Why in news?
During the Covid-19 crisis, more people use drugs and more illicit drugs are available than ever.
Why is there an increase in drug usage?
- The economic downturn caused by the pandemic may drive more people to substance abuse.
- It may also leave them vulnerable to involvement in drug trafficking and related crime.
- Vulnerable and marginalised groups, youth, women and the poor have been harmed the most.
- All over the world, the risks and consequences of drug are worsening.
- This worsening is due to poverty, limited opportunities for education and jobs, stigma and social exclusion.
- These factors, in turn, deepen inequalities.
What are the affected segments?
- More people use drugs in developed countries than in developing ones.
- Wealthier segments of society have a higher prevalence of drug use.
- However, socially and economically disadvantaged people are more likely to develop drug use disorders.
- Adolescents and young adults account for the largest share of users.
How much accessibility do people have for treatment?
- According to the World Drug Report 2020, only one out of eight people who need drug-related treatment receive it.
- One out of three drug users is a woman.
- However, women represent only one out of five people in treatment.
- People in prison settings, minorities, immigrants and displaced people face barriers to treatment due to discrimination and stigma.
- More than 80% of the world’s population are deprived of access to controlled drugs for pain relief and other essential medical uses.
- These people mostly live in low- income and middle-income countries.
What needs to be done?
- Now facing the gravest socio-economic crisis, governments should not ignore the dangers illicit drugs pose to public health and safety.
- Drug strategies addressing the country-level and regional-level challenges are needed.
- Investment is needed in evidence-based prevention, treatment and other services for drug use disorders, HIV and other infections.
- Health-centred, rights-based and gender-responsive approaches to drug use and related diseases deliver better public health outcomes.
- International cooperation is needed,
- To increase access to controlled drugs for medical purposes as well as preventing diversion and abuse.
- To strengthen law enforcement action to dismantle the transnational organised crime networks.
Source: The Hindu
