“Just Say No to Drugs!”
OPAD is a member of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs and the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, OPAD is committed to promoting drug prevention campaigns and substance abuse prevention strategies. We recognize the importance of drug abuse awareness, addiction reduction, and youth drug education in preventing illicit drug use and promoting safe and healthy living.
OPAD PREVENTS DRUG ABUSE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
1. OPAD educates the public about drug abuse dangers and how they adversely affect personal, professional, and social well-being. Identify the negative consequences of drug addiction, such as its impact on mental and physical health, relationships, employment, education, and criminal behavior.
2. OPAD provides counseling services to those at risk of substance abuse, including those with a history of addiction, mental health issues, or trauma. Help them overcome their addiction and improve their well-being by seeking professional help.
3. A significant focus of OPAD’s campaign is involving local communities in drug abuse prevention through workshops, seminars, and training programs. Encourage businesses, schools, religious institutions, and other organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles and participate in outreach.
4. OPADs provide support groups for drug addicts and their families. These groups offer peer support, guidance, and encouragement to help people achieve sobriety and reclaim their lives.
We can prevent drug abuse and create a safer, healthier, and drug-free society by implementing these measures.
Consumption of Excessive Alcohol: Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
1. Impaired judgment and coordination
2. Slurred speech
3. Memory loss or blackouts
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Headaches and hangovers
6. Dehydration
Long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption include:
1. Liver damage and cirrhosis
2. Increased risk of cancer (such as liver, breast, and colon)
3. High blood pressure and heart disease
4. Addiction and alcoholism
5. Depression and anxiety disorders
6. Brain damage and cognitive impairment.
1. Driving under the influence of alcohol increases the death risk seven times. The consumption of alcohol in the United States and Europe contributed to nearly 28% of teenage motor vehicle deaths in 2019.
2. Alcohol consumption causes three million deaths annually. Every minute, six people die.
3. Alcohol abuse kills more people than tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, driving injuries, or violence.
4. The likelihood of developing alcohol dependence is four times higher in young people who start drinking before the age of 15 than in young people who begin drinking after that age.
5. Approximately 35% of people over the age of 12 who abuse alcohol also abuse illegal drugs at some point in their lives.
6. Among 15- to 24-year-olds, alcohol is estimated to kill more youth than all other drugs combined, making up the top three causes of death among 15- to 24-year-olds: motor vehicle accidents, murders, and suicides.
7. It is believed that if you consume alcohol continuously for a long time, you will develop high blood pressure, damage to the brain, liver failure, sexual problems, and certain types of cancer in your body.
8. Alcohol use contributes to 13.5% of deaths among young adults between the ages of 20 and 29.
9. As a result of alcohol abuse, many talented artists have lost their lives due to alcohol-related causes, such as liver failure, suffocation, and heart attacks.
10. Alcohol has a long history of harming people throughout history. Greek literature warned against excessive drinking.
At OPAD, we believe that preventing substance misuse and drug addiction is crucial in alleviating poverty through drugs prevention. We understand that drug abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities, and we are dedicated to providing anti-drug education and drug abuse prevention services to those in need.
Our drug prevention outreach programs aim to create drug-free communities and promote a drug-free lifestyle. We offer drug prevention education and drug awareness programs to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of drug prevention strategies. Our medication safety programs also focus on preventing substance use disorder and promoting substance misuse prevention.
One innovative approach that has shown promise in fighting drug abuse is the implementation of a harm reduction strategy. Harm reduction strategies aim to minimize drug use’s negative effects instead of eliminating them altogether.
This approach includes measures such as providing clean needles for intravenous drug users. It also offers medication-assisted treatment, distributes overdose-reversing drugs like Narcan, and offers education and resources on safe drug use practices.
By using a harm reduction approach, people with substance abuse disorders are given the tools and support they need to reduce their risk of overdose, HIV, and other infections. In addition, they are provided with resources and information on treatment access.
Harm reduction aims to reduce harm rather than eliminate drug use entirely, making it an effective and compassionate approach to drug abuse.
1. Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse starts by:
Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
Seeking intoxication every time you use
Abusing prescription medication
2. Avoid temptation and peer pressure. Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It’s often said that “we become most like those we surround ourselves with,” meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol, you are more likely to do the same. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug-free, develop an effective way to say no, prepare a convincing excuse, or plan ahead to avoid peer pressure.
3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without drugs or alcohol.
4. Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction. Several studies have shown that this disease runs in the family, but can be prevented. The more you know your biological, environmental, and physical risk factors, the more likely you are to overcome them.
5. Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and live a balanced and healthy life.
Develop goals and dreams for your future. These will help you focus on what you want. They will also help you realize that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.
Share these tips for avoiding and preventing substance abuse with your friends and family and promote a healthy lifestyle free from addiction.
Feel free to contact us if you need assistance
contact@opadglobal.org