Globally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that between 155 and 250 million people, or 3.5% to 5.7% of the population aged 15-64, had used illicit substances at least once in the previous year.

Global estimates of the number of drug users in 2020:

  • Cannabis: 209 million

  • Opioids: 61 million

  • Amphetamines: 34 million

  • Cocaine: 21 million

  • "Ecstasy": 20 million

Worldwide, about 0.5 million deaths are attributable to drug use. More than 70% of these deaths are related to opioids, with more than 30% of those deaths caused by overdose. Up to 3 million people die every year as a result of alcohol abuse.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNODC, only one out of every eight people (12.5%) with a drug use disorder worldwide receives treatment and fewer than 10% of people with alcohol use disorders receive treatment.

While the statistics may seem staggering, treatment and recovery are possible and manageable.

In finding this Addiction Toolkit, consider it the helping hand you were seeking. It provides information, tip sheets and other resources to help you identify substance use and support you, a friend or a loved one through addiction recovery.

Remember you are not alone in facing this challenge, and it can be overcome.

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