World Drugs Day 2022 – History, Significance and Insights

International
Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated on June 26 every
year. The day is celebrated to create an awareness and a sense of
responsibility among the people around the world. The day is commonly referred
to as World Drug Day.

Before
proceeding further let us know its history.

The
history behind International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

United Nations with a goal to make the world society free from drug abuse declared 26
June as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
through its resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987. Creating awareness about
illicit drugs and their effect on society are other goals behind this
resolution.

The Theme for International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022

The
theme for World Drugs Day 2022 is ‘Care in Crisis.’ As the world is facing
crisis in the form of war, energy, food and pandemic (Covid19), the theme
appears as the natural choice.

Significance
of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2022

Through
this theme, the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) gives a call to
governments, societies and other stakeholders to come together and save people
from drug abuse and drug use disorders.

The
UNODC has drawn data from its annual drug report to offer a solution to drug
problems around the world and ensure health for all.

Besides
other things, the day is also aimed at sharing data, research findings and
solutions and inviting the world to stay together in times of crisis.

Also Read

Alcohol Abuse – Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its Treatment

What
People Can Do to Fight Drug Menace

As
the world is facing a crisis due to war, pandemics and paucity of food, United
Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) has a great task to tackle the drug
challenges arising from this situation.

The
organization is playing a great role in championing the rights of people using
drugs and those suffering from drug use disorders.

People
can do their part by sharing data the drug situation. The types of data to be
shared are as follows.

• Health
  Risk
• Probable
  solutions
• Prevention
  (should be based on evidence)
• Treatment
  
• Resources
  to provide care

Before
sharing data, people should know the facts and only quote reliable resources.

Recent
Data on Drug Abuse as Per UNODC

As
per the recent projections of drug abuse for 2030 by the United Nations Office
on Drug and Crime (UNODC), the number of cases for drug abuse may increase by
+43% in low-income countries, +10% in middle-income countries and may lower by
-1% in high-income countries.

As
per the reports, the population of people aged between 15 and 34 are at a high
risk of drug abuse is likely to increase in the next decade. This risk is high
in low-income countries.

Direct
link to Download Global Drug Report

As
per the Global Burden of Disease Study, around 4,94,000 people died due to drug
use in 2019. Around 1,28,000 deaths were directly related to drug use disorder
while in 3,96, 000 cases indirect reasons were involved.

As
we have understood the history and significance of World Drug Day, we should
celebrate the day, and unite together to root out the menace of drug abuse.