Break the chain- Heal the world... ‘Make it a better place for you and for me and the universe’
Sri Suman K. Chakrabarti
June 25, 2025
The title is borrowed from the
famous song of MJ, as it is very relevant in today's dreadful scene of dark
cloud of durgs. The slogan for 2025 International Day against Drug Abuse
2025: “Breaking the
Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All” It emphasizes community support, healthcare access, and the
need for global solidarity in addressing drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Every
year, UNODC issues the , 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 becomes restricted when we can
least afford it.
Illegal drugs are the source of immense human suffering.
Those most vulnerable are the young people who bear the brunt of this crisis.
People who use drugs and those struggling with addiction face a multitude of
challenges: the harmful effects of the drugs themselves, the social stigma and
discrimination they endure, and often, harsh and ineffective responses to their
situation.
International days and weeks are
occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political goodwill
and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce
achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the
establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful
advocacy tool. June 26th is observed as the International Day
against Drug And Drug Abuse
since 1989. By resolution 42/112 of 07
December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26th June as the International Day against Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking; this was done to express its deterrence to
express its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve
globally.
All the nations worldwide are victim of the curse of illicit narcotic
drugs. Supported by all individual, society, communities and various
organizations across the world the observance of the day is to raise awareness
against this problem. The evidence is very clear; To curb this menace – INVEST
IN PREVENTION.
The vulnerable targets are the youth and now not even the teens; juveniles at the age group of 8-12 are
becoming the prey to drugs. The traffickers lure them. The quest for adventure,
excitement and experimentation in the adolescent, motivates the young stars to
drugs and substance abuse. Curiosity to the restricted zones like sex,
pornography and substance abuse are very closely associated to the mental and
physical changes at this age. Once addicted, by the time it comes to the
knowledge of the guardians it is often quite late. The substance abusers do
rarely smell like as alcohol or marijuana users. Hence it remains undiagnosed
during the initial stage. This year’s
World Drug Day calls for investment in prevention, including justice, education
and means of alternative livelihood. The global drug problem presents a
multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. Anyone of
you, if you have come across a drug
addict/an alcoholic you must have noticed, the struggle begins with the
individual with substance use disorders eventually to families, neighbours, communities,
all grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized
crime. The impact of drugs is
far-reaching and complex. To address this challenge it is imperative to adopt a
scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment.
This year's campaign "Break
the cycle. #Stop Organized Crime# highlights the need for
coordinated long-term action to break the cycle of organized crime and drug
trafficking - by addressing root causes, investing in prevention and building
stronger health, education and social systems. The recently introduced BNSS and
the BNS 2023, also have stringent punishment provisions for such organized
crimes. The target is to break the chain of supply from its production to the
end users.
Not going into the statistical figures of NCRB or SCRB; even the social
media or news channels highlight the huge amount of drugs being captured along
with the accomplice. Various types of drugs are being seized and accomplice
being arrested. The central and state agencies have put on extra efforts to
gain success against the drug menace and the Union Home Ministry is extremely
serious in this regard.
On 26
June 2025, at 2 p.m. Vienna time in Board-Room D
(VIC), the Chair of the 68th session of the CND will hold an event to mark the
World Drug Day and to launch the 2025 World Drug Report.
The most abused substances are
- alcohol, opioids, cannabinoids,
sedatives or hypnotics, cocaine, methamphetamine and other stimulants (caffeine), hallucinogens, tobacco, volatile
solvents, multiple drugs and other
psychoactive drugs.
Worst consequences: Alcohol and other substance/drug abuse
lead to serious consequences like
-
Up to 50% spousal abuse
-
50% traffic accidents
-
49% murders
-
68% manslaughter charges
-
69% drowning
-
52% rapes
-
62% assaults
-
20-35% suicides.
The added curse of drug
abuse/alcohol abuse is the rising child abuse problem throughout the globe (almost
up to 38%). The weakest section of the society, who are dependent on their
family members, fall prey to the abuse even sometimes by the elder family
members. The child being neglected becomes shy, introvert and loses
confidence; being physically abused becomes aggressive; being sexually
abused and or domestic violence leads to shattered childhood and serious future
consequences.
How to Get
Involved in the fight against drugs:
-
Raise Awareness: Use
social media, community forums, or educational events to share information
about the dangers of drug abuse and the impact of illicit drug trafficking.
Highlight the importance of prevention, treatment, and international
cooperation in addressing these issues.
-
Support Substance Abuse Programs: Volunteer
with or donate to organizations that provide treatment, rehabilitation, and
support services for individuals stru
ggling with substance use disorders. These
programs are essential in helping people recover and reintegrate into society.
-
Participate
in Educational Campaigns: Engage in or organize
educational campaigns that teach young people about the risks of drug use and
the importance of making healthy choices. Schools, community centres, and youth
organizations are ideal venues for these activities.
-
Attend or Host Events: Participate
in local or virtual events that focus on drug abuse prevention, treatment, and
the fight against illicit trafficking. These events often include discussions,
workshops, and awareness activities that bring communities together in support
of a drug-free world.
-
The drug addicts are not generalized patients,
they need to be treated in special units designated for treatment of dual
diagnosis – Rx must focus
on both the mental disorder and the substance abuse to be effective.
Do not apart a drug addict. Treat him/her; counseling and proper care can
help bring him/her back to the main stream.
The GOOD NEWS is
Drug abuse is a preventable behaviour &
Drug addiction is a treatable disease.
While encouraging an Indian
athlete who won gold medal at CWG, our respected Prime Minister said - Your life journey motivates us, your success
gladdens us... You are destined for great things ahead....Keep shining.
This is the plea on this day to
all men and women- You all are destined for great things ahead, so keep
shining. Do not fall prey to drug menace.
Source/References:
www.un.org
www.awarenessdays.org
www.gov.za.intdayagainstdrugabuse .
(Tripurainfo)
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