Use of Designer Drugs on the Rise: UN Report

A recent report from the UN found that use of designer drugs has increased in the past few years.

The report called "The 2013 World Drug Report", released in Vienna by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said that the use of traditional drugs such as heroin and cocaine has declined in the past few years while the use of recreational designer drugs, often sold legally, has increased.

These prescription and new psychoactive substances are freely available and pose major health problems, the report found. These drugs are also called "legal highs" and their number has increased from 166 at the end of 2009 to 251 by mid-2012. Designer drugs are getting more creative and dangerous, UNODC added.

About 180 million people or 3.9 percent of the population aged between 15 and 64 use cannabis. Since 2009, the drug's usage increased commendably, according to a news release.

Also, drugs named "spice", "meow-meow" and "bath salts" aren't regarded as dangerous and youngsters assume that they are safe to use.

Use of traditional drugs has been declining in certain countries such as U.S., but growing in other places like Asia, Oceania and Central and South America, and the Caribbean

Africa has been regarded as the prime spot for production and trafficking of illicit substances, the report said. Afghanistan retains the top-spot for production of opium globally.

Use of other drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) with the exception of ecstasy has grown in the past few years. About 0.7 percent of the world's population between age 15 and 64 (33 million people) have reportedly used ATS in the previous year. Methamphetamine accounts for over 70 percent of ATS seized globally.

In related news, Iran has burned 100 tons of illicit drugs as part of its effort to stop drug trafficking in the country. Iran lies on a major drug trading route between Afghanistan and Europe.