Australians may not enjoy a white Christmas in the traditional sense, but many are likely to create their own version – the country has by far the highest cocaine consumption in the world, figures show.
One in 25 Australian adults (4.2 per cent) use the powerful drug, putting the country well above this figure, even among overseas producing countries.
Experts say high cocaine use stems from a culture of heavy drinking, with many using the stimulant to counteract alcohol’s sedative effects.
The rising cost of alcohol in Australia and the falling cost of cocaine have also made the drug a relatively affordable alternative.
Once reserved for high society, it is now widespread across all social classes as its actual price has fallen over the past decade and it can be delivered “as fast as a pizza”.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has compiled a global ranking of cocaine use based on the latest data from 36 countries.
Your browser does not support iframes.
One in 40 UK adults use Class A drugs, more than any other country in Europe and only behind Australia in the world
The research shows that men are more than twice as likely to use as women.
Interestingly, while Australia leads the country in cocaine use, Indonesia, the country’s closest neighbour, has the lowest rate of the countries included in the study, showing how tailor-made the importation effort is.
The OECD report warns: “Drug use is linked to, or complicates the response to, a wide range of the most pressing health and social problems of our time.”
“These include mental health problems, self-harm, homelessness, youth crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people.”
READ MORE: Drug deaths rise to record highs, with cocaine deaths rising 80-fold since the UK was recorded in 1993, driven by ever-increasing numbers of “silver sniffs”.
Official data shows that there were 4,907 deaths from drug poisoning in 2022 – a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people. This is the tenth consecutive annual increase, more than the 4,859 in 2021 and the largest since records began in 1993.
Separate data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics shows cocaine-related deaths have risen eightfold over the past decade and for 10 years in a row.
Meanwhile, the number of older people being treated in hospital for cocaine abuse has risen sharply in the past year, according to NHS data.
People over 60 – also known as “silver sniffers” – were recorded 540 times. Among them were 85 people aged between 70 and 79, 11 in their 80s and three in their 90s.
Ian Hamilton, associate professor of addiction at the University of York, said cocaine is “more valuable than ever” because its price has fallen in relation to income, but at the same time it has become increasingly powerful.
“In the UK you can buy a fair amount of cocaine for 10 to 20 pounds ($19 to $38), enough for a few nights in a row,” he said.
“That’s the price of a cocktail or a couple of pints.”
Mr Hamilton said Britain’s drinking culture had contributed to high cocaine use, with some “never” going out for a night without snorting a hose.
He added: “A lot of cocaine use is opportunistic; Most people do not get cocaine from a dealer, but from a friend or acquaintance.
“Most people continue to function, have good jobs and relationships. Some people use it at work to increase concentration and energy.”
But he warned that the added substance could cause heart and respiratory problems and called for a public health campaign to reduce its use.
Dr Niall Cambell, senior addiction service psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton, said: “Cocaine use is practically an epidemic at the moment.”
“It’s everywhere, it’s no longer a drug of the rich, everyone wants it.” They all feed the criminal empire.
“We talk to people at all levels of society.” From those who have “construction coke” on construction sites to people paying £5,000 ($9,000) a time for the pure stuff.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Your browser does not support iframes.
“If you go to a football game at half-time, there are young men queuing to go to the toilet to do cocaine.
“Alcohol is the main reason for admission to our inpatient addiction department, cocaine and alcohol are the second reason.”
“It’s just a routine part of an evening.” People drink a few beers and then call the dealer. Getting cocaine is as fast as ordering a pizza.
“I have been working at the Priory for 23 years and cocaine use has increased since then.
“It has become more socially acceptable.” “At events like Christmas parties, there is a kind of acceptance that people sneak into the toilet and form a queue.”
Dr Campbell said cocaine had “terrible effects” on physical and mental health, work and relationships.
He added: “There are no NHS health reports on cocaine.” Treatment options for drug addiction remain hidden.
“We need more awareness of the harms of cocaine. “The government and the NHS need to recognize that we have a problem.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Our 10-year drugs strategy, backed by a record £3bn investment, tackles the supply of illicit drugs while building a world-class treatment system for those who misuse drugs to make ends meet ended. Help.” change..
“This is a whole-of-government strategy and we are committed to supporting people suffering from the grip of addiction and the vulnerable people being exploited by gangs to further their violent trade.”
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
