitive approaches in health care and rehabilitation.
- Impact on Young People: Evidence-based prevention programs are crucial, especially for young people, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to avoid drug use.
- Empowerment of Organized Crime: Drug trafficking fuels organized crime, which diversifies into other illegal economies, such as wildlife trafficking, financial fraud, and illegal resource extraction, exacerbating social instability.
Strategies for Addressing Drug Use and Its Consequences
- Comprehensive Strategy Needed: A multifaceted approach involving prevention, treatment, and law enforcement is essential to tackle the issue effectively.
- Law Enforcement and Health Rights: Strengthening law enforcement to disrupt criminal networks must be balanced with upholding human rights and providing health services to those struggling with addiction.
- Decline in Global Opium Production: A significant decline in opium production, particularly in Afghanistan (95% decrease in 2023) and Myanmar (36% increase), has long-term implications for global drug markets and treatment services.
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):
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Types of Drugs:In 2016, 6 drug types accounted for nearly all drug trafficking offenses:
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Efforts to combat drug problem:
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UPSC Mains Questions
Q. Examine the gender disparities in access to treatment for drug use disorders. What measures can be taken to address these inequalities?
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