No place for drugs

On 26 June, WAGGGS calls its members to speak out, educate and take action for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year’s theme is “Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs.” Girl Guides and Girl Scouts play an important role in creating environments where substance abuse is not promoted by peers and the media. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organizes this annual event.

Drug abuse is a global phenomenon, with nearly 200 million people using illicit drugs ever year. Young people use drugs up to four times more than adults. Youth often experiment with drugs in response to peer pressure. But they don’t always know the dangerous side effects: health problems, risk of diseases like HIV and AIDS, and increased rates of crime and risky sexual activity.

For WAGGGS, adolescent health is a key area to speak out about. Girls worldwide say “Let’s talk about the danger of drugs” is one of seven adolescent health messages that gives girls the chance to address this important issue.

WAGGGS’ UN team, Vienna works with the Commission on Drugs and Trafficking at the UNODC. WAGGGS has also contributed to European Union policy on Alcohol Related Harm in young people.

The Swedish Temperance Guide and Scout Association’s ‘Living Drug Free’ programme motivates teenagers to lead an alcohol and drug-free life. The non-formal education kit contains 18 leaflets on different topics and comes in a handy rucksack. It helps leaders help children and young people avoid drugs. It is used by WAGGGS members in Sweden and is available for you to use.

The UNODC website has logos, fact sheets, and videos for you to use. You will also find a useful brochure (available in several languages) that explains the dangers of many popular drugs, and how to avoid peer pressure. The UNODC’s Global Youth Network also has ideas for taking action.

Here are some other ideas:

• Hold an art contest or concert, themed ‘Do drugs control your creativity?’
• Organize a community sporting event themed ‘Do drugs control your game?’
• Advocate for change - find out about national drug policies in your country. Get involved in discussions with decision makers and other NGOs on the issue. For example, demand that more action be taken against the illegal sale of drugs, or that more youth-friendly health and counseling services be provided.
• Make a collage or poster with examples of advertising on alcohol and drugs targeted at girls and young women. Discuss the impact this has on girls’ drug abuse and self-esteem. Use it to tell your peers why these ads are harmful and educate them about healthy lifestyle choices. Demand that your government restrict this kind of advertising.
  

Use the comment section below to tell us about your activities for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.