ABSTRACT
The magnitude of the world drug problem becomes more apparent when considering that more than one out of ten drug users is a problem drug user, suffering from drug use disorders or drug dependence. The abuse of an addiction to opioids such as heroin, morphine, and prescription pain relievers is a serious global problem that affects the health, social, and economic welfare of all societies. The social effects of drug trafficking are accentuated and reinforced by their direct and indirect economic impacts. The sums spent on drugs represent resources lost to legitimate productive enterprises, and the money laundered by drug traffickers seems to corrupt all who come into contact with it. Severe health problems are also created when drug abuse prevails. These problems include drug overdoses and poisonings from “street” drugs, as well as improperly consumed pharmaceutical drugs. Drug abuse also has the ability to affect society on a much greater level—in terms of national security.
