The spread of drugs remains one of the most acute and complex problems of modern society. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 275 million people worldwide use drugs, representing about 5% of the world's population.
Over the past five years, there has been a trend towards an increase in the number of drug addicts, especially among young people. According to the UN Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, 36 million people suffered from drug use disorders in 2021, an increase of 20% compared to 2016.
Statistics also show that around 750,000 people worldwide die each year from drug-related causes. In particular, drug addiction causes 1 in 10 deaths among young people aged 15-29 years. Some regions, such as North America, have seen a sharp increase in opioid abuse and have become a serious public health problem. There were more than 93,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2020, a 29% increase from the previous year.
This problem affects all countries, regardless of their level of economic development, and has serious consequences for both human health and society as a whole. The social and economic costs of drugs, including health care, law enforcement, and lost productivity, reach trillions of dollars annually. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to combating drug addiction and its consequences at the global level.
Reasons for the spread of drugs
The reasons for the spread of drugs are varied and complex. One of the key reasons is the socio-economic background. Poverty, unemployment and low levels of education create conditions in which people seek solace in drugs. Research shows that countries with high levels of poverty have significantly higher rates of drug addiction. For example, according to UN reports, in some regions of Latin America and Africa, up to 10% of the population uses drugs due to economic difficulties and lack of opportunity.
Psychological factors also play an important role. People suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder often use drugs as a means of self-soothing. According to WHO, about 30% of drug addicts suffer from concomitant mental illnesses, which complicates their treatment and rehabilitation. The main ones include:
1. Social factors: Poverty, unemployment and lack of education create the conditions for the spread of drugs. People in vulnerable situations often seek a way out of their problems through drugs.
2. Psychological factors: Stress, depression and other mental disorders can lead people to use drugs as a means of self-soothing.
3. Cultural Factors: Some cultures may view drug use as socially acceptable or even normalized, which contributes to the prevalence of the practice.
4. Availability: Ease of access to drugs, including through the Internet and social networks, contributes to their spread among young people and other vulnerable groups.
Methods to combat drug trafficking
Combating drug trafficking requires a comprehensive approach that includes a combination of legal, medical, educational and social measures. One of the key elements of this approach is law enforcement. Government agencies, such as the police and special anti-drug units, are actively working to suppress drug trafficking. Recent UN reports indicate that more than 1,000 tons of drugs were seized in 2020, demonstrating countries' efforts to combat drug trafficking. However, such measures are often insufficient without parallel improvements in the social structure, including:
1. Law Enforcement: Government agencies such as the police and special anti-drug units are actively working to curb drug trafficking and arrest drug cartels.
2. Prevention: Educational programs aimed at informing youth about the risks of drug use play an important role in prevention.
3. Rehabilitation: The creation of rehabilitation centers for drug addicts, where they can receive medical and psychological help, is a key element in the fight against addiction.
4. International cooperation: The fight against drugs requires a global effort. Countries must work together to share information and coordinate action against drug cartels.
Methods used by drug cartels
Drug cartels use a variety of methods to support their operations, and their strategy has evolved over the decades. Historically, drug cartels such as Medellin and Cali in Colombia have used direct violence and intimidation to control territory and drug distribution. In the 1980s and 1990s, these cartels were known for their brutality, including the murders of police officers, judges and politicians, which allowed them to maintain power and influence the justice system.
As technology advanced and international scrutiny increased, drug cartels adapted and began using more secretive methods. For example, they use the Internet and the dark web to sell drugs, which allows them to enter new markets and evade law enforcement. According to a UNODC report, online drug sales increased by 20% in 2020 compared to the previous year, indicating the need for new strategies to combat this threat.
In addition, drug cartels implement complex financial schemes to launder drug money. Research shows that the annual volume of money laundering transactions in the drug trade can reach up to $800 billion, threatening the financial security of countries and creating additional challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Dr. Egor Burkin, an expert in the field of drug addiction , emphasizes that a successful fight against drug cartels requires not only strong action from law enforcement agencies, but also a change in approach to drug addiction. “We must understand that drug cartels are not just criminal organizations; they also exploit the social and economic weaknesses of the population. Therefore, it is important to work to improve the lives of people in those regions where drugs become the only option,” he says.
In addition, Egor Vasilievich Burkin notes that many drug cartels actively use social networks to recruit new members and promote their products. “Youth are often targeted by cartels, and we need to actively counter this by creating programs that help them find alternative paths for self-development and fulfillment,” he adds.
1. Smuggling: Development of complex smuggling schemes, including the use of submarines, aircraft and even tunnels to transport drugs to other countries.
2. Corruption: Bribes and corruption among law enforcement and government officials allow cartels to continue their activities with impunity.
3. Financial schemes: The use of complex financial schemes to launder drug money in order to hide its origin.
4. Generation of violence: The use of violence and threats against competitors and law enforcement agencies to protect their interests and territories.
Doctors' fight against the spread of prohibited substances
Doctors and healthcare workers play an important role in the fight against drug trafficking, and their contribution to this area cannot be overestimated. One of the key aspects of their work is drug addiction treatment. For example, in the 1990s, substitution treatment programs were developed in the United States to treat opioid addiction, such as the use of methadone and buprenorphine. These approaches have significantly reduced overdose death rates and helped many people return to normal lives. Research shows that replacement therapy can reduce the risk of overdose by 50% and increase the chances of recovery.
Also worth noting is the Harm Reduction program, which has been introduced in various countries, including the Netherlands and Australia. This program includes the provision of clean needles, syringe exchange and access to medical care for people who use drugs. This approach not only reduces the risk of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, but also promotes the integration of drug addicts into society.
Dr. Egor Burkin emphasizes that “doctors should not only treat, but also educate the population about the risks associated with drug use.” He cites the example of a campaign in Canada, where health professionals held public events and workshops to raise awareness of the consequences of drug addiction. The results of this campaign showed a significant reduction in new drug use among young people.
In addition, doctors actively participate in scientific research that helps develop new methods of treating drug addiction. For example, studies in Europe have shown the effectiveness of new medications such as naltrexone, which blocks the effects of opioids and helps people avoid relapse.
An important example is the work of health care workers in combating the **opioid epidemic** in North America. In response to the surge in overdose deaths, doctors have begun using naloxone, a drug that can quickly reverse the effects of opioids. Programs to distribute naloxone in community settings and to drug addicts have helped save thousands of lives.
1. Addiction Treatment: Providing medical care for drug addicts, including medication therapy and psychotherapy, that can help them on the road to recovery.
2. Education: Doctors participate in educational campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the dangers of drugs and methods of drug prevention.
3. Research: Participation in scientific research to develop new methods of treatment and prevention of drug addiction.
4. Collaboration with government agencies: Physicians work with government and international organizations to develop effective anti-drug policies.
Opinion of Doctor of Medical Sciences Egor Burkin
Dr. Egor Burkin, a renowned expert in the field of addiction, emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to combating drug addiction. He argues that only collaboration between medical institutions, government and public organizations can lead to significant improvements in this area.
“We must understand that drug addiction is not only a medical problem, but also a social one. It is necessary to work to eliminate the factors that contribute to the spread of drugs, such as poverty and lack of education. In addition, it is important to create affordable and effective rehabilitation programs that will help addicts return to normal life,” says Dr. Burkin.
It also emphasizes the need to raise awareness among young people about the risks associated with drug use. “Education and awareness are key elements in combating this problem. We must ensure that young people are aware of the consequences of drug use and seek help if they are faced with addiction,” he adds.
Conclusion
The spread of drugs on the planet is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires an integrated approach and the active participation of all sectors of society. The complexity of the situation can be illustrated by examples of high-profile cases, such as Operation Unsinkable in Mexico, aimed at the Sinaloa drug cartel. The operation resulted in the arrest of more than 800 cartel members, but it is only a partial victory as criminal organizations quickly adapt and find new ways to evade justice.
Dr. Egor Burkin, an expert in the field of drug addiction, emphasizes that “the fight against drug addiction requires not only law enforcement measures, but also serious work with public opinion and education.” He notes that high-profile cases such as El Chapo's show how important it is to understand the social roots of the drug trade. “We need to look at the reasons why people become addicted to drugs and work to eliminate them. This includes not only law enforcement measures, but also programs to improve the quality of life in socially vulnerable groups,” says Burkin.
In addition, he points to the need for international cooperation, which was demonstrated through Operation Craton, where several countries joined forces to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean region. “Only joint efforts between countries can lead to real results in the fight against drug trafficking,” he adds.
Only through the joint efforts of all stakeholders - governments, health professionals, educational institutions and society at large - can this threat be tackled and create a safe and healthy future for future generations. Success in this fight will depend on the implementation of comprehensive strategies aimed at treating drug addicts, reducing the demand for drugs and improving public awareness of the dangers of drugs.
