NCJ Number
202182
Date Published
September 2003
Length
122 pages
Annotation
This report on the 2003 Global Survey to determine the worldwide size and nature of the threat of the abuse of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), including ecstasy, also contains in-depth analyses of regional characteristics of the ATS phenomenon and identification of priority areas for action.
Abstract
Almost all countries continue to report a strong concentration of ATS abuse among youth, particularly in dance and club settings. In the United States among 18- to 20-year-olds, the annual prevalence of ecstasy use is more than six times the general population average. All countries are part of the ATS problem as producers and/or consumers. Seizures of laboratories, equipment, precursors, and finished products, as well as reports of abuse, indicate that the ATS market is changing in its depth, breadth, and shape. Clandestine manufacture is becoming more sophisticated, and trafficking is increasing. Health hazards are significant and growing because of the intrinsic nature of the drugs and the expanding range and combinations of drugs sold. Competition is fierce, mimicking legitimate business, and the profits involved in the marketing of amphetamines and ecstasy, particularly among youth, has been exploited by organized groups of criminals. This report's analyses of regional patterns and trends focus on Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America. Interdiction efforts have included not only drug seizures and the dismantling of clandestine laboratories, but also seizures of precursor chemicals essential for the manufacture of ATS. Although the abuses and harms of ATS have been felt worldwide, the responses of governments to the problems have ranged from benign neglect to comprehensive intervention. These varying responses are largely due to different levels of awareness of the nature and extent of the problem as well as the cost of an effective intervention program. Addressing the ATS problem requires strong political commitment, better data, improved and targeted demand-reduction efforts, including treatment, and innovative approaches to enforcement and control, especially in targeting the clandestine manufacture of ATS. Extensive graphic and tabular data