Study findings show drug use disorders remain a major public health problem globally. Study authors report the issue continues to grow across many regions. The findings appeared in the Pan American Journal of Public Health.

According to the study, drug use ranks among the top 10 risk factors worldwide. It contributes to both mortality and disability. The analysis uses data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021.

In 2021, an estimated 17.7 million people lived with drug use disorders. During the same year, these disorders caused nearly 78,000 deaths. The mortality rate measured four times higher than the global average.

The study shows opioid use drives most of the burden. Drug use disorders affect young men the most. Opioid use disorders caused more than 75 percent of related deaths.

Disability-adjusted life years linked to drug use nearly tripled since 2000. The increase averaged almost five percent per year through 2021. Young adults faced the highest burden. Meanwhile, deaths among women also increased.

PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa addressed the findings. He said drug use disorders remain preventable and treatable. However, they continue to affect families and communities. He called for expanded prevention, treatment, and harm reduction services.

The study shows differences across regions. In North America, opioid-related disorders rose sharply. Highly potent synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, drove much of the increase. Amphetamine use also rose.

In contrast, cannabis and cocaine led drug use disorders in other regions. The Caribbean, Central America, and South America saw these substances dominate over the past decade.

Researchers also examined broader impacts. They estimated 145,515 deaths linked to drug use in 2021. These deaths involved overdose, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and suicide. Drug use ranked alongside high blood pressure and tobacco use as a major risk factor.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid and amphetamine use increased further. Stress, service disruptions, and isolation worsened vulnerabilities. These factors likely increased drug-related deaths.

PAHO urges urgent action globally. The organization highlights gaps in prevention and treatment access. It calls for stronger youth-focused programs and expanded harm reduction.

PAHO also recommends integrating substance use care into primary health services. It supports improved surveillance systems and gender-responsive approaches. Screening tools like AUDIT and ASSIST can help reduce harm.

Dr. Renato Oliveira E Souza stressed the need for action. He said health systems must prioritize mental health and substance use care. He emphasized community-based services supported by strong public health leadership.

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