Introduction:
Drug abuse refers to the harmful or dangerous substances that impair the brain (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Drug abuse may lead to (dependence syndrome), which involves a cluster of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena in which the use of substances takes on a much higher priority for a given individual. This usually includes a strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance despite its harmful consequences, as well as a physiological withdrawal state.
"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 and civil society 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.”- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, June 2011.
Given their untold risk that deteriorated the quality of life, in 1987 the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The day as an event is celebrated worldwide with much conscious fervor to make people aware and emphasize the hazards of drug addiction and illegal trafficking. A problem which is a major deterrent to the socio-economic and political stability of a nation as also disturbing its sustainable development. This is what encouraged the Commission and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to take up their work on international drug control with greater dedication and urged all governments to provide with maximum possible financial and political support.
The UNODC has, over the years, been vigorously involved in inducting campaigns to facilitate support for drug control. The event has also permeated to subsidiary establishments, organizations and individuals in many countries which have been regular participants in promotional events and larger scale activities, such as: public rallies and mass media involvement, to promote the awareness of dangers associated with illicit drugs.
Based on the General Anti-Drug Strategy, the General Directorate for Narcotics Control (DGNC) in Saudi Arabia has been able to identify its key objectives to launch preventive awareness activities, to counteract drugs locally, to treat addicts (after-care), and to cooperate both regionally and internationally against drugs through its network of offices all over the Kingdom and abroad.
To further develop a more effective role of the community, GDNC offers online reporting service through its official portal.
Facts:
- Drug Abuse is a chronic disease affecting the brain.
- Drug abuse involves a strong desire to take the substance despite its consequences.
- Some substances lead to addiction faster than others.
- Most youth get drugs from their friends or acquaintances.
- Most youth seek for drugs out of their curiosity.
- Drug abuse throws the addict into family and financial problems.
- Drug injections are one of main causes of blood-transmitted infections (such HIV).
- Teens who learn about drugs from parents are 50% less likely to use drugs than those who do not.
- Drugs may lead to death due to over-dose or incurred complications.
- Knowledge of substance abuse causes helps rid of them.
World Day Date:
Global (Georgian Calendar): 26th June 2017.
Local (Hijri Calendar): 2 Shawwal 1438H.
World Day Theme:
(Listen First)
- Family, mainly parents.
- Educational professionals (such as teachers, social workers...etc.).
- Adults of all ages.
- Healthcare decision-makers.
- Healthcare assemblies and organizations.
Wider community.
References:
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