How did global drug use rise from 5.2% to 6.2%?

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Global Drug Use Increased Significantly Between 2014 and 2024

An estimated 331 million people, or 6.2% of the global population aged 15–64, used drugs in 2024, marking an increase from 5.2% in 2014. This rise is associated with the growing availability and production of various illicit substances, including a notable surge in novel synthetic drugs.
Rise of Novel Synthetic Drugs

The availability of novel synthetic opioids, such as fentanyls, nitazenes, and orphines, has increased significantly, as these substances are sought as alternatives to heroin. Drug producers are actively developing new synthetic drugs to circumvent regulations and evade detection. This trend is evidenced by the substantial increase in the number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) reported in drug markets, reaching 755 in 2024, with 118 reported for the first time. Drug seizures in 2024 also revealed five times more drug types compared to before the year 2000.
Impact of Afghanistan Poppy Ban and Shift to Synthetics

The ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, implemented in 2022, has had a considerable impact on the global opium and heroin market. This has prompted drug dealers to seek synthetic alternatives, such as fentanyls. This shift from plant-based opiates to synthetic substances could lead to a permanent alteration in the global opioid market, with potential ramifications for drug use patterns and associated harms.
Expansion of Methamphetamine and Cocaine Markets

New markets for methamphetamine have emerged, with production primarily originating from Myanmar, but also occurring in North America, West and Southern Africa, and Southwest Asia. Concurrently, cocaine output has more than quadrupled over the past decade. Traffickers have intensified supplies to established markets in Europe, America, and Oceania, while also expanding into new markets across Africa and Asia.
Continued Growth in Cannabis Use

Cannabis use has continued to grow, partly driven by increasing legalisation and decriminalisation efforts. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of cannabis users increased by 40%, with almost 5% of the global population aged 15–64 reporting cannabis use in 2024.

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How did global drug use rise from 5.2% to 6.2%?

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