The abuse of illegal drugs is one of the greatest challenges that the world is facing today. Occurring in all countries, from the richest to the poorest, it is a problem that involves all groups and, increasingly, all ages, fuelling global crime, corruption and terrorism, generating unimaginable wealth for the few and limitless harm for the many, costing millions of lives and threatening the very sustainability of communities the world over.1
References
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United Nations.Report of the International Narcotics Control Board (E/INCB/2011/1).
DegenhardtL, HallW.Extent of illicit drug use and dependence, and their contribution to the global burden of disease. Lancet2012;379:55–70.
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United Nations.Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for2006 (E/INCB/2006/1).
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2010National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-41, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 11-4658. Rockville, MD, USA, 2011.
McLellanAT, LewisDC, O'BrienCP, KleberHD.Drug dependence, a chronic medical illness: implications for treatment, insurance, and outcomes evaluation. JAMA2000;284:1689–95.
