May 14, 2015 | By Tim Powers

5 Countries With the Worst Drug Problems

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When it comes to the complex and often controversial issues of drug abuse and addiction, we put our focus squarely on what is happening right in our backyard and what is going on in the United States. While the hot button topic of addiction is often front page news and often a cause for significant concern, we are not alone in dealing with the problems caused by drug and alcohol addiction.

Addiction is a Worldwide Problem

Virtually every country in the world is dealing with substance abuse issues in one form or another. According to statistics from the 2012 World Drug Report published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, about 230 million people worldwide–or five percent of the world’s adult population–have used illicit drugs in their lifetime with 27 million people classified as problem drug users.

While drug use worldwide has remained stable as a whole, there are countries where the use of certain drugs as increased and reached epidemic status. While countries such as the Netherlands and Portugal have adopted progressive drug policies that aim to minimize drug dependence and addiction, there are other countries which seem to be in a constant struggle with drug addiction in form or another.

The following is a list of the 5 countries (besides the United States) that are experiencing the worst drug problems.

Iran

Over the past decade, Iran has dealt with a dramatic surge in the use of heroin. In a report published in World Politics Review, government officials had stated that 40 percent of the country’s drug users recently used the drug. While the United Nations drug office estimates that 2.2 per cent of the population are addicts, some experts believe that up to five million Iranians are drug addicts, with millions more occasional users.

While the country has taken drug addiction very seriously through extensive law enforcement efforts and by the resources it puts toward prevention, treatment and harm-reduction programs, officials have at times downplayed the extent of the problem. Additionally, philosophies and attitudes towards the drug problem in the country have changed as political power as changed.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is the number one producer of opium in the world, which is used to produce heroin. Some surveys have estmated that 90% of the heroin found in Europe can be traced back to Afghanistan.  According to a news report published by the BBC two years ago, it was estimated that one million people in that country are drug addicts.

While there are 95 addiction treatment centers throughout the country, their collective capacity only allows these centers to help 2,305 people. Additionally, the same BBC reports states that the annual budget for treating addiction is just $2.2 million per year–that equates to $2 per addict per year.

Russia

Russia has long been associated with excessive alcohol consumption–and especially vodka– and high rates of alcoholism. A recent study shows that  25% of Russian men die before they are 55, and most of the deaths are due to alcohol use The causes of  these deaths include liver disease, alcohol poisoning, accidents or complications from injuries after getting into fights.

It is also estimated that  2.5 million Russians are addicted to drugs and  that 90 percent of them use heroin. Russia is also known for the creation of the horrific drug krokodil which is a highly toxic “zombie apocalypse” drug that made worldwide headlines a couple of years ago.

Great Britain

In a September 1, 2013 report in The Telegraph, it was reported that England was considered the “addiction capital of Europe” with the abuse of drugs and alcohol costing the country a total of £36 billion (or just under $57 billion U.S) annually. Among the substances most abused by people in that country is alcohol.

It is estimated that 1.6 million people in England are dependent on alcohol with 52% of men and 53% of women living in Great Britain drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol on at least one occasion during the average week.

France

In 2013, research has shown that one in every three French citizens had used prescription drugs in one form or another. Historically, France has been well-known as a nation that are heavy consumers of prescription medicines–especially anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. 32 percent of France’s nearly 65 million people regularly or occasionally used drugs to deal with depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.

There have been two main reasons cited in regards to the prevalence of prescription medications in France. One is the country’s apparently high rate of depression and the overzealousness of doctors in prescribing medications.

Turn to Sober Nation for the Information You Need

In order to fully understand the scope of drug addiction, you need to look beyond the headlines and arm yourself with pertinent knowledge. As the leading provider of addiction-related resources on the internet, Sober Nation strives you provide you with timely, useful information that will help you become better informed and more aware.

From researching the best treatment options for you or a loved one to the latest news regarding drug addiction in all forms, you can turn to Sober Nation.