Through the resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the United Nations General Assembly declared 26 June the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The aim is to create awareness of the danger of drug abuse and illicit trafficking and put action and cooperation in place to achieve a drug-free society.
Simply put, drug abuse means using illegal drugs or prescription or over-the-counter medicines in excessive amount or for other purposes than they are intended to be used. Drug abuse has become a global epidemic, leading to mental, physical, social, emotional, and even job-related problems. According to World Drug Report, around 269 million people used drugs globally in 2018. That is a 30 per cent increase since 2009.
Moreover, over 35 million people are victims of drug use disorders, according to the latest research. The newest UNO and European Union reports show that drug abuse is often a result of illegal drug production and trafficking, which have become some of the most profitable ventures amongst criminals and organised crime groups globally. To continue earning billions from the illicit trade, drug criminals make sure drug addict victims depend on their drugs.
Drug abuse or addiction is not limited to children; many adults are victims too. Apart from the cigarette, other dangerous drugs are cocaine, heroin, cannabis, opiates, amphetamine-type stimulants, and new psychoactive substances (NPS) are some addictive substances, which are hazardous to health.
No one is born a drug addict; certain factors can cause or speed up drug addiction. They include lack of proper parental or family care, family history of addiction, early use of drugs, lousy peer company, taking addictive drugs, having mental health disorder.
We must realise that the effects of drug abuse are not limited to the victims; families and even society suffer. Fighting drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires communal or team efforts. Apart from the law enforcement agents, it is a war in which everyone must be involved.
We are taking all necessary steps to create a drug abuse and trafficking-free community. However, we need your help and cooperation to succeed. Would you please come and join the campaign?
For the full illustrated story and other articles, please read the latest Kata Kata magazine https://katakata.org/magazines/