The United Kingdom is grappling with the highest rates of cocaine consumption in Europe, surpassing major trafficking countries, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This concerning trend, ranking the UK second globally after Australia, highlights fears of a widespread epidemic driven by the country’s binge-drinking culture.
Key Findings:
1. Worst in Europe: The UK ranks second globally, following only Australia, with 2.7 percent of adults aged 15 to 64 using cocaine.
2. Binge-drinking Culture: The surge in cocaine use is linked to the UK’s pervasive binge-drinking culture, where cocaine is easily accessible and commonly consumed in pubs, wine bars, and even at football matches.
3. Gender Disparity: Men in the UK are twice as likely as women to use cocaine, with 3.6 percent compared to 1.6 percent.
4. Global Comparison: UK consumption rates are four times higher than Colombia (0.6 percent) and three times higher than Mexico (0.8 percent).
5. OECD Analysis: The UK’s rates are more than double the average (1.2 percent) across 38 OECD developed Western nations.
The UK government’s 10-year drug strategy, backed by a $3.8 billion investment, aims to address the illicit drug supply and enhance treatment options for people struggling with drug abuse.
In a separate development, Bern, Switzerland, is considering the legalization of recreational cocaine use due to its widespread consumption, challenging traditional anti-drug policies. This move reflects a growing recognition of the need for alternative approaches to drug policy, with some advocating for harm reduction measures and a shift away from criminalizing drug users.
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