Drug Dependency
Throughout our world there are many addicts. We’re addicted to stuff that the world offers as a solution… but these solutions are proving to be one of our greatest problems.
In total, there are about 25 million problem drug users worldwide. Virtually every part of our world feels the effects of drugs, whether through trafficking supply or meeting demand.
The total number of us projected to die from tobacco use per year is expected to rise to 6.4 million in 2015, accounting for 10% of all global deaths.
The problem of drugs appears in many forms: from youth drug addiction, prescription drug abuse, contribution to the spread of HIV/AIDS through lack of education, rehabilitation and medical care… to people being used by gangs as drug mules and suffering abuse by drug lords or cartels.
In the USA - the world’s largest consumer of cocaine - it’s estimated that spending on narcotics has exceeded the total GDP of more than 80 of our world’s poorest countries combined.
…7 million Americans also abuse prescription drugs that contain internationally controlled substances.
…3.3 million people across Europe abuse heroin.
But drug abuse is not just a problem for wealthy nations… The downtrodden and destitute often turn to drug abuse for relief.
Around 90% of all homeless children abuse substances – medicines, alcohol, cannabis and industrial products like glue… Glue, the most common and cheaply bought drug can provide temporary distraction from harsh temperature, fear, hunger, despair and loneliness. However children are easily addicted and any money they do have access to, once addicted, tragically goes toward the next fix. Child soldiers similarly turn to drugs to overcome the trauma of conflict.
Addiction is often manipulated by human traffickers and gangs for control over kids… for prostitution and child labor, further contributing to modern day slavery.
…so just like being a slave and ‘belonging’ to someone, being a slave to addiction is robbing people of the future for which God created them. We have to ask, who is helping those addicted and in need? Who is supporting them and their families? Who is loving regardless of addiction…?
For more info, visit:
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (2007) ‘World Drug Report 2007’
UN Office on Drugs and Crime (2004) ‘World Drug Report 2004’
UNODC, Studies on Drugs and Crime
UNODC, International Narcotics Control Board Press Kit, ‘Annual Report 2007’
Central Intelligence Agency (USA), CIA: The World Factbook, 'Field listing: illicit Drugs'
