International Day Against Drug Abuse 2024: History, Theme, Slogan

Did you know? As per 2021 reports, about 296 million people aged between 15-64 indulged in the usage of drugs in the past 12 months. Despite the awareness, laws and regulations, people still manage to intake drugs. To fight this global problem of drug abuse, June 26, 2024, is marked as International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.  

International Day Against Drug Abuse: Messages 

Every year, the International Day Against Drug Abuse campaign holds a different aim. This year, the aim of International Day against Drug Abuse 2024 is to raise awareness among the people about how important it is to help and offer treatment to people who are taking drugs. From this year, one of the International Day against Drug Abuse messages is to treat people with empathy and care, instead of giving them tough and inhumane punishments. 

The idea is to help these people realize how drugs can damage an individual’s personal, social, and spiritual life. Another aim of this day is to treat people who use drugs with respect and non-judgement, by promoting language and attitudes that create a healthy atmosphere around. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognizes how important it is to remove the stigma and adapt people-centered approach and focus on human rights, compassion and evidence-based practices.  

How Can Drug Abuse Affect Us? 

First, let’s understand the meaning of drug abuse. It can be understood as the process of intaking illegal drugs or prescription drugs for purposes that they are not meant for. Misuse or overuse of drugs can also amount to drug abuse. Drug abuse can lead to various emotional, social, physical and occupational problems. Now, let’s see some symptoms of drug abuse on an individual’s mental and physical health. 

The side effects of drug abuse on physical health

• Heart Diseases 
• Stroke 
• Lung Cancer 
• Risk of HIV 
• Nasal Damage 
• Liver/Kidney Disease 
• Oral Cancer 
• Leukemia 
• Fatal Overdose 
• Severe weight loss 

The side effects of drug abuse on mental health

• Depression 
• Learning/Memory Problems 
• Insomnia 
• Violent Behavior 
• Delusions  
• Disrupt brain circuit development 
• Paranoia 
• Confusion 
• Mood problems 
• Substance Dependence 

How To Celebrate World Day Against Drug Abuse? 

Now that you already know international day against drug abuse is observed on 26^th June, every year, let’s understand when this day came in existence, and how can you as society take a part in this excellent initiative.  

There Internationa Day against Drug Abuse history dates to 7^th December1987. After resolution of 42/112, the General Assembly decided to recognize 26^th June of every year as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.  

Whether you are a student, working professional or an older adult, it is important for all of us to take an international day against drug abuse pledge. The pledge can be anything that helps make the world a place which is drug abuse free.  

As a part of society, if you are wondering how, you can help increase the awareness against drug abuse in the world, then the following steps could be your answer: 

• Educate people near you about the side effects of drug abuse, both mental and physical. 
• Spread awareness about the treatment options that are available and share your country’s helpline number for drug users. 
• Use social media to raise your voice against drug abuse. 
• You may also make unique and creative International Day against Drug Abuse slogans. 
• In your nearby schools or Non-Profit Organizations, have a session on the importance of drug abuse awareness. 
• Also, make students participate in various posters and International Day Against Drug Abuse drawing competitions.  
• Pay visit to communities that do not have access to social media or newspapers and teach them about drug abuse problems and its treatment.  

International Day Against Drug Abuse: Theme 

As mentioned above, every year the theme for World Drug Day changes. For 2024, the theme is “The evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention”. 

Since drug problems are affecting the human race in various ways, it has become important to change our focus on prevention and treatment. Millions of people worldwide are struggling through substance abuse disorders or other drug abuse addictions. With this year’s theme being The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, it’s clear that we as a society need to pay more attention to people who are at risk of developing a drug problem.  

The United Nations is now focusing on establishing an evidence-based approach that will help in preventing drug abuse. To make this world drug abuse free, a lot of cooperation, drug policies, and research is required. With this said, let’s also focus on respecting everyone’s human rights, being empathetic, compassionate and kind towards each other. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When is International Day against Drug Abuse 2024? 
   26^th June 2024 is recognized as an international day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking worldwide. 

2. Why do we celebrate International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking? 
   The aim of celebrating World Drug Abuse Day is to raise awareness among people all over the world about how drug abuse can impact an individual’s life, and how to get the heal that they need. 

3. What is the International Day Against Drug Abuse Message? 
   The message that International Day against Drug Abuse gives is to treat everyone with respect, compassion and empathy, and help them overcome their drug abuse problems. 

4. What is International Day Against Drug Abuse Pledge? 
   The pledge for International Day against Drug Abuse is to focus on prevention and treatment of the people affected by drug abuse. 

5. What is International Day against Drug Abuse theme for 2024? 
   The theme for International Day against Drug Abuse in 2024 is “The evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention”. 

Also Read:- International Yoga Day 2024