World Drug Day is marked on June 26 every year. Also known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this day aims to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drugs, notes the United Nations. History of World Drug DayIt was on December 7, 1987, when by the resolution 42/112. the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking to achieve a society free of drug abuse. World Drug Day 2025 ThemeThis year's theme is "The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention." This theme highlights the urgent need to invest in preventative measures to address the world's drug problem. It also aims to create a long-lasting resilience against drug abuse.ALSO READ: RFK Jr. Opens Up About Heroin Addiction and Calls for Focus on Prevention Importance of World Drug DayDrug abuse is a global challenge and harms individual silently. It is often the reason why families break and communities weaken. The impact goes beyond addiction, causing a lasting physical, mental, and social damage. Furthermore, ATS, also known as the Amphetamine-Type Stimulants are synthetic drugs that harm the brain, heart, and nervous system. As per the 2024 report by UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), number of people who use drugs has risen to 292 million in 2022, a 20% increase over the 10 years. Cannabin remains the most widely used drug worldwide, with an estimate of 228 million users. It is followed by opioids with 60 million users, ATM with 30 million users, cocaine with 23 million users, and ecstasy with 20 million users.READ: What Are The Most Abused Drugs In The US?The report notes that nitazenes, which is a group of synthetic opioids which can be even more potent than fentanyl, have recently emerged in several high-income countries, resulting in an increase in overdose deaths. Though an estimated 64 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, only one in 11 is in treatment. Women receive less access to treatment than men, with only one in 18 women with drug use disorders in treatment versus one in seven men. These numbers show why is it important to observe World Drug Day, so a society free of drug abuse can be achieved. Drug Impact On HealthAs per the notification released by Government of India on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025, here are the health issues that are caused by various drugs:Methamphetamine (Meth): A crystal-like drug that severely damages the brain and heart.Cocaine: A white powder that can cause heart attacks and strong addiction.Mephedrone: A party drug that leads to anxiety, confusion and heart issues.Hashish: Made from cannabis, it affects memory and mental health.YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: Matthew Perry Investigation: Can Ketamine Kill Someone?As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse's publication titled, Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction, people with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Furthermore, use of methamphetamine can cause severe dental problems, which is also known as meth mouth. The study notes, "in addition, some drugs, such as inhalants, may damage or destroy nerve cells, either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system (the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord)."Use of drugs can also increase the risk of contracting infections. The study notes: "HIV and hepatitis C (a serious liver disease) can occur from sharing injection equipment or from unsafe practices such as condom-less sex.40,41 Infection of the heart and its valves (endocarditis) and skin infection (cellulitis) can occur after exposure to bacteria by injection drug use."READ: Liam Payne Investigation: How Pink Cocaine Affects You?Drugs can also cause mental illness and increase the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or even schizophrenia,, as it can trigger specific vulnerabilities. It can also impact pregnant or breastfeeding mother and her baby could go into withdrawal after it's born. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).This year, not just with the theme, but with the campaign, "Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime", the aim is to highlight the long-term action to break the cycle of drug abuse and its illicit trafficking by addressing root causes, investing in prevention, and building stronger health, education, and social systems.READ MORE: National Anti-Drug Addiction Day 2024: Reintegrating In Society After Rehab
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