Pubdate: Wed, 27 Jun 2007 Source: Cayman Net News (Cayman Islands) Copyright: 2007 Cayman Net Ltd Contact: http://www.caymannetnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3700 Author: Simon Miller OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND DRUG TRAFFICKING Today the National Drug Council (NDC) joins with the United Nations and countries around the world to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. We at the NDC welcome this day as yet another opportunity to reinforce the message that illegal drugs have no place in our community and it is especially fitting that this message underlines the slogan for today's observance: "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs." The observance of this day is an initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which continues its anti-drugs campaign with today's launch of the new slogan. The UNODC will be using this slogan over the next three years to raise awareness on different aspects of drug control: drug abuse in 2007, drug cultivation and production in 2008 and illicit drug trafficking in 2009. The campaign seeks to inspire people and mobilize support for drug control and focuses on drugs that are subject to control as specified by three multi-lateral treaties that form the basis of the international drug control system. These illegal drugs include amphetamine-type stimulants, coca/cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics. The UNODC reveals that nearly 200 million people worldwide are using these drugs. Cannabis -- marijuana, hashish, THC -- lead by far with 162 million users. In fact, cannabis, which is common all over the world, is known to be changing. The drug's potency has been increasing over the years and there is evidence that mental health problems relating to cannabis use may be underestimated. The data also reveal that amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and methcathinone have some 35 million users and an estimated 16 million people use opiates --opium, morphine, heroin and synthetic opiates. Some 13 million people use cocaine. This clearly tells us that we cannot afford to relax or be complacent in our efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and use of illegal drugs. Based on empirical evidence, we know that no family or community can be safe when illegal drugs take root. We also recognize that drug control and drug abuse prevention require a community approach and the understanding of everyone -- parents, extended family, friends, teachers, the church and other community groups. In many ways, it requires that we be our brothers' (sisters) keepers. Fortunately, the NDC is able to work with a number of partner agencies that are able to provide many of the support services including intervention, counseling and treatment. We hope that by using this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as part of our public education programme, we can continue to gain support for drug control. Indeed this international campaign and this day allow us to remind our community of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society. We will be incorporating the UNODC's slogan into our own public education programmes. The NDC is preparing fact sheets and brochures for parents, teens and teachers on various drugs and their harmful effects. The NDC has information and resources that can help parents, teachers, and young and old alike learn more about drugs and how to stay away from them. I urge everyone to avail themselves of these resources. Not only do we continue to underscore the anti-drug message, but our efforts are also directed at pointing out healthy and fulfilling alternatives to drugs. In these efforts, we are particularly concerned that our young people make personal choices that leave no room to be tempted with illegal drugs. As we join the world community in the international observance of this day, I ask that we all continue to support the efforts that are aimed at drug abuse prevention and control in the Cayman Islands. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek