International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking

All pervasive, Drug abuse today has become a curse with no hardly any part of the world free from this menace. This abuse is seriously affecting the physical and socio-economic well-being of the individuals ultimately having a negative impact on economy of the country and hindering the progress of the country. Youths becoming addict during the prime of their age ultimately become a burden on their families, society and country. The epidemic of drug abuse in younger generation has assumed alarming dimensions in India. The stress and strain of the modern-day life has rendered the individual particularly youths more vulnerable to the problem of substance abuse. They perceive it as a medium through which they feel relaxed totally unworried of the stress which they are going through. The years when their energy could have been used in a positive way are lost in drug abuse. Most of the researches reveal that suggest that early (12-14 years old) to late (15-17 years old) adolescence is a critical-risk period for the initiation of substance use and that substance use may peak among young people aged 18-25 years. A government survey found children as young as 9 are using drugs in Delhi. Every day India witnesses 10 suicides related to drug abuse.

Drug addiction refers to the condition of being addicted to a particular drug, particularly narcotic drugs. The most disturbing thing about drug addiction is that people in different countries of the world are becoming addicted to all kinds of drugs. There are different types of street drugs such as Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Cannabis, Opiates and others. Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs that suppress our heart’s work. Drug addiction is referred as drug dependency, as the addict develops dependency for a particular substance.    People usually take to drug abuse in order to curb the stress caused due to the family issues, pressure at work, growing competition in schools and colleges, relationship problems, financial issues or feeling of emptiness. Youths usually get involved in this out of curiosity or due to pressure from their peer group. In the long run, they suffer from false beliefs with always being in an unorganized and agitated violent behaviour. They also develop tendency to commit suicide. Mostly the youth residing in hostels fall easy prey to drug addiction. Drug addiction may also have long term impact on life and one may develop severe symptoms such as fatigue, trembling, depression, anxiety, headache, insomnia, chills and sweating, paranoia, behavior changes, dilated pupils, poor coordination problems etc.

Illicit Trafficking: Another related issue is the illicit trafficking. Illicit trafficking refers to the illegal trade or movement of goods or people across borders or within a country. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including the trafficking of illegal drugs, weapons, endangered species, and humans. Essentially, it involves the unauthorized and often clandestine exchange of items that are either prohibited by law or restricted in their movement.

In 2022, victims from 162 nationalities were trafficked to 128 different countries. About 70% of those investigated, prosecuted and convicted for trafficking in 2022 were men. African victims were the most widely trafficked group. They accounted for 31% of cross-border trafficking flows. Owing to the multifaceted challenges posed by drug abuse and the illicit trafficking, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) vide a  resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Drug abuse In Jammu & Kashmir: In recent years Jammu and Kashmir in India has seen an increase in the drug use. The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has conveyed to the Parliament of India that approximately 13.50 lakh drug users are estimated to be in Jammu and Kashmir, with the majority falling within the age range of 18 to 75 years. In Kashmir Division, the condition is also going from bad to worse. A 2022 study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, in Srinagar, observed an exponential rise in substance abuse in the Kashmir Valley. In 2023, a study conducted by this institute revealed that the prevalence of Hepatitis C among drug abusers in Kashmir is 72 percent. The institute received 150 drug addiction cases per day. It also found that over 33 thousand syringes are being used daily for heroin injections.

Breaking the Cycle:

This year’s campaign “Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime” 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. It is wise to stay away from it. Those who are already a victim to this menace can seek expert guidance to overcome it. Proper medication, support from loved ones and strong will power can take one out of the dark world of drug abuse. The treatment for drug abuse is extended over a long period so as to ensure that the problem does not relapse. This year the day is celebrated with the theme, breaking the cycle. Breaking the cycle of drug abuse can be challenging and daunting task, but surely not impossible. The first step to breaking the cycle is acknowledging that you have an addiction. Trying to break the cycle on your own can be risky and dangerous. Seek professional treatment from a rehab centre. Indentify the triggers i. e peoples, places or feelings that can help you avoid them. With this we have also to build a strong support system, a network of friends, family and relatives that can help in breaking the cycle of addiction.

Drug related literacy is also a key remedial measure to solve this problem. is education. Schools and colleges should take the lead in educating students about the negative effects of drugs and alcohol. Educational institutions should organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns that discuss the harmful impact of addiction on physical and mental health, relationships, and society as a whole. The stigma attached to addiction often discourages people from seeking help. To overcome this, it is necessary to create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to come forward and seek help.

It is also essential to have strict laws and regulations in place to curb the production, distribution, and consumption of drugs and alcohol. The government can enforce stringent laws that deter individuals from engaging in these activities. Law enforcement agencies should work closely with community members to identify and address drug-related issues in their neighborhoods. We need to recognize the dangers of addiction and take proactive steps to prevent it from becoming a widespread problem. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has prepared a National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction for the period 2018-25. The plan focuses on Preventive education, Awareness generation, treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons. June 26 every year is celebrated as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to generate awareness among the masses regarding the harmful effects of drugs. As the country is making all out efforts to weed out the menace of drugs, let us become a part of Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign since the evil can be eradicated from the society only with people’s participation. Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment attempts to reduce demand through awareness programmes, de-addiction centres and community based rehabilitation. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) envisions a drug-free India and strives towards education, capacity building, and evidence-based intervention. On the legal front, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, enforces and provides for stringent punishment for drug-related offences. It allows for the confiscation of any property alleged to have been derived from a person’s involvement in illicit drug activities. Recent initiatives like “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” involve youth participation, community outreach, and digital platforms to spread awareness and reduce stigma. These combined efforts and a comprehensive strategy against the drug menace can prove to be effective..

The author writes on agriculture and social issues; can be reached at pkumar6674@gmail.com

 

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