For years everybody has been citing the same good but somewhat dated stats on comparative drug use in the U.S. and other countries (I know because I did so in my book).
Well, while I was busy visiting family and friends in Amsterdam last week, a new study was released (in conjunction with the World Health Organization) that updates drug use stats in 17 countries. At first glance, it seems that nothing big has changed in the past 7 years. Here’s the main table.
Guess what? Good news for all the red, white, and blue flag wavers! U.S.A.! We’re number 1! We’re number 1! In illegal drug use.
No country comes close to use in cocaine use. And only one country comes close in marijuana: New Zealand. For some reason, that’s not a surprise to me.
Make it an act of rebellion and they will come. Make it a health issue and people might see drug abuse for what it is–unhealthy.