On
this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,
we celebrate the choice that millions of people around the world
have made to live healthily, and we applaud the courage shown
by those who have stopped using drugs. In doing so, we send a
positive message to all people who use or might be tempted to
use drugs: “Value yourself... make healthy choices”.
This
day is also an occasion to highlight the fact that nearly 200
million people are still consuming illegal drugs. These drugs
might have names that sound colourful or enticing, such as crack,
pot, junk, crystal meth, and disco biscuits. But these are little
more than tickets to a dead end. For those trapped by addiction,
treatment is a way out, and the choice to seek treatment is not
only courageous, but often life-saving. Those who have not ventured
down the path of drug abuse should learn the lesson from those
who have, and firmly choose not to.
Making
healthy choices also means choosing a lifestyle that has a positive
effect on the body and mind, including, for example, participation
in sports to improve health and well-being, teach the value of
teamwork and discipline, and build self-confidence.
On
this day, let us strengthen our collective resolve to live in
a society free of drugs, and let us encourage all our fellow human
beings to make personal choices to lead healthy lives.
-- UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
Links
United
Nations Office on Drugs & Crime
UNESCO
and Drug Abuse Prevention Through Education
Dag
Hammarskjold Library Links on Substance Abuse
UN
Days & Years Meditation Initiative
American
Council for Drug Education
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
Global
Youth Network - Youth & Drugs
National Council
on Alcohol & Drug Dependence
National Institute
on Drug Abuse
Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools
Parents-The
Anti-Drug
Prevention
Online
Substance
Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration