1 March - International Day Against Drug Addiction

Annually in our republic 1 March is International Day Against Drug Addiction.

The problem of drug addiction is one of the most urgent for both health care, and for society as a whole. This is due to the dire medical and social consequences of substance abuse., among which in the first place are characteristic personality changes. Negative medical consequences include: the presence of a number of somatic diseases in patients, spread of HIV infection, viral hepatitis B and C, premature mortality. The negative social consequences of drug addiction include: low employment rate, high frequency of criminal behavior and convictions, violation of family ties.

In the Republic of Belarus, under the supervision of psychiatrists-narcologists, there are more than 15 thousand patients, who use drugs. Opium drugs continue to dominate among the drugs used, cannabioids, psychostimulants.

In recent years, the use of Spice smoking mixtures has become fashionable among young people.. Taking "Spice" leads to the instant development of drug addiction. At one- or twice using them, psychological dependence develops, and when used for 2 physical dependence develops for months or more.

At the same time, official statistics do not fully reflect the real picture of the prevalence of drug addiction. Some drug users do not come to the attention of medical workers and represent a hidden group.

Common signs of drug use and drug dependence are:

– long-sleeved clothes are always, regardless of the weather and environment;

– unnaturally narrow or wide pupils, regardless of lighting;

– detached opinion;

– often – sloppy look, dry hair, swollen hands;

– dark, ruined, "Broken off" teeth as "stubs";

– stooped posture often; slurred, "Stretched" it;

– clumsy, slow movements in the absence of the smell of alcohol from the mouth;

– a clear tendency to avoid meeting with government officials;

– irritability, harshness and disrespect in answering questions;injection marks.

Experienced drug addicts inject themselves anywhere, and traces must be sought in all areas of the body, not excluding the scalp under the hair, often, injection marks look more than just multiple red dots, but merge into dense bluish-purple cords along the veins.

People using drugs, mistakenly believe, that this will help them overcome a lot of problems. Ultimately, drugs themselves become a problem.. No matter how hard it is to face difficulties, the consequences of taking drugs will always be worse, than that problem, which a person is trying to solve with their help.

Prevention of drug addiction is the correct upbringing of children and youth in the family and society.. Not hiding this problem, and its wide publicity. Society must erect a barrier, which will be faith, love for loved ones and humanity in general, moral principles, honour and dignity, aversion to drug use, knowledge of the consequences of their use. Self-esteem needs to be developed in children and young people, self-preserving behavior, hobby, varied interests, love for the world around, desire to lead a healthy lifestyle, ability to think and defend one's point of view, the ability to make the right choice and, when necessary, say no.

The Republic of Belarus has clearly defined its position and measures in relation to combating drug use in full accordance with international recommendations. Primarily, severe legal penalty for possession, distribution and use of drugs. Moreover, ensured wide availability of medical care to individuals, drug users at all stages.