World Drug Day
By Norbert Fidelis
Today marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse And illicit Trafficking, aka, World Drug Day . It’s a day to sensitize the people and raise awareness on the dangers and harmful effects of substance (drug )abuse , as well as promote and support efforts, towards a drug free society
A drug is any chemical substance ( other than food )that is used to treat , diagonise, prevent or relieve diseases , sickness and abnormal conditions . It can also affect how the brain works , mood feelings, behaviour and attitude .
Substance (Drug) abuse is when drug is used in a way that it’s not meant or supposed to be used , i.e, for pleasure , to feel high, to commit crime etc.
Drug addiction is when someone feels the urge to use a drug regularly , i.e , needs the drug often, to get pleasure or some feeling, which is always uncontrollable , even it it means the drug will cause damage to his health, affect his business , relationship etc.
However, Illicit Trafficking is the illegal movement and trade of goods, substances or people , accross borders and countries with violation of laws and regulations . Some of this includes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking and wildlife trafficking .
While drug abuse may be caused by peer pressure , depression family history and other factors , illicit Trafficking may be caused by, get rich quick syndrome , greed , bad orientation , bad parenting and poverty. Research also shows that most of the people who are into drug abuse, are also into drug trafficking and illicit trafficking .
According to the last survey of United Nations , over 292 million people abuse drugs in 2022, and the number is still increasing , while those with substance disorders , receive little or no treatment at all. This has resulted in a lot of them suffering from Schizophrenia ( Madness) Hallucinations , and rejection from friends and family members
It is pertinent to note that youth, constitute majority of those who are into drug abuse and some of the causes include , peer pressure , depression ,family history , curiosity , broken relationship etc. While some take it to feel high, catch fun and unwind, others use it to fight depression , pain and unnecessary anxiety . Some of these drugs include , cocaine , cannabis, marijuana nicotine and even alcohol.
According to medical research, the human brain contains dopamine, and it’s wired in a way that makes us want to have a pleasurable experience, over and over again . When users take the drug that makes them feel high ,the dopamine motivates them , and triggers a feeling of intense pleasure , which makes them want to take the drug , over and over again, as a result, they get addicted to it .
Illicit Trafficking on the other hand can lead to war and destruction of lives and properties through sale of ammunitions . Also , it can result into sex exploitation , organized crime, wildlife extinction as well as corruption and violence
As we celebrate another World Drug Day, stakeholders and policy makers, should make more concerted effort , by collaborating and making sure offenders face the full weight of the law. Also, networking and collaboration between countries and security agencies should be encouraged , in order to share intelligent report and develop new strategies to fight the crime . Finally, people should be sensitized and more awareness created in the communities , on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, while assistance and support should be given to victims of illicit trafficking and those going through rehabilitation , from drug abuse , to aid their recovery
International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking , is celebrated on June 26th of every year , and this year’s theme is “Breaking The Chains”. Let us join hands and break the cycles of organized crime .
Happy World Drug Day
