International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2014

Section 1
[dropcap]E[/dropcap]very Year, the 26th June was set aside by UN general assembly as an “International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking” to strengthen collective global action and cooperation in the fight against illicit drugs, an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. This year’s Theme is based on health: “Make Health Your “New High” in Life, Not drugs”. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the international campaign aimed at raising awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and especially to young people. The goal of the campaign is to inspire people and mobilize support for drug control.
The Global campaign reaches out to young people, who often talk about the “highs” induced by illicit drugs but may not be aware of the many “lows”. Illicit drug use is a concern because it poses a threat to their health. Negative effects vary depending on the type of drug consumed, the doses taken and the frequency of use. All illicit drugs have immediate physical effects, but they can also severely hinder psychological and emotional development, especially among young people.In Commemoration of this Year’s event, NUN urges the State Govt. to address the following points:
1. To Enact the Nagaland State Drug Policy
2. Make available the essential life saving drug “Naloxone” in Health Centres (both Private and Govt. set up) to manage Drug overdose.
3. To provide Drug User Friendly program and Ensure Quality Drug treatment programs at all levels.
4. Introduce State Level award presentation to individual for their outstanding contribution in the field of Drug abuse prevention and treatment.
5. Provide resources for prevention/ awareness, testing and treatment of Hepatitis C.
Section 2
Some must know facts about drugs
What is drug abuse?
It is a patterned use of a substance (drug) in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others.
Types of drugs and its signs of intoxication Heroin, Brown Sugar, Spasmo proxyvon, Relipen,PArvon Spas, Lobain: sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.
Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.
Alcohol: Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils.
Cocaine, Crack, Meth, and Other Stimulants: Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.
Depressants: (including barbiturates and tranquilizers) Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.
Inhalants: (Dendrites, Petrol and Polish, ink Removers) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; anxiety; irritability
Hallucinogens: Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion Significant changes in the person’s physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior are :
Physical Signs
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times.
• Unusual laziness.
• Loss of or increased in appetite, changes in eating habits
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
• Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Frequent rubbing of the nose
• Deterioration of hygiene or physical health
• Loss in productivity
Behavioral Signs
• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
• Change in activities or hobbies.
• Chronic dishonesty.
• Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude.
• Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Silliness or giddiness.
• Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
• Changes in friends; friends are known drug users.
• Unexplained need for money or items Drug treatment is intended to help the drug dependent individuals stop compulsive drug use. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, take many different forms, and last for different lengths of time. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment is usually not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and regular monitoring. Some drug treatment approaches available in our state are Detoxification, Rehabilitation, Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Support Group Meetings.
Section 3
Nagaland Users Network (NUN) is a drug users Network based on the principle of drug user-driven, peer-based; and operates as an independent State level Network for People Who uses Drugs (PUDs). NUN as the voice for drug users’ communities in the state, address issues of drug users and has no affiliation with any political organizations. NUN campaign for the up-liftment of health needs and constitutional rights of the most marginalized and discriminated community of the society, advocate and demand for an enabling environment for implementing evidence and rights based services and programs for PUDs in the state.

Nagaland Users Network (NUN)