Should addiction be considered a global health problem?

According to recent research, addiction is a problem in all countries and should be considered a global disease. One question is, why is cigarette smoking de-stigmatized when it is also an addiction issue?

Recent research shows that there are 500 million people addicted to cigarette smoking. The highest numbers are in China, Africa, and the Middle East where there is little or no knowledge about causes of cardiovascular disease. Promotion for cigarette smoking comes from high income countries.

In regards to alcohol use disorders, there is less on low income earners and more on high income. Although, riskier drinkers are in the low income range. Cancer, infectious diseases, are correlated to availability to alcohol.

There are 15 -16 million injection drug users in the world mostly in China and Russia. There are 3 million people in the world living with HIV. Although, accurate numbers are unknown in the poorest countries.

There are 50 million people displaced by post war countries, where armed conflict led to increased drug use and mental health problems. Another problem in some countries are the 300,000 child soldiers who are beaten and given drugs almost everyday to make them kill. The drugs are mostly crack cocaine, and heroin. Many of them become future military generals and leaders of their countries, while others as adults, escape to safer countries. Immigrants with illness are usually sicker than local residents, and with greater mental health issues.

The need to treat these problems can no longer be dependent on doctors alone. There must be community based health helpers, who are trained to deal with various problems and to be continually monitored.

Addiction is no longer a community issue, but a global health problem. What do you think?