Context:
Observed annually on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 to combat drug abuse globally. The day highlights the challenges posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking and emphasizes the need for international cooperation.
Relevance:
GS2-
- Government Policies and Interventions
- Health
Mains Question:
In the context of rampant drug abuse in India and the world, discuss the impact that drug abuse can have. Suggest an effective strategy to deal with this menace. (10 Marks, 150 Words).
The 2024 campaign:
- The 2024 campaign, titled “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,” focuses on raising awareness about the importance of providing assistance and treatment to individuals struggling with substance use.
- It advocates for a compassionate approach, emphasizing empathy and care over punitive measures, with the aim of fostering understanding of the negative impacts of drugs on personal, social, and spiritual well-being.
- The campaign also promotes treating people who use drugs with respect and without judgment, seeking to shift societal attitudes.
- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) stresses the need to eliminate stigma and adopt a human rights-centered approach based on evidence-based practices to effectively address global drug abuse.
- The campaign’s primary objective is to tackle the complex issues of drug abuse and trafficking by increasing public awareness, promoting prevention measures, and advocating for robust policies and programs.
Drug Abuse:
- Drug abuse involves the improper or excessive use of illegal drugs or prescription medications for non-therapeutic purposes.
- It significantly affects physical health, leading to conditions such as cardiovascular issues from chronic cocaine or methamphetamine abuse, lung cancer from smoking crack cocaine, and increased HIV risk from intravenous drug use.
- Other risks include nasal damage, liver and kidney disease, oral cancer, and severe weight loss among stimulant addicts.
- Mental health issues associated with drug abuse include depression, anxiety, memory and learning problems, insomnia, violent behavior, delusions, paranoia, confusion, extreme mood swings, and substance dependence.
- The links between drug-related crime, environmental crimes, and convergent crime are intricate and evolving, particularly evident in drug cultivation, trafficking, and environmental impacts in the Amazon Basin.
- The ‘UNODC World Drug Report 2023’ underscores social and economic inequalities that drive drug problems, along with environmental and human rights impacts.
- Treatment coverage remains low globally, with only a fraction of affected individuals receiving help, and some regions lacking adequate services.
- In India, alarming statistics reveal significant psychiatric disorders and substance use rates, with inadequate psychiatric and de-addiction care facilities exacerbating the situation.
Way Forward:
- Moving forward, educating communities about the severe dangers of drug abuse and fostering international cooperation are crucial.
- The 2024 theme emphasizes investing in evidence-based prevention programs to safeguard individuals and communities, disrupt illicit economies, and prioritize rehabilitation, education, and harm reduction.
- Secretary-General António Guterres highlights the need for early prevention efforts and comprehensive strategies to address the global drug crisis effectively.
Conclusion:
Addressing drug abuse involves tailored treatment plans including detoxification, counseling, and medication as necessary. Lifestyle adjustments and supportive environments are essential for recovery, emphasizing the importance of proactive engagement and expert guidance in overcoming substance abuse challenges.
