GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cocaine Use Statistics

Millions use cocaine globally; addiction, health, and trafficking risks persist.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

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South America is the primary production region for cocaine, responsible for over 70% of global supply

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The United States has seen a resurgence in coca leaf cultivation since 2015, mainly in Colombia

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The global cocaine market was valued at approximately $37 billion in 2020

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The average purity of cocaine seized by law enforcement worldwide is approximately 55-60%

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Cocaine trafficking generates an estimated $8-10 billion annually in Latin America alone

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The global production of coca leaves, the raw material for cocaine, has increased by approximately 47% since 2010

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Cocaine's illicit trade has significant environmental impacts, including deforestation and water contamination from processing waste

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Coastline degradation and pollution from large-scale cocaine plantations affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, according to environmental studies

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In South America, coca growers are increasingly turning to illegal and environmentally damaging farming methods, including slash-and-burn techniques, to boost production

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Cocaine overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by approximately 22% from 2019 to 2020

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Cocaine is responsible for roughly 25% of all drug-related emergency room visits in the U.S.

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Cocaine overdose deaths in Europe increased by 11% from 2019 to 2020

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Cocaine purity levels impact overdose risk, with higher purity associated with increased overdose incidents

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Cocaine adulteration with levamisole, a veterinary drug, has been found in about 80% of seized samples

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Cocaine can cause severe cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, even in young users

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Naloxone has limited effectiveness in reversing cocaine overdoses, as it primarily treats opioid overdoses

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Cocaine craving during withdrawal can last for several weeks, complicating recovery processes

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Synthetic forms of cocaine, such as crack cocaine, account for a significant portion of abuse cases due to their potency

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Cocaine's neural effects include blocking dopamine reuptake, leading to intense euphoria

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The cost of treatment for cocaine dependence can range from $7,000 to $15,000 per patient annually, depending on the program

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Cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and developmental issues

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Cocaine is often adulterated with other substances such as caffeine and sugars to increase volume and potency

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Cocaine's impact on mental health includes increased risk of anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, according to clinical studies

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Cocaine abuse is linked to increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, due to needle sharing and risky behaviors

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In 2018, approximately 5% of overdose deaths involved cocaine combined with opioids, indicating dangerous polydrug use

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Cocaine's destabilizing effects include increased aggression and impaired judgment, raising the risk of accidents and violence

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Pharmacological treatments for cocaine dependence are limited, with no FDA-approved medication specifically for cocaine addiction

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Cocaine use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, complicating treatment

Statistic 29

In recent years, there has been a rise in synthetic analogs of cocaine, such as benzocaine, used as adulterants or substitutes, increasing health risks

Statistic 30

Cocaine's impact on the brain's reward system is primarily through stimulating excessive dopamine release, leading to intense euphoria

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Cocaine-related hospital admissions have increased significantly over the past decade, with some regions reporting a 30% rise

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Approximately 21 million people worldwide ages 15-64 used cocaine in 2020

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In the United States, about 1.9 million people aged 12 or older reported current cocaine use in 2020

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The United States accounts for about 30% of global cocaine consumption

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About 1.5% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using cocaine in their lifetime in 2021

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The highest rates of cocaine use in Europe are observed in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy

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In Australia, cocaine use among adults increased by roughly 10% from 2016 to 2019

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About 0.2% of the global population aged 15–64 used cocaine in 2019

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The median street price for cocaine in the U.S. was approximately $30 per gram in 2021

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Cocaine use is significantly higher among males compared to females globally, with males twice as likely to use cocaine

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The risk of developing cocaine dependence is estimated at about 17% for users

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The lifetime prevalence of cocaine use disorder in the U.S. is estimated at 0.6%

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Cocaine consumption peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood, typically between ages 18-25

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The average age of first cocaine use globally is estimated at around 19 years old

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Approximately 70% of cocaine in the United States is consumed in the state of California, Florida, and New York

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The average street price of crack cocaine was about $80 per gram in 2021, higher than powder cocaine in many regions

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The prevalence of cocaine use among college students in the U.S. was approximately 2% in 2021, according to national surveys

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Cocaine-related arrests accounted for roughly 15% of all drug arrests in the U.S. in 2020

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The United Nations reports that cocaine trafficking is linked to increased violence in producing and transit regions

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that cocaine is classified as a Schedule II substance, indicating high potential for abuse and limited medical use

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Cocaine's social costs include increased healthcare burden, law enforcement expenses, and lost productivity, totaling billions annually worldwide

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Cocaine suppression programs that include community-based interventions have shown reductions in local usage rates in some regions

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The United States has classified crack cocaine as a Schedule II substance since the 1980s because of its high potential for abuse

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The main transit routes for cocaine from South America to North America include the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico

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Cocaine is the second most trafficked illicit drug in the world after cannabis

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Law enforcement agencies worldwide confiscated approximately 1,841 tons of cocaine in 2020, a record high

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Key Highlights

  • Approximately 21 million people worldwide ages 15-64 used cocaine in 2020
  • In the United States, about 1.9 million people aged 12 or older reported current cocaine use in 2020
  • Cocaine is the second most trafficked illicit drug in the world after cannabis
  • The United States accounts for about 30% of global cocaine consumption
  • Cocaine overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by approximately 22% from 2019 to 2020
  • About 1.5% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using cocaine in their lifetime in 2021
  • Cocaine is responsible for roughly 25% of all drug-related emergency room visits in the U.S.
  • The global cocaine market was valued at approximately $37 billion in 2020
  • The average purity of cocaine seized by law enforcement worldwide is approximately 55-60%
  • South America is the primary production region for cocaine, responsible for over 70% of global supply
  • The main transit routes for cocaine from South America to North America include the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico
  • Cocaine trafficking generates an estimated $8-10 billion annually in Latin America alone
  • The highest rates of cocaine use in Europe are observed in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy

With over 21 million people worldwide having used cocaine in 2020 and the drug’s devastating impact on health, society, and the environment, it’s clear that understanding the scope and severity of cocaine use is crucial in addressing one of the most trafficked illicit substances today.

Cocaine Production

  • South America is the primary production region for cocaine, responsible for over 70% of global supply
  • The United States has seen a resurgence in coca leaf cultivation since 2015, mainly in Colombia

Cocaine Production Interpretation

With South America supplying over 70% of global cocaine and Colombia experiencing a resurgence in coca cultivation since 2015, it's clear that the continent continues to be the epicenter of the world's cocaine economy, reminding us that the roots of the crisis run deep and require more than just border patrols to uproot.

Cocaine Production, Trafficking, and Global Market

  • The global cocaine market was valued at approximately $37 billion in 2020
  • The average purity of cocaine seized by law enforcement worldwide is approximately 55-60%
  • Cocaine trafficking generates an estimated $8-10 billion annually in Latin America alone
  • The global production of coca leaves, the raw material for cocaine, has increased by approximately 47% since 2010

Cocaine Production, Trafficking, and Global Market Interpretation

With the cocaine market valued at $37 billion and production soaring 47% since 2010, it’s clear that while law enforcement chases 55-60% pure confiscated shipments, the true empire is thriving financially in the shadows, fueling a global struggle between illicit profit and public health.

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects of Cocaine Production

  • Cocaine's illicit trade has significant environmental impacts, including deforestation and water contamination from processing waste
  • Coastline degradation and pollution from large-scale cocaine plantations affect marine and terrestrial ecosystems, according to environmental studies
  • In South America, coca growers are increasingly turning to illegal and environmentally damaging farming methods, including slash-and-burn techniques, to boost production

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects of Cocaine Production Interpretation

As cocaine cultivation scars the earth and waters alike, South American farmers' desperate pursuit of profit is not only fueling a dangerous addiction but also devastating ecosystems from forest to sea.

Health Effects and Medical Impacts of Cocaine

  • Cocaine overdose deaths in the U.S. increased by approximately 22% from 2019 to 2020
  • Cocaine is responsible for roughly 25% of all drug-related emergency room visits in the U.S.
  • Cocaine overdose deaths in Europe increased by 11% from 2019 to 2020
  • Cocaine purity levels impact overdose risk, with higher purity associated with increased overdose incidents
  • Cocaine adulteration with levamisole, a veterinary drug, has been found in about 80% of seized samples
  • Cocaine can cause severe cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks, even in young users
  • Naloxone has limited effectiveness in reversing cocaine overdoses, as it primarily treats opioid overdoses
  • Cocaine craving during withdrawal can last for several weeks, complicating recovery processes
  • Synthetic forms of cocaine, such as crack cocaine, account for a significant portion of abuse cases due to their potency
  • Cocaine's neural effects include blocking dopamine reuptake, leading to intense euphoria
  • The cost of treatment for cocaine dependence can range from $7,000 to $15,000 per patient annually, depending on the program
  • Cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight and developmental issues
  • Cocaine is often adulterated with other substances such as caffeine and sugars to increase volume and potency
  • Cocaine's impact on mental health includes increased risk of anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis, according to clinical studies
  • Cocaine abuse is linked to increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, due to needle sharing and risky behaviors
  • In 2018, approximately 5% of overdose deaths involved cocaine combined with opioids, indicating dangerous polydrug use
  • Cocaine's destabilizing effects include increased aggression and impaired judgment, raising the risk of accidents and violence
  • Pharmacological treatments for cocaine dependence are limited, with no FDA-approved medication specifically for cocaine addiction
  • Cocaine use disorder often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, complicating treatment
  • In recent years, there has been a rise in synthetic analogs of cocaine, such as benzocaine, used as adulterants or substitutes, increasing health risks
  • Cocaine's impact on the brain's reward system is primarily through stimulating excessive dopamine release, leading to intense euphoria
  • Cocaine-related hospital admissions have increased significantly over the past decade, with some regions reporting a 30% rise

Health Effects and Medical Impacts of Cocaine Interpretation

Despite a 22% rise in overdose deaths and cocaine constituting a quarter of U.S. emergency visits, the drug’s high purity, adulteration with dangerous substances like levamisole, and its potent neural effects continue to fuel a deeply troubling cycle of health crises that even naloxone struggles to reverse—and with limited pharmacological treatment options available, the fight against cocaine's societal toll remains inherently complex.

Prevalence and Demographics of Cocaine Use

  • Approximately 21 million people worldwide ages 15-64 used cocaine in 2020
  • In the United States, about 1.9 million people aged 12 or older reported current cocaine use in 2020
  • The United States accounts for about 30% of global cocaine consumption
  • About 1.5% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using cocaine in their lifetime in 2021
  • The highest rates of cocaine use in Europe are observed in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy
  • In Australia, cocaine use among adults increased by roughly 10% from 2016 to 2019
  • About 0.2% of the global population aged 15–64 used cocaine in 2019
  • The median street price for cocaine in the U.S. was approximately $30 per gram in 2021
  • Cocaine use is significantly higher among males compared to females globally, with males twice as likely to use cocaine
  • The risk of developing cocaine dependence is estimated at about 17% for users
  • The lifetime prevalence of cocaine use disorder in the U.S. is estimated at 0.6%
  • Cocaine consumption peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood, typically between ages 18-25
  • The average age of first cocaine use globally is estimated at around 19 years old
  • Approximately 70% of cocaine in the United States is consumed in the state of California, Florida, and New York
  • The average street price of crack cocaine was about $80 per gram in 2021, higher than powder cocaine in many regions
  • The prevalence of cocaine use among college students in the U.S. was approximately 2% in 2021, according to national surveys

Prevalence and Demographics of Cocaine Use Interpretation

With roughly 21 million people worldwide risking dependence at a median age of 19, and the U.S. consuming nearly a third of global supply—primarily in California, Florida, and New York—cocaine's pervasive appeal among young adults and its hefty price tag underscore a complex societal challenge that demands more than just a scalpel of statistics; it calls for a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment.

Societal, Legal, and Economic Consequences of Cocaine

  • Cocaine-related arrests accounted for roughly 15% of all drug arrests in the U.S. in 2020
  • The United Nations reports that cocaine trafficking is linked to increased violence in producing and transit regions
  • The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that cocaine is classified as a Schedule II substance, indicating high potential for abuse and limited medical use
  • Cocaine's social costs include increased healthcare burden, law enforcement expenses, and lost productivity, totaling billions annually worldwide
  • Cocaine suppression programs that include community-based interventions have shown reductions in local usage rates in some regions
  • The United States has classified crack cocaine as a Schedule II substance since the 1980s because of its high potential for abuse

Societal, Legal, and Economic Consequences of Cocaine Interpretation

While cocaine arrests constitute a significant fraction of U.S. drug enforcement efforts and its classification underscores its danger, the persistent violence in trafficking regions and billions in societal costs highlight that tackling this epidemic requires not only law enforcement but also comprehensive community and health interventions.

Trafficking, and Global Market

  • The main transit routes for cocaine from South America to North America include the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico

Trafficking, and Global Market Interpretation

These transit routes reveal that South America’s lucrative cocaine trade is a high-stakes game of geographic hopscotch, weaving through the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico to reach North America’s doorstep.

Trafficking, and Global Market

  • Cocaine is the second most trafficked illicit drug in the world after cannabis
  • Law enforcement agencies worldwide confiscated approximately 1,841 tons of cocaine in 2020, a record high

Trafficking, and Global Market Interpretation

With nearly 1,842 tons of cocaine confiscated in 2020—more than enough to fill a small warehouse—law enforcement's relentless tally underscores both the staggering scale of global trafficking and the urgent need for effective interventions.