When one looks at the prevalence of global substance use and problematic substance use, it is interesting to note that a large number of people continue to use substances on regular or daily basis. In fact, the World Drug Report of 2020 highlights that globally 5.3% of the world population uses drugs and that 35.6 million people suffer from drug use disorders. The report explains that although predominant use is found in rich and affluent countries, it is developing and poor nation states that carry the heaviest burden of problematic substance users. In fact, poverty, limited education and social marginalization are identified as key vulnerabilities to develop problematic substance use. The role of stigma, linked also to the criminalization component of substance use, is included as an important determinant for the perpetuation of a vicious cycle between poverty, problematic substance use, limited educational and employment opportunities and inter-personal conflict.
(World Drug Report, 2020)
The World Drug Report (2020) highlights that different areas around the world present different patterns of use, different substances of choice and different perceptions on the harms and dangers of illicit substance use. Recognising the inter-play between protective and risk factors, such as socioeconomic background and inter-personal skills, the report underlines the importance to promote an understanding of drug use disorder as being: Addressing the gender component, the World Drug Report (2020) explains that one out of three drug users belongs to the female gender and that numbers are on the increase, especially in developing countries or areas undergoing urbanization. The report underlines that in spite of this continued increase of use by women, only one in five enter treatment for drug use disorder.
