The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is a United Nations International Day against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. It is observed annually on June 26, since 1989.
The date June 26 is to commemorate Lin Zexu's dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839 just before the First Opium War in China. The observance was instituted by General Assembly Resolution 42/112 on 7 December, 1987.
Drugs can ruin lives. They have the ability to ruin innocent, naive lives and so this year, the theme of this year is, "Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives." The theme is set to educate people on this problem and to help save people from falling down this problematic path.
Here are some facts about drugs and drug addicts:
1. Nearly half of college students use illicit drugs, which is detrimental as students are young and naive, they have their whole life ahead of them but throw it away without knowing the side effects of taking drugs.
2. Children and teens who use alcohol and drugs are more likely to have substance abuse disorder as adults. So if you think you'll just take drugs as a teen and give it up later, it will be hard to do so.
3. There is a clear link between substance abuse and depression.
4. Teen substance abuse can be deadly.
The main aim of this day is to stop drug use and illicit drug trafficking to save lives. The more educated people are on this topic, the more they will hopefully go on a healthier path and choose to forego this unhealthy habit and choose life instead.
