The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2024 on June 26, 2024, revealing that approximately 292 million people used drugs globally in 2022, a 20% increase over the past decade. Cannabis remains the most widely used substance, with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million) and amphetamines (30 million).
The report highlights that drug use is rising due to increased availability of synthetic drugs and changing trafficking routes. Cocaine production reached a record high in 2022, with 2,700 tons produced, primarily in Colombia. The number of people suffering from drug use disorders also rose to 64 million, a 45% increase from 2012.
In Europe, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported in its 2024 European Drug Report that drug use remains high, with cannabis use stable but potent new synthetic opioids like nitazenes emerging as a major health threat. The report notes that drug-related deaths in the EU reached 6,400 in 2022, driven by opioid overdoses.
Experts attribute the rise to factors including poverty, mental health issues, and the expansion of drug markets via the dark web and social media. The UNODC emphasizes the need for evidence-based prevention and treatment, as only one in five people with drug disorders receives treatment globally.
