Drug use is a complex issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations, is observed every year on June 26 to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy, providing voluntary evidence-based services for all, offering alternatives to punishment, and prioritizing prevention. It also emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address the health, social, and economic consequences of drug abuse.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, 316 million people used drugs (excluding alcohol and tobacco) in 2023, or six percent of the population aged 15–64, compared to 5.2 percent in 2013. Cannabis remains the most commonly used drug with 244 million users, followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million), and ecstasy (21 million). The report warns that new groups of vulnerable people fleeing hardship, instability, and conflict could cause these numbers to rise further.
Due to low operating costs and reduced risk of detection, the synthetic drug market continues to expand globally, dominated by amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as methamphetamine and amphetamine. ATS seizures reached a record level in 2023, accounting for nearly half of all global synthetic drug seizures, followed by synthetic opioids, including fentanyl.
Drug use disorders impose enormous costs on individuals, communities, and health systems, making investment in prevention and addressing the underlying causes at the individual level crucial.
The cost of failing to tackle drug use disorders is high—nearly half a million deaths and 28 million healthy life years lost due to disability and premature death in 2021. Preventive policies and the availability of evidence-based health and social services can help mitigate the impact of drug use on the health of individuals and communities.
As synthetic drugs and new trafficking methods evolve, so too must the responses of institutions and authorities. Illicit drug trafficking is deeply linked to other crimes, including human trafficking, illegal mining, and environmental destruction. Together, these interconnected crimes form a vicious cycle that reinforces poverty, exploitation, institutional weakness, and addiction.
Monitoring drug use among adolescents remains key for developing effective future drug policies. The European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) across 37 European countries shows that while overall drug use is declining, new concerning trends are emerging.
Cigarette smoking has declined significantly over recent decades, but early initiation, especially among girls, is rising, with rates of daily smoking at age 13 or younger recently increasing. At the same time, the use and daily consumption of e-cigarettes are rapidly rising, raising concerns about the combined use of conventional and electronic cigarettes.
Drug abuse prevention aims to prevent or delay the use of psychoactive substances and help users avoid developing disorders. However, not all approaches in this area are effective, making it important to use evidence-based methods.
