International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking serves as a platform to raise global awareness about the dangers of drug use and the many devastating consequences of illegal drug trade. This observance emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and comprehensive strategies to counter drug abuse and promote a drug-free society. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking not only seeks to remind governments to adopt measures against drug abuse, but also to raise public awareness and promote individual responsibility among people of all ages.

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 1987 as a response to the escalation in drug production and trafficking. For Canadians, this observance holds great importance, as drug abuse continues to create numerous challenges across the country. From the opioid crisis to the rise in overdose deaths, Canadians are affected by the consequences of drug addiction and drug-related issues. The observance of the International Day serves as an opportunity for Canadians to recognize the importance of addressing these challenges, and to support the global effort to eradicate drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In Canada, the International Day is marked by various activities organized by the government, as well as non-governmental organizations and individuals. These may include seminars, workshops, public talks, and awareness campaigns in schools and universities focusing on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of staying drug-free. The involvement of Canadian citizens in these activities plays a crucial role in fostering community engagement, and in collectively striving towards a drug-free society. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on June 26th.

Facts about this day

• No one is immune from addiction; it afflicts people of all ages, races, classes, and professions - Patrick J. Kennedy, American democratic politician and former US representative for Rhode Island.
• Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Canada. Following the legalization of cannabis in 2018, the percentage of Canadians aged 15 and older who reported using cannabis increased from 14.9% in 2018 to 16.8% in 2019.
• Methamphetamine use has been rising in Canada, particularly in the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Donate to one of the many addiction and substance abuse recovery charities and safe injection sites in your neighborhood. All proceeds are used to help treat addicts who are looking to recover from drug addiction and return to society and safe needle programs help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
• Attend the World Drug Report 2016, which is organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, by watching the webcast online.
• Watch a documentary about drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Canada. Here are some suggestions:
  1. Cocaine True, Cocaine Blue - This documentary, directed by Eugene Richards, delves into the lives of drug users and dealers in three Canadian cities – Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto.
  2. OxyContin: Time Bomb - This documentary investigates the rise of OxyContin abuse in Canada, focusing on the devastating impact it has had on individuals, families, and communities.
  3. Fentanyl: The Drug Deadlier than Heroin - In this VICE documentary, host Ben Makuch travels to Canada to investigate the fentanyl crisis, speaking with addicts, dealers, and medical professionals.
• Read a book about drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Canada. Here are some suggestions:
  1. Canada's Drug Futures: Policy and Politics in the Making by Neil Boyd
  2. The War on Drugs: A Failed Experiment by Paula Mallea
  3. Canadian Cannabis Policy: The Impact of Criminalization, the Current Reality, and Future Policy Options by Jennifer Brown