Substance Abuse
Turning whispers into resounding voices of change.
Helping people overcome Substance Abuse
At least 15.3 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders.
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. This behavior not only poses serious health risks to individuals but also places a significant financial burden on families and communities. The complex and evolving global problem of substance abuse is influenced by a range of factors, such as sociodemographic trends—gender, age, and the rate of urbanization all play a role in shaping drug use patterns.
The Scope of Substance Abuse Worldwide
- Cannabis remains the most widely used illicit drug in many regions, particularly in Africa. West and Central Africa are seeing the highest rates of cannabis use, with prevalence ranging from 5.2% to 13.5%.
- Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), such as ecstasy and methamphetamine, have emerged as the second most commonly abused drug class in Africa.
- In certain regions like Sierra Leone, children and youth are also using substances like benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam and chlorpromazine), inhalants, and even engaging in injecting drug use. Injecting drugs carries significant health risks, including exposure to bloodborne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Sharing contaminated needles is a primary mode of transmission for these viruses.
Global Statistics on Substance Abuse
- The harmful use of alcohol contributes to 3.3 million deaths each year.
- Globally, the average person aged 15 years or older consumes 6.2 liters of pure alcohol annually.
- However, only 38.3% of the global population consumes alcohol, meaning that those who do drink tend to consume a significantly higher amount—an average of 17 liters of pure alcohol annually.
- Injecting drug use is reported in 148 countries, with 120 countries also reporting HIV infections among this population.
Whispa2me & The Path to Recovery
For those struggling with substance abuse or addiction, detoxification and rehabilitation are essential components of treatment. These processes help individuals regain control over their health and work towards long-term recovery.
Whispa2me is providing sensitization and through its anonymous mobile app, creating a safe space for people to share their experience and journeys of how they got out of addiction to enable others to learn and seek further help to. If you or someone you know is dealing with substance-related issues, seeking professional help is crucial. A qualified physician or addiction specialist can provide appropriate care and guide you through the process of healing on whispa2me.
We encourage you to take the first step toward recovery today, send us a message and