The prevalence of drug addiction and abuse across the globe has become a growing concern. It is currently estimated that 71 million people use drugs of abuse with around 166,000 direct deaths occurring from drug use in 2017.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) estimate that 11 million people inject drugs across the globe, of which 1.3 million are living with HIV, 5.5 million with hepatitis C, and 1 million with both HIV and hepatitis C. In addition to infectious disease, long term drug abuse increases the risk of several cancers, cardiovascular effects, respiratory effects, gastrointestinal effects, kidney & liver damage and mental health issues.

The abuse of drugs is one of the most pressing issues in the USA and other countries globally. Drug abuse not only affects the individual, but can also have far-reaching consequences that affect family, employment, personal health, health care systems, local communities, and society as a whole.

Global Drug Abuse – The buzz that keeps on going!

> Misuse of illicit drugs affects society through secondary costs incurred such as crime, reduced productivity at work, and health care expenses.

> Substance abuse costs the US health care system about $11 billion, with overall costs reaching $193 billion.

> Substance abuse and addiction also affects other areas of life leading to broken families, destroyed careers, death due to negligence or accident, domestic violence, physical abuse and child abuse.

> Drug abuse and addiction changes the chemistry of your brain. The longer an individual abuses drugs, the more damage is caused, making it more difficult to return to ‘normal’ during drug rehabilitation.

> Treating and tackling drug addiction is a challenge. As drug treatment and health services continue to fall short, there is an increased need to continuously adapt drug detection and analysis.

Randox laboratories are at the forefront, aiding the fight against drugs of abuse with a comprehensive range of 10 drugs of abuse assays including several stimulants, sedatives and opioids available to run on Randox’s very own clinical chemistry analysers, the RX series. To find out now how Randox is helping to tackle the ongoing prevalence of drugs of abuse click here or buy directly from the Randox Online Store.

About Randox Laboratories

As a world leader in the in-vitro diagnostic industry with over 35 years’ experience, Randox is leading the charge in moving from a one-size-fits-all approach towards decisions, practices and products tailored to the needs of the individual.  This innovative approach to diagnostics has facilitated the development of revolutionary products designed specifically to enhance a patients’ quality of life.

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