Recreational drug use linked to smoking, drinking

MANILA, Philippines — The use of alcohol and tobacco by young people and children is closely linked to the use of illicit drugs, a United Nations-backed narcotics and control body warned.

In its annual report, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) cited studies that show the use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis among young people, aged 16 to 19, also leads to an increased likelihood of the use of opiates and cocaine in adulthood.

The report also shows that substance abuse and associated health consequences are highest among young people, with cannabis being the most widely used substance. The highest rate of use, in young people aged 15 and 16, is in Europe (13.9 percent), followed by the Americas (11.6 percent), Oceania (11.4 percent), Africa (6.6 percent) and Asia (2.7 percent).

The INCB criticized the decriminalization of cannabis in some countries.

Cornelis de Joncheere, INCB president, said that of internationally controlled substances, the drug continues to play the most prominent role amongst adolescents and adults.

“We pay special attention to this development and highlight our concern over the situation in a few countries that have moved to permit the use of controlled substances, namely cannabis, for non-medical use contrary to the provisions of and their obligations under the drug control treaties,” De Joncheere said.

The report sets out several recommendations for countering the problem, based on international standards drawn up by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

It said the prevention programs should include a focus on family and parenting skills, setting rules and limits for young people; school support for the development of personal and social skills; the availability of screening, assessment and counseling in schools; and strict enforcement of regulations related to the access to medications with psychoactive qualities, and to tobacco, alcohol and cannabis.

To improve the effectiveness of prevention programs, the report said governments should monitor changing trends in the use of psychoactive drugs among young people, and invest in the development of national expertise.