The Global Drug Menace: Insights From The UNODC World Drug Report 2024

Abstract

Addiction and substance Hazardous Use have an impact on a family on all levels, including social, emotional, psychological, and economic. Substance Hazardous Use can result in emotional distress or mental instability, which can then intensify cravings for drugs or alcohol. Money problems, poverty, or bankruptcy can result from drug and alcohol Hazardous Use. Avoiding friends or family outside the house and social isolation might result from shame and humiliation over a family member's drunken conduct. According to Paul Linde, MD, medical director for psychiatry and collaborative care at Ria Health, stated that "People who use drugs or alcohol frequently start out trying to improve their relationships, social enjoyment, and feeling of well-being. Sadly, depending on the drug, amount, and frequency of usage, negative effects can manifest very fast. Experts define drug drug-hazardous use as recurrent usage that results in impairments and adverse outcomes. There are other contributing elements, such as environmental circumstances and genetics. Substances that might cause addiction include legal substances like alcohol and tobacco, prescription pharmaceuticals like benzodiazepines and painkillers, and illegal substances like cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens. Knowing how to see the warning signs of Hazardous Use can help people know when to get help, which may include counseling, medication, and social support. Highlighting the significant shift in the rise in drug use and misuse is the primary goal of this conceptual paper. The concepts were compiled from UNODC World Drug Report 2024,  and from a national survey conducted in India to know its statistics. The purpose of this document is to raise awareness of challenges that are rapidly expanding and affecting the world's prospects. This can significantly reduce the use and misuse of illegal substances through legislation and early interventions.