Rising Drug Consumption and Treatment Demand
In 2024, more than 172,000 individuals sought treatment for drug consumption at the National Network for Addiction Attention, according to data presented during the forum “Substance Use, Self-Care, and Public Health.”
The statistics show that 49.1% of cases were related to methamphetamines, followed by alcohol consumption (21.8%), marijuana (13.3%), and cocaine (6.8%). This highlights the growing significance of synthetic stimulants in Mexico’s landscape.
Call for a Fundamental Shift in National Strategy
Health public experts and civil organizations demanded a substantial transformation in the national strategy, moving away from a prohibitionist approach and adopting a harm reduction model.
They asserted that the current policy, centered on criminalization, has failed to curb consumption and instead increased risks for users by pushing them into illegal markets and hindering access to safe medical care.
“Harm reduction does not aim to eliminate risk entirely but rather minimize its consequences effectively. It is not a moralistic approach, but a strategy based on social reality and scientific evidence,” stated Dr. Randall Rodríguez, REDACCA’s representative from the Central American and Caribbean Network for Reducing Health and Sanitary Risks.
Comparison with Regulatory Approaches in Other Countries
During the forum, organized by the Center for Responsible Freedom (CE LIBRE) in collaboration with the Condesa Specialized Clinic, it was highlighted that several countries have chosen to regulate low-harm tools like electronic nicotine devices, proving more effective than outright prohibition.
“Prohibition delays the decrease in consumption. Instead of bringing people to health services, it pushes them away due to fear of being judged for engaging in something ‘forbidden,’” explained Manuel Arellano, Community Attention Subdirector at the Condesa Specialized Clinic.
Evidence-Based Policies and Community Involvement
Experts agreed that public health policies should be grounded in scientific evidence, designed with long-term perspectives, and built through active community participation.
They emphasized that outright prohibition does not prevent, but education, regulation, and support can save lives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation regarding drug consumption and treatment in Mexico? In 2024, over 172,000 individuals sought treatment for drug consumption, with methamphetamines being the most prevalent substance of concern.
- What changes in national strategy are being proposed? Experts advocate for a shift from the prohibitionist approach to a harm reduction model, focusing on minimizing risks and providing safe access to medical care.
- How do other countries handle low-harm substances? Some nations have opted to regulate low-harm tools like electronic nicotine devices, proving more effective than outright prohibition.
- Why is community involvement crucial in public health policies? Policies should be based on scientific evidence, designed for long-term success, and built with active community participation to ensure effectiveness.
