Global drug use situation remains stable

Лицейская открытая

Модель ООН

Марта 2014 года

UNODC

Expert’s Report

«Contemporary challenges of the spread of drug trafficking and organized crime related to global trade and distribution of narcotic substances»

The Expert’s Report presents a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in drug markets. It covers production, trafficking, consumption and related health consequences.

The global picture

Global drug use situation remains stable

On the whole, the global drug use situation has remained stable. While there has been some increase in the estimated total number of users of any illicit substance, estimates show that the number of drug users with dependence or drug use disorders has remained stable. The increase in the annually estimated number of users is, to a large extent, a reflection of an increase in the world population.

However, polydrug use, especially the combination of prescription drugs and illicit substances, continues to be a concern. The misuse of sedatives and tranquilizers is of particular concern, with more than 60 per cent of the countries covered in the report ranking such substances as among the first three misused types of substances.

The increasing number of NPS (new psychoactive substance) appearing on the market has also become a major public health concern, not only because of increasing use but also because of the lack of scientific research and understanding of their adverse effects.