How can we have a drug-free world?

Drug abuse and trafficking are pervasive issues that affect millions of people worldwide. The consequences are far-reaching and multifaceted, impacting health, security and socio-economic conditions.

It affects all segments of society, including the rich and poor, the educated and uneducated, as well as urban and rural populations. In addition, it harms the user's brain and body, sometimes permanently. Among the younger generation, drug abuse has reached alarming levels in many parts of the world.

Many studies indicate that adolescence is a critical risk period for the initiation of substance use, with usage often peaking among individuals aged 18 to 25 years.

Recognising the urgency of addressing this issue, the United Nations designated June 26 each year as The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This day is dedicated to tackling the growing concerns surrounding drug abuse and to enhancing action and cooperation in the pursuit of a world free from this problem.

This year’s theme is “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All!” This emphasises community support, healthcare access and the need for global solidarity in addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

It also reflects a growing global consensus that prevention, rather than punishment, is the most effective and sustainable approach to addressing substance abuse, particularly among youth.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the emergence of new synthetic opioids, coupled with unprecedented levels of drug supply and demand, has exacerbated the global drug crisis. This situation has led to increased rates of substance use disorders and significant environmental damage.

“High supply of illegal drugs and the increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks are exacerbating global crises and presenting challenges for health services and law enforcement, the UN agency notes in its report.

According to its 2024 statistics, there are nearly 300 million drug users worldwide, reflecting a 22-per cent rise in drug use over the past decade. Only 10 per cent of this increase can be attributed to global population growth. By 2030, the number of people using drugs worldwide is projected to rise by an additional 11 per cent, based solely on population growth.

“Although an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, only one in eleven is receiving treatment. Women have less access to treatment than men, with only one in eighteen women with drug use disorders receiving treatment compared to one in seven men,” reveals the UNODC in its report.

In its report, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that 2.6 million deaths each year are attributable to alcohol consumption, accounting for 4.7 per cent of all deaths, while the use of psychoactive drugs contributes to an additional 0.6 million deaths. Notably, 2 million of the alcohol-related deaths and 0.4 million of the drug-related deaths occurred among men.

"Substance use significantly harms individual health, elevating the risk of chronic diseases and mental health conditions, and tragically resulting in millions of preventable deaths each year. It imposes a substantial burden on families and communities, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries and violence," stated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

So, the immediate need is to consider how to sensitise drug addicts to the dangers of drug use, the importance of its reporting and the necessity of developing resistance to prevailing peer and social pressures.

Of course, stopping drug trafficking requires long-term coordinated action to address supply and demand and prevent organised criminal groups from exploiting vulnerabilities.

Stakeholders, including local government bodies, health institutions, security agencies and the media, should decentralise prevention efforts and support ongoing advocacy at the community level.

Additionally, parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional rulers and the private sector should collaborate to protect young people from the allure of drugs. Early drug use significantly increases the likelihood of addiction. Therefore, preventing early use can greatly reduce these risks.