Global trends

206. The identification of global drug abuse trends based on systematically undertaken nationwide epidemiological surveys is, for the time being not possible. As noted in the introduction, many countries do not have comprehensive monitoring systems in place. Existing national monitoring system are not directly comparable as they are frequently based on different indicators whose definition, in addition, may vary from country to country (e.g. definitions of drug related deaths and treatment cases, types of drug-use: annual, life-time, monthly drug use, frequent drug use, problem drug use etc.), or results may be strongly influenced by particular national decisions concerning provision of treatment places, or enforcement policy. All of this makes direct comparisons based on changes in quantitative indicators difficult and easily misleading.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being