The first chapter provides an overview of broad global trends in illicit drug production, trafficking, and consumption. Although accurate data on drug consumption worldwide are not available, the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention estimates that in the late 1990's, there were some 144 million people taking cannabis, some 29 million using amphetamine-type stimulants, 14 million taking cocaine, and 13.5 million taking opiates (9 million taking heroin). The total number of drug users is estimated to be 180 million people, equivalent to 3 percent of the global population or 4.2 percent of the population aged 15 and above. The second chapter analyzes the three "pillars" of drug demand reduction: epidemiology (and related research), prevention, and treatment. Epidemiological research forms a key element for understanding the drug problem, developing responses, and measuring their appropriateness, so that the interventions can be modified and adapted to changing conditions. Drug prevention aims at preventing the occurrence of substance abuse in society, and treatment refers to a variety of activities and processes that focus on helping individuals with drug-related problems. United Nations efforts in these three areas are profiled in this report. The third and final chapter focuses on the nature and effectiveness of efforts to eradicate illicit crops that are essential to the production of many illicit drugs. Appended tables cover the production and manufacture of illicit drugs, the annual prevalence of abuse of illicit drugs, and seizures of illicit drugs. 16 figures and 16 maps