International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls on June 26 each year to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. This day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world.

DRUG TRAFFICKINGDrug 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. In West Africa, the $85 billion global cocaine trade is exacerbating addiction and money-laundering while fueling political instability and threats to security. Every $1 billion of pure cocaine trafficked through West Africa earns more than ten times as much when sold on the streets in Europe.

FACTSAround 210 million people, or 4.8 per cent of the population aged 15-64, took illicit substances at least once in 2010.Cannabis users comprised the largest number of illicit drug users in 2010 (129-190 million people).The cocaine production is decreasing, due to less production in Colombia in 2010. The United States remains the biggest marked for cocaine, although consumption has decreased dramatically.In 2007 and 2008, cocaine was used by some 16 to 17 million people worldwide.

UN Secretary-General: Drug addiction a disease, not a crime

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for treatment and councelling for drug addicts. “Drug-dependent people should not be treated with discrimination; they should be treated by medical experts and counsellors.

What Do People Do? The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has,

over the years, been actively involved in launching campaigns to mobilize support for drug control. The UNODC often teams up with other organizations and encourages people in society to actively take part in these campaigns.

Governments, organizations and individuals in many countries, including Vietnam, Borneo and Thailand, have actively participated 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.

Effects of Drug Abuse and Addiction

Drugs are chemicals. Different drugs, because of their chemical structures, can affect the body in different ways. In fact, some drugs can even change a person's body and brain in ways that last long after the person has stopped taking drugs, maybe even permanently.

Depending on the drug, it can enter the human body in a number of ways, including injection, inhalation, and ingestion. The method of how it enters the body impacts on how the drug affects the person.

More deaths, illnesses and disabilities stem from substance abuse than from any other preventable health condition. Today, one in four deaths is attributable to illicit drug use. People who live with substance dependence have a higher risk of all bad outcomes including unintentional injuries, accidents, risk of domestic violence, medical problems, and death.

These and other illicit drugs may pose various risks for pregnant women and their babies. Some of these drugs can cause a baby to be born too small or too soon, or to have withdrawal symptoms, birth defects or learning and behavioral problems.

FACTS YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW !!!

Illicit drug users make over 527,000 costly emergency room visits each year for drug related problems.

One dollar out of every $14 of the nation's health care bill is spent to treat those suffering from smoking-related illnesses.

Drug offenders account for more than one-third of the growth in the state prison population and more than 80 percent of the increase in the number of federal prison inmates since 1985.

More than 75 percent of domestic violence victims report that their assailant had been drinking or using illicit drugs at the time of the incident.

Substance abuse and addiction are fully treatable.

45% of individuals with an untreated substance use disorder commit suicide.

Health Problems Weaken the immune system, increasing

susceptibility to infections. Cause cardiovascular conditions ranging from

abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Cause the liver to have to work harder, possibly

causing significant damage or liver failure. Cause seizures, stroke and widespread brain

damage that can impact all aspects of daily life by causing problems with memory, attention and decision-making, including sustained mental confusion and permanent brain damage.

BE SMART BE SAFE REMAIN DRUG FREE

HAVE A BETTER FUTURE

THE END

BY DIOUF