A new United Nations report has revealed a significant rise in global drug use, with 316 million people estimated to have used drugs in 2023. This figure represents 6% of the world’s population aged 15 to 64, excluding tobacco and alcohol consumption.
The data, published on Thursday in the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)’s 2025 World Drug Report, shows a steady increase from 5.2% recorded in 2013.
Cannabis remains the most widely used drug globally, with 244 million users. It is followed by opioids (61 million), amphetamines (30.7 million), cocaine (25 million), and ecstasy (21 million).
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly warned about the evolving tactics of drug trafficking networks. “This edition of the World Drug Report shows that organised drug trafficking groups continue to adapt, exploit global crises, and target vulnerable populations,” she said. Waly called for stronger prevention measures, cross-border cooperation, technological solutions, and targeted judicial action to disrupt drug networks.
The report also noted that the cocaine market is expanding at the fastest rate. Illegal cocaine production surged by over a third in one year, hitting a record 3,708 tons in 2023. Consumer numbers also jumped from 17 million in 2013 to 25 million in 2023.
UN experts attributed the spike in cocaine use to increased violence among rival smuggling groups, especially in Western and Central Europe, where cocaine seizures have surpassed those in North America in recent years.
The UNODC emphasised the need to address the root causes of drug trafficking and provide alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on the illicit drug economy.
