UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
Project G86 : 10 Key Prevention Messages
1. Keep the door closed to drugs. Say "No Thanks"
Do not open the door to any kind of drug or substance use. Drugs are bad for you, your family, your friends and the society. When offered please say 'No Thanks' and feel good about it.
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2. Make the right choice. Say 'I decide, I wont take drugs'
Life is full of choices. Making the right choice is important. So, when making your choice, don't choose substances like alcohol or drugs that can ruin your health, your family and your future..
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3. There is nothing "cool" about doing drugs, most people don't.
There is nothing "cool" about taking drugs. Contrary to perceptions, taking drugs does not make anybody popular or attractive. Many people who take drugs, are deserted by friends and the society, eventually leading to complete loneliness and a bleak future with drugs being the only friend.
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4. Avoid Gateway Drugs like alcohol and tobacco. They may lead to harder drugs.
Legally available products such as Alcohol (beer, wine, whisky etc) and Tobacco (cigarettes, gutka, chewing tobacco etc) are also drugs. Known as Gateway Drugs, they are socially acceptable and easy to obtain.
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5. You never know when you get addicted. So don't experiment.
Nobody uses drugs to become an 'addict'. Drug abuse is a progressive illness and you don't know when you get addicted. You may begin by experimenting to feel good, to belong, to de-stress or feel more mature.
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6. When you feel low, look for good company and activities, not drugs
When you are feeling low or are emotionally disturbed, indulge in activities that keep your mind positively engaged and/or share your feelings with someone who can guide you correctly instead of offering you drugs for solace.
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7. Drug use may lead to unprotected sex and expose you to HIV.
Using alcohol or other drugs, clouds your judgement and may lead to unwanted or unsafe sexual activity. You become reckless and drop your inhibitions; seek sexual pleasures which could be unprotected because of lack of will or/and motor control.
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8. Drug addiction is relapse-able. Hence prevention is better than cure.
Prevention is much less expensive than treatment. Though treatment works, the success rate of people being completely cured is low. Four out of five people, who go in for treatment, never manage to kick the habit completely and relapse into abusing drugs again.
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9. Don't stigmatise the addict. Only proper medical and emotional support will help.
Drug addiction is like any other disease that needs proper medical care. An addict must be taken to a detoxification and rehabilitation centre. Treatment works but it takes time, patience, spiritual, emotional and physical strength on the part of the users and care givers.
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10. Talk about drugs. Don't brush the issue under the carpet.
Parents, Teachers and Elders should know more about drugs themselves. They should discuss issues around drugs openly, frankly and in a non judgmental way, in family, school and other community settings.
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