Substance Use is a Significant Public Health Issue
296 million individuals worldwide used drugs in the past year according to the UNODC World Drug Report 2023
This is 23% more than 10 years ago, mainly due to use of synthetic drugs like opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy. During this period, increases in drug use have been greater for women and children.
40 million people have Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
Evidence supports treating SUD as a public health issue that require treatment and social services to support peoples’ recovery.
Image taken from the UNODC World Drug Report 2023 Special Points of Interest booklet.