INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

Each year, individuals, entire communities, and various organizations all over the world join in to observe World Drug Day on 26 June, to aid and propagate awareness of the major conundrum that illicit drugs pose to society. This day inculcates the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The theme of International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking 2022 is “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises”. This day marks to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a world free of drug abuse.World Drug Day is a day to share research findings, evidence-based data, and solutions, to continue tapping into a shared spirit of solidarity.The campaign invites everyone to do their part by caring, even in times of crisis.

Background

Substance abuse and the illicit trafficking of drugs is an evil in our society and disorientation among a majority of the youth. Drug trafficking is an industry working generally on a vicious cycle of manufactured demand and then supply. By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

World Drug Report

Every year, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach and research. UNODC continues to provide facts and practical solutions to address the current world drug problem and remains committed to attaining health for all. Health and justice sectors are under pressure and access to services and support is obstructed when we can least afford it.

UNODC

For two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. We are committed to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being as deterrents to them. The World drug report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health. It highlights, through improved research and more precise data, that the adverse health consequences of drug use are more widespread than previously thought.

In 2022, the world continues to witness widespread humanitarian crises overall, while the COVID-19 pandemic is still a major global health crisis (though declined). The synthetic drug crisis also requires nimble and adaptable solutions. A growing sense of global community and solidarity continues to emerge, as does the need to care for all in times of crises.

Drugs are legally banned in most parts of the world, yet its consumption and trade increase every year. Drug abuse is not the right thing; addiction and uncontrolled usage tear apart the consumer and everyone related to him.The widespread consumption of drugs, especially among the youth of society, causes various mental and physical distortions. Not only among the teenagers and adolescents, but drug use is also common among middle-aged people, putting their family and livelihood at stake.

Drug Trafficking

It implies the illegal practice of buying and selling drugs. People involved in the trade remain undercover and engage themselves in the unethical activity of supplying drugs to the willing people.Drug trafficking, once viewed largely as a social and criminal problem, has transformed in recent years into a major threat to the health and security of people and regions. This Convention and the other major international drug control treaties do more than help us in the fight against drug trafficking; they protect vulnerable people through a wide range of activities to which States parties commit themselves, including education and prevention, treatment of drug dependence, care and rehabilitation for drug users, and social support. These measures are critical, because drug use, at its core, is a health issue.

The Real criminals

Drug dependence is a disease, not a crime. The real criminals are the drug traffickers. But the supply side is only half of the equation. Unless we reduce demand for illicit drugs, we can never fully tackle cultivation, production or trafficking. Governments have a responsibility to counteract both drug trafficking and drug abuse, but communities can also make a major contribution. Families, schools, civil society and religious organizations can do their part to rid their communities of drugs. Businesses can help provide legitimate livelihoods. The media can raise awareness about the dangers of narcotics. Lets come together to curb this evil.

We can succeed if we reinforce our commitment to the basic principles of health and human rights, shared responsibility, a balanced approach to reducing supply and demand, and universal access to prevention, treatment and support. This will foster communities free of drug-related crime and violence, individuals free of drug dependence who can contribute to our common future and a safer world for all.

Family plays a part

A strong bond between children and parents is based on listening to them and showing you care. Even in difficult circumstances, a strong bond between children and parents can mean less risky behaviors. Spending even a small amount of time each day with complete attention to your child can really help. Praise your child for at least one thing he/she is doing right even if small. Ask your child what you need to know; where he/she will be, for how long, with whom, and doing what.

Teachers play a part

Teachers can have a positive influence on children and youth to help them grow happy and resilient. Even in very difficult circumstances, children who are in school and feel a sense of belonging are less vulnerable to risky behaviors. The first step towards a strong bond between children and teachers is listening with empathy and care. Support the development of the personal and social skills of children through a curriculum of interactive activities. Create a positive school culture that supports the active participation of students.

Just to an end, Together, we can tackle the world drug problem! So let us kick it before it kicks us!

(The Author is Research scholar pharmacology, department of pharmaceutical sciences, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, University of Kashmir. Email: Aasiyabashir50@gmail.com) 

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