BE SAFE – STAY AWAY FROM FROM HARMFUL SUBSTANCE!
June 25, 2023 2023-06-25 0:00BE SAFE – STAY AWAY FROM FROM HARMFUL SUBSTANCE!
Dear young friends!
Let me tell you a sad but true story. I had a wonderful childhood friend. He was my neighbour and probably the brightest kid in the neighbourhood. We lived in the same residential campus allotted to our families by the organisation where our fathers worked. My friend was good in studies as well as sports. He was funny too. He could enliven any gathering with his jokes and playful banter. I still vividly remember how he used to cycle throughout the campus every evening. He was so fit and healthy.
But slowly my friend started behaving differently. He stopped laughing and interacting with everyone around him. He became withdrawn. He started borrowing money from everyone and never returned the money. He had fallen into bad company. He had started using harmful substances. His health deteriorated. And one day I got to know that he was no more in this world. I was shocked and heartbroken.
You might be wondering why I'm telling you this personal anecdote. It's because tomorrow is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Every year, June 26 is observed as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to raise awareness about the serious impact of drug abuse and to create a world free of drug abuse. The United Nations General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on December 7, 1987.
The problem
The drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Many people who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further harm their physical and mental health and prevent them from accessing the help they need. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognises the importance of taking a people-centred approach to drug policies. The aim of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy; providing evidence-based, voluntary services for all; offering alternatives to punishment; prioritising prevention; and leading with compassion. The campaign also aims to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgemental. Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report, full of statistics and factual data, obtained through official sources, a science-based approach, and research. This year’s report will be launched on 26 June, 2023.
Disturbing data
In India, around 15.8 million children aged between 10 and 17 years are addicted to substances, as per a report by the Indian government to the Supreme Court in December, 2022. Health experts have warned that the figures for drug abuse in India are actually much higher. The survey was conducted in all 36 states and union territories of the country in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,10 medical institutes and 15 NGOs. The survey also revealed that three out of four people addicted to drugs don't receive treatment. It also found that 1.7% of children and adolescents inhale substances that are addictive.
Sadly, many states lack policies to prevent substance abuse. Government-run schools typically don't organise sensitisation and awareness programmes about drug abuse. H.S. Phoolka is a lawyer for Bachpan Bachao Andolan, an India-based children's rights movement which has filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court over concerns of drug abuse among children. He feels the issue is far more serious than what the findings of the national survey revealed. He says, "There are huge numbers of children who are affected and not counted in this survey… they are addicts. Drug availability in schools and its vicinity is a problem and finally they become peddlers."
How to stay away from harmful substances?
After getting to know about these disturbing facts and figures, I'm sure all of you want to know how to be safe and stay away from such harmful substances. Please consider the following things:
1. Not even once!
Drug addiction begins with the seemingly harmless idea, "Let me try it out just once." Do not ever think of trying such substances even once. Because once is enough to get you hooked.
2. Doing drugs is not cool!
Sometimes, we tend to think certain things are 'cool' like colouring our hair, getting a tattoo, etc. But please remember that doing drugs is not at all cool. It'll harm your health and lead you down the dark path of addiction.
3. Say 'no' to peer pressure
Often, we say 'yes' to certain things because our friends insist. But please say 'no' to friends when it's about drugs. Be firm but polite because your health and life are at stake.
4. Stay alert and be proactive
If you notice anything suspicious happening around you, for example, someone around you buying harmful substances, please do not confront him/her directly because people under the influence of such substances can get violent easily and might even harm you. So, talk to your school counsellor/teacher/parent(s) about it. They will take care of the situation.
5. Be aware to stay away!
It's important to know about the harmful effects of drug abuse to stay away from it. So read up and discuss with your teachers/friends about the harmful effects of substance abuse so that you know why you should stay away.
6. Doing drugs is not a solution for problems!
If you're going through problems in life (maybe your parents fight a lot or have separated/divorced, maybe you don't feel loved at home after the arrival of your sibling, etc.), please remember that doing drugs is not a solution to these problems. Instead talk to someone you trust (for example, your school counsellor) and try to find practical solutions to your problems.
Children, I trust you'll never do things that will harm your health, career and life. Life is truly beautiful. So stay away from drugs for a healthy, happy, and long life! I'll never get back my friend but I don't want to lose any one of you to drugs...
