Time to develop our lives, identities and communities without drugs

Ranjan K Baruah *

"Think Health , No Drugs" :: An Artwork by Phurailatpam Banti Sharma

Whether we agree or not but the fact is drugs have been affecting our society since ages. More or less everyone hears about it and its effect. Drugs are chemical substances that affect the normal functioning of the body and/or brain. Drugs under international control include amphetamine-type stimulants, coca/cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics. Countries have decided to control these drugs because they pose a threat to health.

Some types of drugs are as follows:

Cannabis: It is a tobacco-like greenish or brownish material made up of the dried flowering tops and leaves of the cannabis (hemp) plant. Cannabis resin or "hash" is the dried black or brown secretion of the flowering tops of the cannabis plant, which is made into a powder or pressed into slabs or cakes. Cannabis oil or "hash oil" is cannabis resin in liquid form. Cannabis is by far the most cultivated, trafficked and abused illicit drug.

Cocaine: It is a fine white or off-white powder that acts as a powerful stimulant. It is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant. On the street, it can be diluted or "cut" with other substances to increase the quantity. Crack is cocaine that has been further processed with ammonia or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and looks like small flakes or rocks.

Ecstasy: It is a psychoactive stimulant, usually made in illegal laboratories. In fact, the term "ecstasy" has evolved and no longer refers to a single substance but a range of substances similar in effect on users. Frequently, any tablet with a logo is now referred to as "ecstasy" regardless of its chemical makeup. While the drug is usually distributed as a tablet, it can also be a powder or capsule. Tablets can have many different shapes and sizes.

Heroin: It is an addictive drug with pain-killing properties processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance from the opium poppy plant. Pure heroin is a white powder. Street heroin is usually brownish white because it is diluted or "cut" with impurities, meaning each dose is different.

Illicit drugs trade prevails in many parts of the world. There are some areas which are more prone to illicit trade. This is a trade through which many people are earning in illegal way. Countries around the world are concerned about illicit drugs trade. United Nations is also concerned related to same and there is special agency to deal with the problem. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects themes for the International Day and launches campaigns to raise awareness about the global drug problem.

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly 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. This resolution recommended further action with regard to the report and conclusions of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The theme for this year is 'Lets Develop — Our Lives — Our Communities — Our Identities — Without Drugs'.

In his message Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of UN has mentioned that "We must address the nexus between illicit drugs and violence, corruption and terrorism. A balanced approach recognizes the close connections between those who traffic in drugs and criminal networks involved in firearms smuggling, kidnapping, human trafficking and other crimes. This work must also include redoubling efforts to prevent the supply of the precursor chemicals that are the foundation of so many illicit drugs."

He also said that "promoting international cooperation through the UN conventions on transnational organized crime and corruption is essential to addressing today's security and development challenges. No criminal should escape justice. The balanced approach calls for unity of purpose within the international community, including the UN, civil society and, most importantly, the world's nations. No country can work in isolation.

Comprehensive and integrated efforts at the local, regional and global levels offer the best hope for dealing with the traffickers, while taking care to protect vulnerable groups and marginalized communities. On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let us raise awareness about the value of applying a balanced approach to these problems based on an understanding that sustainable development can and must catalyze change across all these fronts", added Ban Ki moon .

Previous Years Themes

o 2014 - A message of hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable

o 2013 - Make health your 'new high' in life, not drugs

o 2012 - "Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs"

o 2011 - "Say No!"

o 2010 - "Think health - not drugs"

o 2009 - "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."

o 2008 - "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."

o 2007 - "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."

o 2006 - "Value yourself...make healthy choices"

o 2005 - "Drugs is not child's play"

o 2004 - "Drugs: treatment works"

o 2003 - "Let's talk about drugs"

o 2002 - "Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS"

o 2001 - "Sports against drugs"

o 2000 - "Facing reality: denial, corruption and violence"

We can build a society free from illegal drugs and the illicit trade related to it. It is not possible for the government to control everything when it comes to illegal drugs hence concerned individuals apart from non governmental organisations, civil society organisation, media, corporate houses and others must extend their support to make a society free from drugs. Together we can make a society free from illegal drugs.