Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Medline's medical encyclopedia defines drug abuse as "the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed."

But the broad range of substance abuse in today's society is not that simple.

There are substances that can be abused for their mood-altering effects that are not drugs at all -- inhalants and solvents -- and there are drugs that can be abused that have no mood-altering or intoxication properties, such as anabolic steroids.

Generally, when most people talk about substance abuse, they are referring to the use of illegal drugs. Most professionals in the field of drug abuse prevention argue that any use of illegal drugs is by definition abuse. Those drugs got to be illegal in the first place because they are potentially addictive or can cause severe negative health effects; therefore, any use of illegal substances is dangerous and abusive.

Others argue that casual, recreational use of some drugs is not harmful and is merely use, not abuse. The most vocal of the proponents of recreational drug use are those who smoke marijuana. They argue that marijuana is not addictive and has many beneficial qualities, unlike the "harder" drugs.

But recent research has shown that even marijuana may have more harmful physical, mental, and psychomotor effects than first believed, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that marijuana users can become psychologically dependent, and therefore addicted.

Illegal drugs are not the only substances that can be abused. Alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medications, inhalants and solvents, and even coffee and cigarettes, can all be used to harmful excess. Theoretically, almost any substance can be abused.

For many substances, the line between use and abuse is not clear. Is having a couple of drinks every day after work to unwind use or abuse? Is drinking two pots of coffee in the morning to get your day started use or abuse? Generally in these situations, only the individual himself can determine where use ends and abuse begins. See Are You Addicted?

Do you think you may need treatment for drug abuse? Take the Drug Abuse Treatment Screening Quiz to find out.

When it comes to illegal substances, society has determined that their use is harmful, and has placed legal prohibitions on their use in order to protect the individual and to protect society from the costs involved with healthcare resources, lost productivity, the spread of diseases, crime and homelessness.

For a look at the drugs that are most often abused, how they are used, their street names, and their intoxicating and health effects see Commonly Abused Drugs. For more detailed information and frequently asked questions, see our section on Drugs of Abuse.

June 26 is celebrated as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking every year. It is an exercise undertaken by the world community to sensitize the people in general and the youth in particular, to the menace of drugs. The picture is grim if the world statistics on the drugs scenario is taken into account. With a turnover of around $500 billions, it is the third largest business in the world, next to petroleum and arms trade. About 190 million people all over the world consume one drug or the other. Drug addiction causes immense human distress and the illegal production and distribution of drugs have spawned crime and violence worldwide. Today, there is no part of the world that is free from the curse of drug trafficking and drug addiction. Millions of drug addicts, all over the world, are leading miserable lives, between life and death.

India too is caught in this vicious circle of drug abuse, and the numbers of drug addicts are increasing day by day. According to a UN report, One million heroin addicts are registered in India, and unofficially there are as many as five million. What started off as casual use among a minuscule population of high-income group youth in the metro has permeated to all sections of society. Inhalation of heroin alone has given way to intravenous drug use, that too in combination with other sedatives and painkillers. This has increased the intensity of the effect, hastened the process of addiction and complicated the process of recovery. Cannabis, heroin, and Indian-produced pharmaceutical drugs are the most frequently abused drugs in India. Cannabis products, often called charas, bhang, or ganja, are abused throughout the country because it has attained some amount of religious sanctity because of its association with some Hindu deities. The International Narcotics Control Board in its 2002 report released in Vienna pointed out that in India persons addicted to opiates are shifting their drug of choice from opium to heroin. The pharmaceutical products containing narcotic drugs are also increasingly being abused. The intravenous injections of analgesics like dextropropoxphene etc are also reported from many states, as it is easily available at 1/10th the cost of heroin. The codeine-based cough syrups continue to be diverted from the domestic market for abuse

Drug abuse is a complex phenomenon, which has various social, cultural, biological, geographical, historical and economic aspects. The disintegration of the old joint family system, absence of parental love and care in modern families where both parents are working, decline of old religious and moral values etc lead to a rise in the number of drug addicts who take drugs to escape hard realities of life. Drug use, misuse or abuse is also primarily due to the nature of the drug abused, the personality of the individual and the addict's immediate environment. The processes of industrialization, urbanization and migration have led to loosening of the traditional methods of social control rendering an individual vulnerable to the stresses and strains of modern life. The fast changing social milieu, among other factors, is mainly contributing to the proliferation of drug abuse, both of traditional and of new psychoactive substances. The introduction of synthetic drugs and intravenous drug use leading to HIV/AIDS has added a new dimension to the problem, especially in the Northeast states of the country.

Drug abuse has led to a detrimental impact on the society. It has led to increase in the crime rate. Addicts resort to crime to pay for their drugs. Drugs remove inhibition and impair judgment egging one on to commit offences. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and impulsive murders increase with drug abuse. Apart from affecting the financial stability, addiction increases conflicts and causes untold emotional pain for every member of the family. With most drug users being in the productive age group of 18-35 years, the loss in terms of human potential is incalculable. The damage to the physical, psychological, moral and intellectual growth of the youth is very high. Adolescent drug abuse is one of the major areas of concern in adolescent and young people's behavior. It is estimated that, in India, by the time most boys reach the ninth grade, about 50 percent of them have tried at least one of the gateway drugs. However, there is a wide regional variation across states in term of the incidence of the substance abuse. For example, a larger proportion of teens in West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh use gateway drugs (about 60 percent in both the states) than Uttar Pradesh or Haryana (around 35 percent). Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community burdening the health care system further. Women in India face greater problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden. Eighty seven per cent of addicts being treated in a de-addiction center run by the Delhi police acknowledged being violent with family members. Most of the domestic violence is directed against women and occurs in the context of demands for money to buy drugs. At the national level, drug abuse is intrinsically linked with racketeering, conspiracy, corruption, illegal money transfers, terrorism and violence threatening the very stability of governments.

India has braced itself to face the menace of drug trafficking both at the national and international levels. Several measures involving innovative changes in enforcement, legal and judicial systems have been brought into effect. The introduction of death penalty for drug-related offences has been a major deterrent. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, were enacted with stringent provisions to curb this menace. The Act envisages a minimum term of 10 years imprisonment extendable to 20 years and fine of Rs. 1 lakh extendable up to Rs. 2 lakhs for the offenders. The Act has been further amended by making provisions for the forfeiture of properties derived from illicit drugs trafficking. Comprehensive strategy involving specific programmes to bring about an overall reduction in use of drugs has been evolved by the various government agencies and NGOs and is further supplemented by measures like education, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programmes. India has bilateral agreements on drug trafficking with 13 countries, including Pakistan and Burma. Prior to 1999, extradition between India and the United States occurred under the auspices of a 1931 treaty signed by the United States and the United Kingdom, which was made applicable to India in 1942. However, a new extradition treaty between India and the United States entered into force in July 1999. A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty was signed by India and the United States in October 2001. India also is signatory to the following treaties and conventions:

·         1961 U.N. Convention on Narcotic Drugs

·         1971 U.N. Convention on Psychotropic Substances

·         1988 U.N. Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

·         2000 Transnational Crime Convention

The spread and entrenchment of drug abuse needs to be prevented, as the cost to the people, environment and economy will be colossal. The unseemly spectacle of unkempt drug abusers dotting lanes and by lanes, cinema halls and other public places should be enough to goad the authorities to act fast to remove the scourge of this social evil. Moreover, the spread of such reprehensible habits among the relatively young segment of society ought to be arrested at all cost. There is a need for the government enforcement agencies, the non-governmental philanthropic agencies, and others to collaborate and supplement each other's efforts for a solution to the problem of drug addiction through education and legal actions.

Practically every country has its own substance abuse problem to face.

Topics Mental & Emotional Health Abuse Addiction ADD / ADHD Anxiety Autism / Learning Disorders Bipolar Disorder Depression Eating Disorders Emotional Health Emotional Skills Toolkit Grief & Loss Schizophrenia Stress Suicide Prevention Trauma / Disaster Recovery Family & Relationships Parenting & Family Relationship Help Childhood Challenges Healthy Living Eating & Diet Sleep Mind, Body & Spirit Work & Career Seniors & Aging Aging Well Alzheimer's / Dementia Caregiving & Housing Email: Home About Us Thanks Contact Us Stay Connected Newsletter www.Helpguide.org Reprinted with permission for personal or non-profit use. Visit www.helpguide.org to see the article with links to related articles.  © Helpguide.org. All rights reserved. This material is for information and support; not a substitute for professional advice. Drug Abuse and Addiction Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drug Problems and Substance Abuse Share RSS Are you struggling with a drug problem that’s spiraled out of control? If so, you may feel isolated, helpless, or ashamed. Or perhaps you’re worried about a friend or family member’s drug use. In either case, you’re not alone. Addiction is a problem that many people face. The good news is that you or your loved one can get better. There is hope—no matter how bad the substance abuse problem and no matter how powerless you feel. Learning about the nature of addiction—how it develops, what it looks like, and why it has such a powerful hold—will give you a better understanding of the problem and how to deal with it. In This Article: Understanding addiction Effects of drug abuse and addiction Signs and symptoms Warning signs in others Drug addiction and denial Getting help for drug abuse and addiction When a loved one has a drug problem Related links Print  Authors Text Size Understanding drug addiction Other common addictions: Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse Smoking Gambling Addiction Internet Addiction Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. Why continue doing something that’s hurting you? Why is it so hard to stop? The answer lies in the brain. Repeated drug use alters the brain—causing long-lasting changes to the way it looks and functions. These brain changes interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal without drugs. These changes are also responsible, in large part, for the drug cravings and compulsion to use that make addiction so powerful. How addiction develops The path to drug addiction starts with experimentation. You or your loved one may have tried drugs out of curiosity, because friends were doing it, or in an effort to erase another problem. At first, the substance seems to solve the problem or make life better, so you use the drug more and more. But as the addiction progresses, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important and your ability to stop using is compromised. What begins as a voluntary choice turns into a physical and psychological need. The good news is that drug addiction is treatable. With treatment and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of addiction and regain control of your life. 5 Myths about Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. MYTH 2: Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it. Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that doesn’t mean you’re a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments. MYTH 3: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better. Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process—and the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat. Don’t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all. MYTH 4: You can’t force someone into treatment; they have to want help. Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change. MYTH 5: Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again; some cases are hopeless. Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that you’re a lost cause. Rather, it’s a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach. The far-reaching effects of drug abuse and drug addiction While each drug of abuse produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common. They hijack the brain’s normal “reward” pathways and alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory, and learning. Whether you’re addicted to nicotine, alcohol, heroin, Xanax, speed, or Vicodin, the effect on the brain is the same: an uncontrollable craving to use that is more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even your own health and happiness. Using drugs as an escape: A short-term fix with long-term consequences Many people use drugs in order to escape physical and emotional discomfort. Maybe you started drinking to numb feelings of depression, smoking pot to deal with stress at home or school, relying on cocaine to boost your energy and confidence, using sleeping pills to cope with panic attacks, or taking prescription painkillers to relieve chronic back pain. But while drugs might make you feel better in the short-term, attempts to self-medicate ultimately backfire. Instead of treating the underlying problem, drug use simply masks the symptoms. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life. Furthermore, prolonged drug use eventually brings its own host of problems, including major disruptions to normal, daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psychological, physical, and social consequences of drug abuse and addiction become worse than the original problem you were trying to cope with or avoid. Why do some drug users become addicted, while others don’t? As with many other conditions and diseases, vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person. Your genes, age when you started taking drugs, and family and social environment all play a role in addiction. Risk factors that increase your vulnerability include: Family history of addiction Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety Early use of drugs Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and drug addiction Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are the same no matter the substance. The more drugs begin to affect and control your life, the more likely it is that you’ve crossed the line from drug use to abuse and drug addiction. Unfortunately, when you’re in the middle of it, you may be in denial about the magnitude of the problem or the negative impact it's had on your life. See if you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. If so, consider talking to someone about your drug use. You’re on a dangerous road, and the sooner you get help, the better. Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of your drug use. You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex. Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.  Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends. Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction You’ve built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to with smaller amounts. You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. You’ve lost control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless. Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects. You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use. You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your life—blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia—but you use anyway. What drugs are most commonly abused and what are the signs and symptoms? Almost all drugs have the potential for addiction and abuse, from caffeine to prescription medication. However, the majority of non-alcohol related addictions are due to a short list of drugs including sleeping pills, painkillers, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. Click here for a PDF factsheet on the symptoms and effects of commonly abused drugs. Warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing drugs Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs: Physical warning signs of drug abuse Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain. Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits. Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing. Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination. Behavioral signs of drug abuse Drop in attendance and performance at work or school. Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors. Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies. Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities). Psychological warning signs of drug abuse Unexplained change in personality or attitude. Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts. Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness. Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.” Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason. Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use There are many warning signs of drug use and abuse in teenagers. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, sometimes volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse. Being secretive about friends, possessions, and activities. New interest in clothing, music, and other items that highlight drug use. Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around. Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school. Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions. Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, or depressed. Using incense, perfume, or air freshener to hide the smell of smoke or drugs. Using eyedrops to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils. Drug addiction and denial One of the most dangerous effects of drug abuse and addiction is denial. The urge to use is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize the addiction. You may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs you’re taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control you have over your drug use. Denial is an unconscious defense mechanism. Minimizing and rationalizing the addiction is less scary than admitting that your drug use is dangerously out of control. But the cost of denial can be extremely high—including the loss of important relationships, your job, financial security, and your physical and mental health. Do you have a substance abuse problem? Do you feel like you can’t stop, even if you wanted to? Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use? Do you need to use drugs to relax or feel better? Do your friends or family members complain or worry about your drug use? Do you hide or lie about your drug use? Have you ever done anything illegal in order to obtain drugs? Do you spend money on drugs that you really can’t afford? Do you ever use more than one recreational drug at a time? If you answered “yes” to one or more of the questions, you may have a drug problem. Getting help for drug abuse and drug addiction Finding help and support for drug addiction Visit Narcotics Anonymous to find a meeting in your area. Call 1-800-662-HELP to reach a free referral helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. If you’re ready to admit you have a drug problem, congratulations! Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery, one that takes tremendous courage and strength. Facing your addiction without minimizing the problem or making excuses can feel frightening and overwhelming, but recovery is within reach. If you’re ready to make a change and willing to seek help, you can overcome your addiction and build a satisfying, drug-free life for yourself. Support is essential to addiction recovery Don’t try to go it alone; it’s all too easy to get discouraged and rationalize “just one more” hit or pill. Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from drug addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. Support can come from: family members close friends therapists or counselors other recovering addicts healthcare providers people from your faith community Recovering from drug addiction Addiction is a complex problem that affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming it requires making major changes to the way you live, deal with problems, and relate to others. It’s not just a matter of willpower or simply wanting to quit. Getting off drugs for good is difficult without treatment and ongoing support. The good news is that there are many tools that can help you on your journey to sobriety. Read: Overcoming Drug Addiction: Drug Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help When a loved one has a drug problem If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a few things you can do: Speak up. Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support. The earlier addiction is treated, the better. Don’t wait for your loved one to hit bottom! Be prepared for excuses and denial with specific examples of behavior that has you worried. Take care of yourself. Don’t get so caught up in someone else’s drug problem that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have people you can talk to and lean on for support. And stay safe. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. Avoid self-blame. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatment, but you can’t force an addict to change. You can’t control your loved one’s decisions. Let the person accept responsibility for his or her actions, an essential step along the way to recovery for drug addiction.  What Not To Do Don't attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach. Don't try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to use drugs. Don't cover up or make excuses for the drug abuser, or shield them from the negative consequences of their behavior. Don't take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity. Don't hide or throw out drugs. Don't argue with the person when they are high. Don't take drugs with the drug abuser. Above all, try not to feel guilty or responsible for another's behavior. Adapted from: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information When your teen has a drug problem Discovering your child uses drugs can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive. Five steps parents can take: Lay down rules and consequences: Your teen should understand that using drugs comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them. Monitor your teen’s activity: Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. It’s also important to routinely check potential hiding places for drugs—in backpacks, between books on a shelf, in DVD cases or make-up cases, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using drugs. Encourage other interests and social activities. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and afterschool clubs. Talk to your child about underlying issues. Drug use can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress? Get Help: Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or drug counselor. Related articles Overcoming Drug Addiction Drug Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help Alcohol Treatment, Rehab, and Detox How to Stop Drinking and Start Recovery More Helpguide Articles: Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drinking Problems Understanding Depression: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help Anxiety Attacks and Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Feeling Suicidal? Coping with Suicidal Thoughts and Help to Get You Through Related links for drug abuse and drug addiction Understanding drug addiction and its effects Addiction and the Brain's Pleasure Pathway: Beyond Willpower – Describes how the brain becomes addicted and why relapse is so common. (HBO.com) Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction (PDF) – Booklet on drug addiction, including its effects on the brain and new approaches to preventing and treating the disease. (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and drug addiction Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use – Covers physical and behavior signs and symptoms of drug use, as well as drug specific symptoms. (American Council for Drug Education) Substance Abuse Symptoms Checklist – Checklist of substance abuse and drug addiction warning signs. Also see signs and symptoms in teens. (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando Valley) Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use – Includes general signs and symptoms of drug use, as well as links to more detailed, drug-specific information. (Narconon International) Common drugs of abuse StreetTalk Pamphlets – Series of straight-talking pamphlets on the ever-changing world of street drugs. Includes articles on crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin, and club drugs, among others. (Do It Now Foundation) Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction (PDF) – Government guide to the growing problem of nonmedical use or abuse of prescription drugs. (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Drug abuse and drug addiction in teens and young adults TeensHealth: Drugs and Alcohol – Straightforward talk on drug and alcohol abuse in a question and answer format, written for teens. (Nemours Foundation) How to Tell if Your Teen is Using – Guide for parents on spotting the warning signs and symptoms of drug use in teens and how to take action to intervene. (The Partnership for a Drug-Free America)

Preventing drug use among youth works

Drug use prevention programmes are effective when they respond to the needs of a community, involve all the relevant sectors and are based on scientific evidence; effective programmes should also incorporate strong monitoring and evaluation components. Such programmes are also cost effective. It has been shown that, for every dollar spent, good programmes for the prevention of drug use among youth can save up to 10 dollars!

UNODC has been working for many years to identify good practices with the help of youth and community-based organizations through two major projects, the Global Youth Network against Drug Abuse and the Global Initiative on Primary Prevention of Substance Abuse. With the help of other experts (academics, practitioners and representatives of U. N. agencies), we have identified what works and what does not work in different prevention settings.

Find out more below:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Families:

Evidence-based family skills training programmes have been found to be the most effective way to prevent substance use among children and adolescents. These programmes target the whole family and offer skills-building for parents on monitoring and supervision of children's activities, communication and setting age appropriate limits. Read more.

Schools:

Schools have been an important setting for UNODC to reach many children and adolescents with prevention activities. Evidence-based drug education based on life skills that offer personal, social, resistance and communication skills, as well as information about the short-term effects of drugs through a series of session offered by trained teachers. Read more.

Workplace:

UNODC has many years of experience in working with employers and employees together to develop and implement policies against substance abuse in the workplace. Such policies are designed to promote the health of employees by preventing substance abuse and assisting those with a drug dependence problem. .

Seminar convened by the stalwarts of the Temperance Movement in Kerala Late Mrs. Lakshmi N. Menon (Former Union Minister for External Affairs, Govt of India), Late Mr. A. P. Udayabhanu (Veteran Social Worker, who has also served as the Chairman of the Kerala Government Prohibition Commission) and Mr. Johnson J. Edayaranmula (Social Activist & Founder General Secretary, Kerala State Youth Council for Prohibition), seeking pragmatic solutions in controlling and preventing the increasing menace of alcoholism and substance abuse in the country .…... (more)

WHO Landmark Resolution on Public Health Problems of Alcohol The 58th World Health Assembly has called on WHO to intensify international collaboration in reducing public health problems caused by the harmful use of alcohol. The hazardous and harmful use of alcohol has now become one of the most important risks to health: it is the leading risk factor in developing countries with low mortality rates and ranks third in developed countries, according to the World Health Report 2002. While alcohol use is deeply embedded...... (more)

First United Nations Global Road Safety Week The First United Nations Global Road Safety Week, called by the United Nations General Assembly vide Resolution A/60/5, was observed from 23-29 April 2007. The Week, which focuses on young road users, was an historic opportunity to raise the issue of road traffic injuries to a higher level. During the week, hundreds of initiatives-Local, National, Regional and Global took place around the world. ADIC Road Safety Alliance (RSA) organized ….(more)

ADIC Road Safety Alliance (RSA) – Making a Difference ADIC-India has been actively involving in Road Safety Campaigns for the past several years, particularly focusing on Drink Driving. As Road Safety has became a priority intervention area, ADIC decided to give more emphasis on the topic of “Road Safety” along with “Alcohol & Substance Abuse Intervention” and established the ADIC Road Safety Alliance (RSA). And within a short period, ADIC RSA was able to make significant contributions,. ……(more)

UNODC World Drug Report 2007 Recognizing the importance of comprehensive, factual and objective information in the field of international drug control, the UN General Assembly entrusted UNODC with the mandate to publish "comprehensive and balanced information about the world drug problem" in 1998. UNODC has published such assessments annually since 1999. The World Drug Report 2007 presents the most comprehensive statistical view of today's illicit drug situation. .....(more)

International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking 2007 As part of the Commemoration of the UN International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, a week-long campaign was organized in Kerala State by Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC)-India, 20-26 June 2007, in association with the Regional Office of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare - Govt. of India, the Kerala State Excise Staff Association and the Centre for Adolescents & Youth (CAY)-India........(more)

WHO ADIC India Training Kit on Alcohol & Substance Abuse Intervention Natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, cyclones and hurricanes and human-caused disasters like terrorism, racial conflicts and war are striking with frightening regularity in various parts of the world causing large scale death and destructions. Studies and research has revealed that disaster survivors bear a substantial burden of mental health problems. Increased alcohol and substance abuse is a well documented co-morbid factor accompanying .........(more)

International Honours for India's Tobacco Control Efforts It was yet another global honour for India’s tobacco control efforts, when Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India was conferred with the most prestigious “WHO Director General’s Special Award for Tobacco Control”. The award was conferred in appreciation of the outstanding contribution of the Hon’ble Minister for the steps taken to safeguard future generation from the devastating consequences of.......(more)

A Proud Moment for India It was yet another proud moment for India and particularly for ADIC-India when its Director Mr. Johnson J. Edayaranmula received the prestigious Asian Award for Outstanding Contribution in the field of Substance Abuse Prevention along with His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapakse, Hon’ble President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The Awards were presented at a colorful function at the South Asian Conference on Substance Abuse Prevention ......(more)