grow because of its neighbor, Afghanistan, which makes three-quarters of the world’s supply.
Mexico – Methamphetamine
Mexico, being one of the world’s most prolific drug vendors, is now dominated by methamphetamine addiction. Meth only costs 500 pesos ($24) and is marketed to children as young as nine years old. The number of methamphetamine users has quadrupled from 2002 to 2008 in the northern state of Sonora.
Russia – Alcohol
Oftentimes, when people think of Russia, they imagine a country in love with hard liquors, particularly vodka. According to a 2011 World Health Organization report, annual per capita consumption was about 15.7 liters, the fourth highest in Europe. Sadly, the time-worn cliche has become a reality. Roughly a quarter of Russian men who don’t live to be 55 pass away due to alcohol-related causes: liver disease, alcohol poisoning, and alcohol-influenced motor accidents.
Slovakia – Inhalants
Amidst the relatively small population of Slovakia, 13 percent of drug users abuse inhalants. During his study of gypsy youth, researcher Peter Vazan discovered youth living in poverty abuse the most. This is due in no small part to their easy access to toluene, a type of paint thinner. He concluded that as long as treatment remains ineffective and social discrimination against the gypsies continue, Roma youth will remain untreated.
United Kingdom – Alcohol
Much like Russia, binge drinking is a socially acceptable activity in the United Kingdom. In 2012, the BBC reported a 20 percent rise in liver disease. The rise in alcoholism has grown so much that it is now taking a toll on English society. Alcohol is involved in 15 percent of car accidents, 26 percent of drownings, and 36 percent of deaths in fires. In addition, roughly 25 percent of accidents at work are drink-related.
United States – Marijuana/Prescription drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana is the most commonly used “illicit substance” in the country. However, prescription medications are increasingly abused, specifically opioids, which have traditionally been prescribed for pain relief. NIDA stated that more people in the U.S. die from opioid painkiller overdoses than from cocaine and heroin combined.
Author: Justin Kravcik
Justin Kravcik is a reporter for Addiction Now who covers breaking news. He previously worked as a reporter for Orange County Culture Magazine, where he covered human interest stories across Orange County. He also worked as a marketing copywriter for a Newport Beach-based law firm, where he wrote articles on current events and education. Contact Justin at justink@drugaddictionnow.com.
