oday is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking or World Drug Day. It is marked June twenty-six annually. It is aimed at strengthening action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a drug abuse free world.
The theme of this year’s Day is “Prevention and treatment of drug addiction is everyone’s responsibility”
Drug is a substance used for medical purposes that can change the state or function of the body. Drug abuse is a situation when drug is taken more than is prescribed. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, , for two decades has been assisting to make the world safer from drugs , organized crime, corruption and terrorism. The organization has shown commitment to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being.
In Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, established in 1989, has made tremendous impact in terms of intervention strategies and control.
Study findings reveal that drug abuse and trafficking are increasing at alarming rate among Nigerian youths especially and if nothing is done very fast, the country’s future will be gloomy.
Illicit drug use and trafficking are caused by cultism, peer group pressure, poor parenting, broken homes, joblessness, low self-esteem and many more.
Drug abuse leads to insanity or psychological imbalance, loss of income, broken families and relationships, expensive health care costs, destruction of private and public utilities, road accidents, increased crime and many others.
The effects are all encompassing, affecting individuals, families, governments, religious organizations and the society at large.
To tackle Illicit drug use and trafficking need effective and efficient collaboration. It is not what government agencies and non-governmental organizations can do alone. It requires the concerted efforts of every member of the society.
Parents must endeavour to have united families and to regularly monitor their children and wards. There is need for consistent and constant sensitization at the Federal, state and grassroot levels of government on the dangers of illicit drugs use and trafficking and empowerment of youths to prevent idleness which sometimes gives room for them to engage in the vice. Government agencies must be properly empowered and funded to control the sale, distribution and consumption of drugs.
Religious organizations should also join in the fight by having programmes that are youths -inclusive through which they will constantly preach against involvement in drug use, it’s consequences and dangers.
There is also need to treat people who use drugs with respect and empathy in order to encourage them to have access to evidence -based treatments that offer alternatives to punishment, prioritizes prevention and leads with compassion.
All hands should be in deck to engender a drug free society.
ANENE ONYILEGBE
