Sweta Jain, 24 June : The United Nations (UN), in its General Assembly resolution on 7 December 1987, resolved to commemorate 26 June every year as “INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE & ILLICIT TRAFFICKING”.
Drugs destroy lives and communities, undermine sustainable human development and generate crime. Drugs affect all sectors of society in all countries; in particular, drug abuse affects the freedom and development of young people, the world’s most valuable asset.
Just like everywhere else, the ‘City Beautiful’ of Chandigarh and its surrounding areas are also afflicted by the problem of drug abuse. It is a multi-faceted problem that demands a multi-faceted response.
There are two major complementary approaches to tackle the problem of drug abuse:supply reduction (controlling the manufacture, production, distribution, sale and illicit trafficking of drugs); and demand reduction (decreasing the inherent need for drugs in the society by raising awareness, forming anti-drug public opinion, early recognition of drug problems, and encouraging alternatives to drugs).
Accordingly, to commemorate this day and aptly focusing on the theme "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs” Drug De-addiction and Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER is organizing a number of activities which include interaction with the print media, and talks on various aspect of drug abuse through TV. The Department is organizing a day long exhibition on drug addiction in the New OPD Block of PGI on 26 June. Visitors will be helped on the issue with the help of videos, and informative literature. Experts will also be available for counseling.
Expert from department will also participate in an exhibition, and lecture cum interactive session with the ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police, Chandigarh unit) personnel on 25th June 2009 as part of this event.
The Department is also organizing a day long Drug Addiction Camp cum Awareness Programme in the Janta Colony, Nayagaon, on 28th June 2009.