Drug abuse, a complex and pervasive global issue, permeates societies across continents, inflicting profound consequences on individuals, families, and communities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug abuse encompasses the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs, prescription medications, and alcohol, leading to detrimental health outcomes.
In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) underscores the multifaceted nature of drug abuse, recognizing its impact on physical and mental health, social relationships, and socioeconomic stability.
The NHS emphasizes the importance of prevention, treatment, and support services in addressing the complexities of drug abuse and addiction.
Beyond national borders, credible organizations worldwide echo the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat drug abuse. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlights the global scale of drug trafficking and the associated challenges in enforcement and regulation.
Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the United States emphasizes the importance of evidence-based interventions and community-based approaches in tackling substance abuse issues.
As we navigate the intricate landscape of drug abuse, collaboration among international agencies, governments, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders remains paramount in fostering prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives to mitigate the impact of drug abuse on individuals and societies worldwide.
The global scourge of substance abuse casts a long shadow over communities worldwide, wreaking havoc on individuals and societies alike. Drawing insights from reputable sources such as the National Health Service (NHS), CNN, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Let’s delve into the ten most widely abused drugs, shedding light on their prevalence, effects, and societal implications. According to a January 2021 study published in the Public Health Review (PHR), the top three most abused drugs in Nigeria are cannabis, cocaine, and codeine.
According to the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC), an estimated 40% of Nigerian youths between the ages of 18 and 35 are engaged in substance abuse in one way or another.
1. Alcohol:- NHS identifies alcohol as one of the most widely abused substances globally, with profound health and social consequences. CNN reports on the staggering impact of alcohol-related harm, including addiction, liver disease, and accidents.
According to Alcohol Change UK, an estimated 24% of adults in England and Scotland regularly drink over the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines, and **27% of drinkers in Great Britain. In 2020, there were 8,974 alcohol-specific deaths in the UK, which is around 14 per 100,000 people.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 60% of college students aged 18–22 reported drinking alcohol in the past month, and nearly 2 out of 3 engaged in binge drinking during that time frame.
Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill health, and disability among 15-49-year-olds in the UK and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.
2. Tobacco:- WHO highlights tobacco as a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. With its addictive nicotine content, tobacco use remains a pervasive public health concern, as reported by UNODC.
3. Cannabis:- CNN explores the widespread use of cannabis, emphasizing its psychoactive effects and potential for addiction. WHO acknowledges the evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabis and its implications for public health. Cannabis is still illegal in many countries despite its wide usage.
UNODC data suggests that cannabis is used by 18.3 percent of Iceland’s population (aged 15-64). The US (16.2 percent) and Nigeria (14.3 percent) had the second and third highest rates of consumption; while the UK came 26th on the list, followed by Ireland.
The Netherlands is surprisingly at 20th position with only 8%. The Monitoring the Future study reported that in 2020, approximately 35.7% of 12th graders in the United States reported using marijuana in the past year.
4. Opioids:- NHS underscores the opioid crisis, with prescription painkillers and illicit opioids fueling addiction and overdose deaths. UNODC warns of the global proliferation of opioids, including heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that in 2019, 3.9% of 12th graders reported misusing prescription opioids.
5. Stimulants:- CNN reports on the prevalence of stimulant abuse, including cocaine and methamphetamine, highlighting their addictive properties and associated health risks. WHO emphasizes the need for comprehensive responses to address stimulant abuse.
6. Benzodiazepines:- NHS warns of the dangers of benzodiazepine abuse, particularly in combination with other substances. UNODC recognizes the widespread misuse of benzodiazepines and the need for regulation to prevent harm.
7. Synthetic Drugs:- WHO identifies synthetic drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, as emerging threats to public health. CNN reports on the unpredictable effects and risks associated with synthetic drug use.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that in 2019, 1.4% of adolescents aged 12–17 reported past-year use of synthetic cannabinoids.
8. Hallucinogens – NHS highlights the use of hallucinogens like LSD and magic mushrooms, noting their potential for altered perception and psychological distress. WHO emphasizes the need for research to better understand hallucinogen abuse patterns.
The NSDUH reported that in 2020, approximately 4.7% of young adults aged 18–25 reported past-year use of hallucinogens.
9. Inhalants- UNODC warns of the dangers of inhalant abuse, particularly among young people. CNN reports on the prevalence of inhalant use and its associated risks, including neurological damage and sudden death.
The SAMHSA reported that in 2019, 3.8% of adolescents aged 12–17 reported past-year use of inhalants.
10. Prescription Medications: – NHS addresses the misuse of prescription medications, including opioids, stimulants, and sedatives, emphasizing the importance of safe prescribing practices and education.
WHO highlights the need for monitoring and regulation to prevent prescription drug abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that in 2019, 3.9% of 12th graders reported misusing prescription opioids.
The widespread abuse of these ten substances underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
With insights from several research organisations we gained a deeper understanding of the pervasive nature of substance abuse and the complex challenges it poses to public health and society at large.
Collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and communities is essential in addressing the root causes of substance abuse and promoting health and well-being for all.
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