Illegal drug users - Global prevalence 1990-2021

It is estimated that around 5.8 percent of the global population uses illicit drugs. Use of illicit drugs varies by country and region as countries enact their own laws regarding such substances. Access to illicit drugs also differs by country and region and culture plays a role in how acceptable drug use is.

Global drug use

Worldwide, cannabis is by far the most used illicit drug, followed by opioids and amphetamines. It is estimated that around 296 million people worldwide consume illegal drugs and 39.5 million could be considered addicts or problem drug users. Drug addiction and abuse can negatively impact relationships, increases the risk of a number of diseases, and can ultimately lead to death.

Opioid epidemic in the U.S.

The United States has a long and complicated history with illegal drugs, once going so far as to fight a “War on Drugs”. Today, the U.S. is experiencing what has been called an opioid epidemic. This has been characterized by an increase in overdose deaths from prescription opioids, heroin and, more recently, illegally manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. In 2021, there were 80,411 opioid overdose deaths in the United States.