PREVALENCE OF DRUGS IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT: CURRENT CHALLENGES

Abstract

Topicality. Drug addiction is a global threat that spans all continents and has serious social and economic consequences. The goal of the work is research and analysis of the prevalence of drugs in the modern world with an emphasis on regional peculiarities. Materials and methods. The study analyzed relevant scientific publications and reports of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office onDrugs and Crime (UNODC). This made it possible to identify and assess the scale of the problem, as well as to identify the main challenges associated with the global spread of drugs. Research results. Europe is the main market for the consumption of drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and synthetic substances (MDMA). Asia remains the center of drug production and transit: The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) is a center of heroin production, Afghanistan is a leader in opiate production, and methamphetamine and new psychoactive substances are spreading in Southeast Asia. North America is experiencing an opioid crisis due to fentanyl, which has caused record deaths.Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru remain the main producers of drugs, while the United States and Western Europe are the main consumers. Africa is becoming a key transit hub, especially for cocaine and heroin. The most common drug in Africa is cannabis, and tramadol abuse is causing serious problems. Australia and New Zealand have high levels ofcocaine, MDMA and cannabis use, especially among young people. An effective fight against drug addiction requires acomprehensive international approach to reduce the demand and supply of drugs, strengthen control over their production and distribution, and preventive measures. Conclusions. Drug addiction is a global threat. The study of this problem allows us to identify the main regions of drug production, transit and consumption, and also makes it possible to assesstheir impact on health, security and socio-economic situation in different countries. Understanding these processes is critical for developing effective drug control policies and reducing their negative consequences for society. Europe is themain region for the consumption of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and heroin, and is also the market leader in synthetic substances. Asia is a major producer and transit hub for heroin and methamphetamine. North America is facing an opioid crisis, in particular due to fentanyl, and cocaine and methamphetamine consumption is also growing.Africa is becoming an important market and transit hub for drugs. Australia and New Zealand have high levels of cocaine and methamphetamine consumption.