June 26th – The International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated on 26th June every year. It is an effort undertaken by the world community to sensitise the people in general and the youth in particular, to the menace of drugs. The UN General Assembly decided in 1987 that 26th June be celebrated throughout the world to control
drug abuse and illicit trafficking for the safety and well being of humanity, in particular young people and the national security and sovereignty of States. Since it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development, it was decided that the commission and United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) should continue and Govt’s should provide the fullest possible finance and political support to it. The United Nation fixes theme every year and Theme for 2015 is “Lets Develop – Our Lives – Our Communities –
Our Identities – Without Drugs” . “Efforts against illicit drugs must be connected to our work to promote opportunities through equitable and sustainable development. We must continually strive to make the weak and fragile stronger”. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General, UN
drug abuse and illicit trafficking for the safety and well being of humanity, in particular young people and the national security and sovereignty of States. Since it undermines socio-economic and political stability and sustainable development, it was decided that the commission and United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) should continue and Govt’s should provide the fullest possible finance and political support to it. The United Nation fixes theme every year and Theme for 2015 is “Lets Develop – Our Lives – Our Communities –
Our Identities – Without Drugs” . “Efforts against illicit drugs must be connected to our work to promote opportunities through equitable and sustainable development. We must continually strive to make the weak and fragile stronger”. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General, UN
The Anti-Narcotic Council of India observes the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking . Alcohol and drug abuse have always been a cause of concern, the UN associated agencies, several state government and central government agencies, the National Rural Health Mission, several hospitals and voluntary organizations
have been conducting strong, extensive and creative programmes against alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Generally rallies are taken out with placards showing the various abuses of drugs.
It has been observed that young women are on a high in its use. Today, its not just marijuana but drugs like heroin, cocaine and ecstasy too are being used and users are starting early, as early as age 10. While boys are the initiators, over the past few years, the number of girls taking to drugs has increased manifold, as learnt from rehabilitation centre for addicts in Bangalore. It has been observed that some sweet meats containing a mild quantity of drugs is being supplied to school children to make them addicts at that young age. No one bothers about this practice by the drug dealers but it is likely to become an addiction which may have the same effect as taking of drugs. This practice needs to be stopped forthwith and the school authorities have to be very careful in detecting those. May be there are drug distributors among the peddlers who in the garb of sweet sellers distribute such items which are detrimental to the health of the children. It has been noticed that certain urchins are induces to go to certain students in schools and supply some powder wrapped in some paper which is further distributed. School authorities must keep an eye on un-identified students from entering their premises as those are known to be their paid carriers. Another aspect which needs to be analyzed seriously in drug abuse, is the family relations. Drug abuse is a complex phenomenon, which has various social, cultural, biological, geographical, historical and economic aspects. The disintegration of the old joint family system, absence of parental love and care in modern families where both parents are working, decline of old religious and moral values, etc lead to a rise in the number of drug addicts who take drugs to escape
hard realities of life.
have been conducting strong, extensive and creative programmes against alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Generally rallies are taken out with placards showing the various abuses of drugs.
It has been observed that young women are on a high in its use. Today, its not just marijuana but drugs like heroin, cocaine and ecstasy too are being used and users are starting early, as early as age 10. While boys are the initiators, over the past few years, the number of girls taking to drugs has increased manifold, as learnt from rehabilitation centre for addicts in Bangalore. It has been observed that some sweet meats containing a mild quantity of drugs is being supplied to school children to make them addicts at that young age. No one bothers about this practice by the drug dealers but it is likely to become an addiction which may have the same effect as taking of drugs. This practice needs to be stopped forthwith and the school authorities have to be very careful in detecting those. May be there are drug distributors among the peddlers who in the garb of sweet sellers distribute such items which are detrimental to the health of the children. It has been noticed that certain urchins are induces to go to certain students in schools and supply some powder wrapped in some paper which is further distributed. School authorities must keep an eye on un-identified students from entering their premises as those are known to be their paid carriers. Another aspect which needs to be analyzed seriously in drug abuse, is the family relations. Drug abuse is a complex phenomenon, which has various social, cultural, biological, geographical, historical and economic aspects. The disintegration of the old joint family system, absence of parental love and care in modern families where both parents are working, decline of old religious and moral values, etc lead to a rise in the number of drug addicts who take drugs to escape
hard realities of life.
Today, there is no part of the world that is free from the curse of drug addiction and drug trafficking. India too is caught in this vicious circle of drug abuse, and the numbers of drug addicts are increasing day by day. Millions of drug addicts, all over the world, are leading miserable lives, between life and death. The abuse in young generation has assumed alarming dimensions in India. Changing cultural values, increasing economic stress and dwindling supportive family bonds. No wonder there is an increase in suicide cases which may be one of the side effects of drugs. The vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person. The genes, mental health, family and social environment all play a role in addiction. Risk factors that increase the vulnerability include certain factors like Family history of addiction, Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood. Adolescents are the most vulnerable age group who take drugs for many different reasons. Many first try drugs out of curiosity, to
have a good time, because friends are doing it, to be a part of group or in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease another problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Mere use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse but once one gets addicted it becomes difficult to get out of it.
have a good time, because friends are doing it, to be a part of group or in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease another problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Mere use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse but once one gets addicted it becomes difficult to get out of it.
Drug abuse and addiction depends upon the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more to do with the consequences of drug use. No matter how often or how little they’re consuming, if drug use is causing problems in their life — at work, school, home, or in your relationships — they are likely have a drug abuse or addiction
problem.
problem.
Parents of the children, who are found using drugs should look out for reasons which are prompting them to use those. Isolation from the family or friends who are helping in use of drugs is most important. If the child starts spending an inordinate amount of time away from home or locked in his or her room, as a parent, it’s becomes ones
responsibility to identify what’s behind the scene. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain, development of unusual scars on the body, bruises / cuts, burns, particularly those on hands or face, facial redness or irritated skin, frequently irritated eyes and strange smells on clothing, dilated pupils, eyes red or glazed may be some of the
factors to identify the type of addiction. Personality changes too occur during the young adult years; this is
the time when men and women develop their adult individuality. It’s important to look for strange, unexplained personality changes that don’t quite make sense, such as sudden lack of motivation, loss of conscience or inhibitions, boisterous, loud behaviour, out of character withdrawal, over excessive use of perfumes or air fresheners/ odour-neutralizers.
responsibility to identify what’s behind the scene. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain, development of unusual scars on the body, bruises / cuts, burns, particularly those on hands or face, facial redness or irritated skin, frequently irritated eyes and strange smells on clothing, dilated pupils, eyes red or glazed may be some of the
factors to identify the type of addiction. Personality changes too occur during the young adult years; this is
the time when men and women develop their adult individuality. It’s important to look for strange, unexplained personality changes that don’t quite make sense, such as sudden lack of motivation, loss of conscience or inhibitions, boisterous, loud behaviour, out of character withdrawal, over excessive use of perfumes or air fresheners/ odour-neutralizers.
Drugs can sometimes trigger a psychological imbalance. This can be seen when the child or adolescent begins to perform actions driven by fear, act compulsively and lose their ability to concentrate or focus or keep oneself away from the society. All India Consumer Council, Uttarakhand has offered to give talk on the subject in schools and colleges to help students to create awareness and nip the evil in bud.
Addiction to narcotic drugs is now recognized globally as one of the real dangers, which faces the world. Drug abuse is no longer confined to any culture or socio-economic strata of society but has entered all segments. It is very important to understand that it damages the individual and the society very silently. Health is the prime thing in
life and care has to be taken to keep it in good shape as they say “Health is Wealth” and as such “Make health your NEW HIGH in life, not drugs”. Lets develop our lives, communities and our identities without drugs. Teachers, parents and NGO’s have to play a big role to weed it out.
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