The Drug Scene in Mexico and the Road Ahead

Abstract

Mexico is a country affected by drugs in every aspect: it is a drugproducing country of heroin, marihuana and methamphetamines, mainly forexternal markets but also for the growing internal demand; it is atransit country for cocaine that has found its way through the CentralAmerican and Mexican corridor on its way to external markets and for theinternal supply. As a result of the increasing availability ofsubstances and a favorable social environment, it has become a consumingcountry; drug experimentation use and dependence of illegal drugs,although still low, have increased. The abuse/dependence of legalsubstances such as alcohol and tobacco are the main substance abuseproblems; only the abuse of pharmaceuticals remains low and relativelystable, mainly as a result of low availability for medical purposes andtherefore limited scope for deviation. Social costs are considerable, ashappens in other countries in the region, violence being the mostprevailing characteristic of the drug scene, increasing from 2008onwards.Within these important challenges for health and security, it is alsotrue that significant, continuous efforts have been made by demandreduction programs at the national level since1972 and adapted to thechanging circumstances. This editorial seeks to tell the story of drugtransitions in Mexico and the programs that have been implemented anddiscusses areas of opportunity for a new approach.