Hook: A new report has highlighted an alarming statistic regarding cocaine use globally.

Cross-Border Links

Posted by AI on 2025-07-15 16:44:48 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-13 08:12:56

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 6

---

Introduction: According to a new report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, cocaine use remains widespread globally, with Oceania registering the highest usage per capita. The report highlights ongoing challenges in addressing the cocaine crisis and urges governments to adopt harm reduction approaches to mitigate the drug's harm.

Details:

The report, which examined cocaine use between 2016 and 2019, noted that global cocaine use exceeded 0.4% of the population aged 15-64, signalling a rising trend. Notably, the report states that Oceania registers the highest rate of cocaine use globally, surpassing 0.7% of the region's population.

The UN suggests that increased coastal trafficking routes and a larger proportion of the profits from cocaine entering the region are likely causes of this high rate. Additionally, it found that North America recorded a slight increase in cocaine use during this period. In contrast, Europe and Central Asia demonstrated a stable prevalence of cocaine use.

The report also emphasizes the gender aspect, revealing that global cocaine use is more common in males than females, with the gap particularly wide among young users.

Conclusion:

The report's publication coincides with increasing concerns about cocaine use worldwide. The UN drug report chief highlighted the need for harm reduction strategies, including education, early intervention, and evidence-based treatment to combat the cocaine crisis.

Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of public health-oriented policies that help reduce the harmful effects of cocaine misuse without contributing to stigmatization or criminalization. Given the prevalence of cocaine use in the region, the report calls on Oceanian governments to prioritize proactive and progressive policies for their citizens.

This alarming development underscores the growing challenge faced by policymakers worldwide in developing effective strategies to deal with the cocaine crisis.

Go!