International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The General Assembly, in 1987, decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

This is done as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

2015 Theme: Lets Develop — Our Lives — Our Communities — Our Identities — Without Drugs.

 Why SAY NO to drugs?

• Drugs have the ability to affect your mood. They can arose certain emotions and can also diminish others.
• Drugs changes your behaviour which is the result of changes in your brain caused when drugs interfere with the chemicals in your brain.
• Drugs cause mental health problems including anxiety, mood swings, depression, aggression and sleeping problems.
• Psychoactive drugs can cause delusions
• They can also affect your sense of personal identity and reality
• Schizophrenia and asthma are very common health problems
• Drug overuse can also lead to heart attacks and can damage the cartilage of your nose, if inhaled
• Injection can damage your veins and body tissues
• Some drugs have the power to overstimulate your heart and nervous system. However, some can be linked with memory problems.

What is done on International Day of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking?

• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime selects a theme every year for this day to raise awareness about the global drug issue.
• This day peoples are encouraged to send strong messages against drug use and about the ill-effects of the drugs.
• The society aims to increase awareness among community members concerning drug trafficking and its negative impacts on the society.