&w=3840&q=100)
International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: Date, theme, and why it matters
Every year on 26 June, the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking—also known as 'World Drug Day'—to raise awareness of the global drug crisis and promote multilateral action toward prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
History & Theme
On December 7, 1987, the General Assembly of the United Nations set aside the 26th day of June of each year as International Day Against Illicit Trafficking of Drugs and other Substances of Abuse to be observed worldwide.
The theme for 2025, Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime, emphasises the significance of focused long-term action to disrupt the link between drug trafficking and organised crime, both of which fuel violence, corruption, and instability across regions.
'Prevention and preparedness are how we break the cycle of organized crime.' @GhadaFathiWaly calls for the critical need to #InvestInPrevention, to protect people from drug use and empower communities to live in safety and dignity. #WorldDrugDay pic.twitter.com/GoZviVutAV
— UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) June 26, 2025
Organiser & Purpose
Drug use: Global numbers from WHO
WHO's data paints a stark picture:
In 2022, 292 million people (5.6% of those aged 15–64) used illicit drugs at least once.
64 million individuals suffered from drug use disorders.
In 2021, 296 million people used psychoactive substances, and around 600,000 lives were lost annually, primarily due to opioid overdoses.
Approximately 14.8 million people inject drugs, with high HIV (15.2%) and hepatitis C (38.8%) prevalence.
The global burden of drug use can cost up to 2% of a country's GDP, draining healthcare, legal, and social systems.
International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: Significance
This day aims to:
De-stigmatize drug dependence and treat it as a chronic medical condition.
Expand affordable and evidence-based treatment services.
Strengthen harm reduction strategies like needle exchange, opioid substitution therapy, and naloxone access.
Foster international cooperation to combat organized crime linked to illicit trafficking.
Looking forward
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.5—which calls for strengthening prevention and treatment of substance abuse—requires robust investments in healthcare, education, and community-led solutions. WHO continues to guide nations with tools, technical support, and initiatives like SAFER to reduce substance-related harm.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cases of substance abuse among women surge; it's matter of concern, say experts
Lucknow: A concerning trend has unfolded as substance use among women has shown a steady increase, prompting experts to sound the alarm on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Prof Adarsh Tripathi from the psychiatry department at KGMU said over the past 8-10 years, addiction among women has rapidly increased. According to the 2019 report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and AIIMS New Delhi, 1.6% of Indian women use alcohol, 0.26% use opioids, 0.34% use cannabis, and 8.9% use tobacco — mostly in smokeless forms. These numbers rose compared to earlier data, showing a growing problem. Prof Tripathi explained that around 2000, fewer than 2-3% of women in India used substances. By 2015, a survey found nearly 7% of women were using some substance. A recent govt data confirms that the trend is rising. In Uttar Pradesh, the NFHS-5 survey shows that 16.6% of women use tobacco, much higher than the national average. Alcohol use among women in UP is 0.4%, but given the large population, this still means many women need help. The most common substances used by women are alcohol, tobacco, sleeping pills and cannabis. One worrying pattern seen in women is the "telescoping effect", where they become addicted more quickly than men once they start using substances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "Women become addicted in 4-5 years while the average time for men is 10 years," he said. Women also tend to use multiple substances together more often than men. They usually begin using substances after age 20, often between 25-30 years, and the reasons are often emotional—such as abuse, neglect, financial troubles, and stress from marriage or violence. Prof Pawan Kumar, another psychiatrist at KGMU, said many women begin using drugs with prescription medicines and then shift to alcohol or other drugs. Young women are also often introduced to substance use by male partners. Prof Sumit Rungta, head of the gastroenterology department, said the harmful effects of substances — like liver disease, cancers, nerve damage and anaemia — appear more quickly in women. Experts warn that substance use among women will likely keep increasing due to changing lifestyles, urban living, growing freedom, and media most de-addiction centres are designed for men. Experts say UP needs treatment centres that support women, offer mental health care, childcare, and reduce the social shame that stops many women from seeking help. Prof Tripathi also pointed out that films and social media often show substance use as normal or glamorous, which can influence young minds.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Legal awareness camps against drug abuse
Panchkula: On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a series of legal awareness camps were organised across various locations in Panchkula district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aparna Bhardwaj, chief judicial magistrate and secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Panchkula, said the purpose of these awareness camps was to educate the public — particularly the youth — on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the legal consequences of drug trafficking. Camps were organised in both urban and rural areas to ensure maximum outreach. One such camp was conducted in Joluwal village near Pinjore, where DLSA panel advocate Ashish led an informative session. He interacted with villagers, raising awareness about the dangers of drug use, the legal ramifications, and the importance of seeking timely assistance. Another awareness camp was held at the children care institution (CCI) 'Aashiana' in Sector 16, Panchkula. Advocate Sumita Walia addressed the children and staff, highlighting the risks associated with drug addiction and informing them about the legal remedies and support systems available through legal services authorities. At Government Polytechnic College, Morni, advocate Sandeep Rai Sharma conducted a legal awareness programme. Additionally, a special awareness session was organised at the de-addiction centre of the civil hospital in Sector 6.
The Hindu
43 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Slew of events mark International Day Against Drug Abuse in Kochi
The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Ernakulam, under the Health department, conducted 23 awareness classes reaching over 2,300 people as part of the State government's 'Lahari Vimuktha Keralam' campaign to combat the growing threat of drug abuse, in the six months leading up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday (June 26, 2025). A cross-section of society — including health workers, senior citizens, students, parents, teachers, and officials from various government departments — benefited from the sessions. Besides, informative programmes were held in collaboration with the Local Self-Government department and other community stakeholders, along with training for police personnel, school counsellors, and Nashamukth officers. The DMHP in association with District Medical Office (DMO) Ernakulam, National Health Mission Ernakulam and Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, North Edappally, organised a function on Thursday to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. DMO Asha Devi inaugurated the event. Daya Pascal, nodal officer of the DMHP, led a seminar on 'Drug Abuse Among Teenagers and Its Preventive Measures.' Students from SIMET Nursing School, Palluruthy, and Government Vocational Higher Secondary School performed an awareness skit and flash mob. The event concluded with a torchlight rally and a bicycle rally. Corporation's event Literary critic M.K. Sanoo inaugurated a youth-focused anti-drug campaign organised by the Kochi Corporation in association with the Higher Education department and the NSS Kochi Cluster. The Kochi City police, the Excise department, and various other organisations took part. The campaign highlighted the message of 'loving humanity and rejecting drugs'. Deputy Mayor K.A. Ansiya presided over the function. An interactive session was held on the topic 'Biology, Mental Health, and Chemical Drugs'. Excise dept. T.J. Vinod, MLA, inaugurated an anti-drug awareness campaign organised by the Excise department and the Vimukthi Mission. He called for concerted efforts from all sections of society to combat the drug menace. Deputy Excise Commissioner T.N. Sudheer led the awareness session. Mission Drug-Free India The Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive) (CCP), Kochi, organised an awareness campaign for schoolchildren as part of the 'Mission Drug-Free India' initiative at the Government Higher Secondary School for Girls, Ernakulam. Shaikh Khader Rahaman, Chief Commissioner of Central Tax, Central Excise, and Customs, Thiruvananthapuram Zone, was the chief guest. T. Tiju, Commissioner, CCP Kochi, led the campaign. School Principal Mini Ram and Jeo Paul Mampilly were also present. Anti-drug awareness seminar Additional Superintendent of Police M. Krishnan inaugurated an anti-drug awareness seminar organised by the Ernakulam Rural police. Earlier, he administered an anti-drug oath at the district police headquarters. Educational institutions Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, organised an anti-drug oath-taking programme under the aegis of the NCC. Students and teachers took part in an awareness rally through Kalady town. Students also staged a flash mob and distributed brochures carrying anti-drug messages to the public. Many participated in a poster-making competition. An anti-drug awareness seminar was held in association with the Kalady Excise Office and the Department of Sanskrit. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi campus, organised a human chain against drugs under the aegis of Amrita College of Nursing. Faculty and students from Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Centre for Allied Health Sciences, Amrita School of Dentistry, and Amrita School of Medicine, along with members of Amrita Nursing Services, took part in the event. T.N. Sudheer, Assistant Commissioner of Excise, inaugurated the programme. K.T. Moly, M. Sabitha, S. Rakesh, Sheela Pavithran, K.L. Ajee, and C.V. Vinayakan were present. Rally featuring schools Infopark hosted a series of anti-drug awareness programmes, including a rally featuring students from eight schools. Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner of Police P.S. Shiju inaugurated the event. The rally was held from Athulya building to the Infopark police station.
