4 Countries Reigning the Illegal Drug Market Every addict knows that abusing drugs is like entering a whirlpool of perils that can be life-

threatening. In spite of knowing the reality, people follow the motto of “ignorance is bliss” and

continue indulging in drugs, ignoring its consequences. What follows is a continuous craving for

the drug, absence of which drives an individual to insanity.

As famous author and preacher Cornelius Plantinga once said: “At every stage, addiction is driven

by one of the most powerful, mysterious, and vital forces of human existence. What drives

addiction is longing- a longing not just of brain, belly, or loins but finally of the heart.”

Drug addiction is fueled

by the enormous

presence of drugs across

the world. It is like a race

among countries for

making drugs available

to the consumers.

According to the World

Drug Report 2015

(WDR), published by the

United Nations Office on

Drug and Crime

(UNODC), an estimated

246 million people

worldwide, or one out of

20 people between the

ages of 15 and 64 years,

used an illicit drug in 2013. More than one out of 10 drug users suffer from drug use disorders or

drug dependence.

Some of the countries that are betting big in the drug market are:

1. United States: According to the WDR 2015, within the North American region, the United

States has one of the highest drug-related mortality rate worldwide, which is 4.6 times

more than the global average. Around 40,239 drug-related deaths were recorded in 2013,

equivalent to one in five drug-related deaths globally. Currently, the U.S. is battling an

opioid epidemic and there has been a 200 percent increase in opioid overdose death rate

since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Prescription pills, apart from other drugs, are also majorly responsible for overdose deaths

in the country.

2. Mexico: Instead of being a consumer, Mexico was more into drug production and

distribution. Infamous for its drug cartels, it used to fulfill the insatiable appetite of its

neighboring countries, including the U.S. According to the Global Synthetic Drug

Assessment Report 2014, published by the UNODC, methamphetamine seizures have been

increasing in Mexico and 2011 and 2012 saw record number of seizures. However, as

methamphetamine consumption increased in the U.S, its effect was felt in Mexico as well.

Influenced by the U.S., even Mexicans started taking methamphetamine, with the problem

escalating to such a level that Mexico’s methamphetamine problem has become a serious

concern today. Children as young as nine in the Mexican city of Durango are crystal meth

addicts, according to recent reports by the Daily Mail.

3. United Kingdom: Alcohol is one of the gravest problems in the U.K. According to the Office

for National Statistics (ONS), the U.K. had 8,697 alcohol-related deaths in 2014, i.e., 14.3

deaths per 100,000 people. Around 65 percent alcohol-related deaths in the U.K. are

among males. Britain’s binge drinking levels are among the highest in the world. Some 10

percent of the country’s burden of disease and death can be attributed to alcohol.

4. Iran: Located between Europe and Afghanistan, Iran is the midpoint of the trafficking

routes used for carrying a large amount of opium and heroin. Quoting Gen. Ali Moayedi,

head of Iran's anti-narcotics police, some news reports published in 2013 said that around

30 drug smugglers and addicts were identified and arrested every hour in Iran, and around

2,835 pounds of drugs were confiscated each day. Iran’s internal problem with heroin has

also been a matter of concern in the country.

Way to an addiction-free life

Drug addiction has been major problem in several countries, the U.S. being the worst affected. If

you are trying to find help for drug addiction, contact the best treatment centers by dialing a drug

addiction helpline in U.S.A. The 24/7 Drug Addiction Helpline can help you on your road to recovery.

Take the first step by calling at our drug abuse helpline number 866-403-5607 today.

For more information, please visit

www.247drugaddictionhelp.com