Only one in five women addicts seeks treatment for drug abuse, the president of the International Narcotics Board (INCB) has warned.

Viroj Sumyai highlighted these challenges during a presentation of his agency’s annual report to the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Furthermore, he warned that there has been a disproportionate increase in overdoses among women.

Women who are addicted to drugs are often ostracized by their family or community, the report found. They may also be subjected to violence from partners or family members.

These challenges and more could be tackled, Mr Sumayi told Vibhu Mishra, if the stigma associated with drug-dependence were addressed.

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