Illicit Drugs: Patterns of Use, Dependence, and Contribution to Disease Burden in Developed Countries

Illicit drug use has been documented across the world but the quality of estimated prevalence of use is best in the developed countries of Europe, North America, and Australasia. Regular use, 'problem drug use,' and drug dependence are less frequently measured but are most important for disease burden. This article reviews Europe, North America, and Australasia's estimates of illicit drug use, problem drug use and drug dependence, and risk factors for illicit drug use. It reviews evidence on the health risks related to cannabis and mortality associated with problem drug use and injecting drug use. Drug-related morbidity is reviewed, including nonfatal overdose, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis B and C. Future research needs to provide better estimates of mortality and morbidity attributable to illicit drug use