The fight against drug trafficking: Dr. Egor Burkin’s opinion on the treatment of addicts

In recent years, the fight against drug trafficking has become a priority for the medical community and authorities in many countries. The increase in the number of drug addicts, as well as the increase in mortality from overdoses, has forced society to pay attention to this problem. Doctors and specialists in the field of addiction are actively developing and implementing new methods of prevention and treatment of addictions aimed at reducing the level of drug use and helping people already faced with this problem.

One of the key areas is educational work, which includes informing young people about the dangers of drugs, as well as developing prevention programs. Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention to prevent addiction from developing. Programs aimed at educating parents and students are becoming increasingly common in educational institutions.

In addition, medical institutions are introducing innovative approaches to treating addicts. For example, the use of drug therapy, such as replacement therapy, is receiving increasing attention. This can reduce withdrawal symptoms and reduce the desire to use drugs. Specialists also work to create rehabilitation programs that provide a comprehensive approach to treatment, including psychotherapy and family support.

Experts such as Egor Burkin, MD , emphasize that “the need for comprehensive approaches to drug addiction treatment is increasing with the development of new synthetic drugs.” He notes that “successfully combating addiction requires not only medical intervention, but also a social approach aimed at changing public opinion about drug addicts.”

Other experts also emphasize the importance of collaboration between government, the medical community and community organizations. “Only joint efforts can lead to significant changes in the field of prevention and treatment of drug addiction,” says psychologist Anna Smirnova.

Global drug addiction: statistics and health challenges

According to the World Health Organization, more than 270 million people worldwide use drugs in 2023, representing about 5.5% of the adult population. These alarming statistics highlight the scale of the problem facing the international community. Particularly noticeable is the increase in the use of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, which are highly potent and have potentially dangerous health effects.

The increasing use of synthetic drugs poses new challenges for health care professionals and law enforcement. These substances often cause serious physical and mental disorders, and overdose can be fatal. Some countries are reporting sharp increases in overdose deaths in certain regions, highlighting the need for rapid intervention and effective measures.

Doctor of Medical Sciences Egor Vasilievich Burkin notes that “the increase in the use of synthetic drugs requires new approaches from the medical community in the treatment of addictions.” He emphasizes that “it is necessary not only to provide treatment for those already addicted, but also to actively engage in prevention, especially among young people, in order to prevent the emergence of new cases of addiction.” In his opinion, “informing about the risks of using synthetic drugs should become part of educational programs in schools and universities.”

In addition, Egor Vasilievich Burkin points out the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to solving the problem of drug addiction. “Collaboration between medical institutions, social services and law enforcement agencies can significantly improve the effectiveness of the fight against drug trafficking and help in the rehabilitation of addicts,” he adds.

Thus, the problem of drug addiction requires an integrated and coordinated approach to cope with the challenges posed to society by the increasing use of synthetic drugs. Both immediate measures are needed to reduce the number of addicts, as well as long-term strategies aimed at changing public consciousness and preventing drug addiction.

Doctor of Medical Sciences Egor Burkin emphasizes that “the problem of treating those addicted to synthetic drugs is becoming increasingly urgent.” He notes that “synthetic drugs are highly potent and can cause serious mental and physical health problems.” According to Burkin, “the consequences of using such substances may include not only physical dependence, but also the development of mental disorders that require a comprehensive approach to treatment.”

The unpredictability of synthetic drugs: challenges for medicine

One of the main dangers of synthetic drugs is their unpredictability. Manufacturers of these substances often use different chemical compounds, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat addictions. The past 10 years have seen a significant increase in the variety of synthetic drugs, creating new challenges for the medical community and law enforcement agencies. For example, according to the European Monitoring of Drugs and Drug Addictions (EMCDDA), more than 100 new narcotic substances were registered in 2022, which is a record figure in the entire history of monitoring.

It is often difficult for doctors to predict how a particular drug will affect a patient's body. This is due to the fact that synthetic drugs can have completely different chemical structures and mechanisms of action, and may also contain dangerous impurities. For example, fentanyl, a powerful opioid, can be 50 times more potent than morphine and even in small doses can cause serious consequences, including overdose and death.

Doctor of Medical Sciences Burkin Egor emphasizes that “the unpredictability of the actions of synthetic drugs creates additional difficulties when choosing methods of treatment and rehabilitation.” He notes that “health professionals are faced with situations where traditional methods do not work, and approaches need to be tailored to each individual case.” Over the past few years, there has been an increase in cases of severe psychosis and other mental disorders associated with the use of synthetic drugs, which requires doctors to better understand their impact on the psyche.

Analytics show that over the past 10 years, the death rate from overdoses of synthetic drugs has increased several times. For example, in the United States, fentanyl overdose deaths have increased from fewer than 5,000 in 2013 to more than 70,000 in 2021. This highlights the importance of developing new methods for diagnosing and treating addictions, as well as the need to create more effective prevention programs.

Preventive measures in the fight against drug addiction

In response to the growing problem of drug addiction, doctors and addiction specialists are calling for greater efforts to educate and inform the public about the risks associated with drug use. In recent years, it has become obvious that effectively combating addiction requires not only medical intervention, but also a social approach. Important steps include the creation of prevention programs, access to health services and rehabilitation centers, and support for families facing addiction.

Studies conducted in different countries have shown that education and prevention programs targeting youth can significantly reduce drug use. For example, in some regions, the introduction of educational programs in schools led to a reduction in the number of new cases of drug addiction by 30%. This highlights the importance of early intervention and being able to educate youth about the risks and consequences of drug use.

Doctor of Medical Sciences Egor Burkin emphasizes that “informing the population must be comprehensive and multifaceted.” He believes that “it is necessary not only to conduct lectures and seminars, but also to use modern technologies such as social networks and online platforms to disseminate information.” In his opinion, “creative approaches such as creating videos and interactive applications can significantly increase the level of youth engagement in discussing this issue.”

In addition, Egor Vasilievich Burkin focuses on the importance of accessibility to medical services and rehabilitation centers. “Drug addiction is not only a medical, but also a social problem. Therefore, it is necessary to create conditions under which people facing addiction can easily get help,” he adds. This includes developing a network of rehabilitation centers and support for families, who often find themselves in difficult situations when their loved ones suffer from addiction.

An important aspect is also working with public organizations and volunteers who can help implement support and rehabilitation programs. “Collaboration between different sectors of society can significantly increase the effectiveness of the fight against drug addiction and help create a safer and more informed society,” concludes Yegor Burkin.

Thus, the medical community continues to combat the spread of drugs by introducing new approaches and treatments. However, to achieve success, joint work of both specialists and society as a whole is necessary.