Drug abuse and addiction have been major concerns for most countries of the world for years now. With the number of illicit drug users rising in different parts of the world, including the USA, the issue has taken prominence with health departments and the people involved in research related to drug addiction.
According to the last year’s World Drug Report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), the global number of illicit drug users was predicted to increase by 25% the following year.
This is seen as a major challenge to health authorities all over the world as drug addiction and abuse in not only detrimental to an individual but the society as a whole.
As per the report, the biggest growth in drug addiction is likely to occur in developing countries with rapidly growing urban populations. According to the statistics, there will be a 25% rise in the global number of illicit drug users by 2050. This number has been anticipated in world population growth. To avoid more than 65 million more drug users in 2050, this rate needs to be reversed as soon as possible.
What is more alarming is the number of women drug users which is rising at a steady pace. There are several factors responsible for this increase that range from:
- Cultural Restrictions
- Social Restrictions
- Exploitation
However, illicit drug abuse is considered a more severe problem in women as these substances cause more harm to their bodies than men.
In all parts of the world, the number of men who use illegal drugs is much higher than that of women. This trend is likely to change as by the year 2050 there will be a substantial increase in the number of women drug users. People in developing countries are more susceptible to illicit drug use than those in the developed world due to the inherent social structure and living conditions.
According to the UN report, the biggest increase will occur in a growing urban population 
in developing countries. Inadequate infrastructure and facilities to provide treatment for drug addiction in developing countries are what are making this problem a bigger challenge.
There is a pressing need to make people aware and be proactive in making drug addiction treatment accessible for those in need.
