Dealing With A Drug Addicted Loved One

It will be sad if any of your family is a drug addict. Here are some tips on what you could do to help them!

1. Love the person no matter what course of action you decide to ultimately take
Sometimes when you're down, all you need is some support from your loved ones. Perhaps they are thinking the same way too~

2. Let them get closer to God
Ask them to pray more frequently, but don't force them. Nobody likes to do things with force. This way, they could think better and decide what they should do.

3. Understand their problem and encourage them to find a solution
Try to figure out what is their problem exactly. Once you've found out you can offer help, but it's best if they get help from people who knows better or go to a therapist. But remember to let them know that you will always be there for them when they need you.

4. Tell them to never give up and keep their hopes up
Nobody likes to be hopeless. They always want someone to encourage them and stay on their side. Encourage them and never let them feel alone. Everybody loves a little company, especially when they are helping to solve their problem.

Now you're all able to save someone's life from drug abuse. Remember, the key is 'never give up' and,

Keep Hoping~

NO MORE VICTIMS, Stop Drug Abuse!

Here's a simple poster i made to show how much i care about the prevention of drugs abuse. I made it by myself with Adobe Photoshop CS2 on my dad's notebook because mine's a bit 'cranky' today
sorry if it's a bit crappy. most of my brushes and my fonts are in my notebook, so yeah here goes nothing~

Here is the list of misreable facts about drugs

• One in four US deaths is connected to alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use.

• Tobacco users run the biggest risk of harm, since the majority of those deaths—430,700 annually—are associated with smoking.

• Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 100,000 deaths annually.

• 16,000 deaths annually are due to illicit drug use, but this estimate is likely to be conservative as substance abuse is indirectly associated with deaths from diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, homicides, and other violent crimes and incidental injuries.

• Drug offenders account for more than one-third of the growth in the state prison population and more than 80 percent of the increase in the number of federal prison inmates since 1985

• More than 75 percent of domestic violence victims report that their assailant had been drinking or using illicit drugs at the time of the incident.

• By eighth grade, 52 percent of teenagers have consumed alcohol, 41 percent have smoked cigarettes, and 20 percent have used marijuana. WORLDWIDE!
  

• Men are four times more likely to be heavy drinkers and 1.3 times more likely to smoke a pack of cigarettes or more a day. Men are also twice as likely to engage in regular marijuana use.

• Heroin and cocaine account for about 70 percent of all drug cases.

Such a shame. Those poor people died like this --> and i don't want anybody else to follow them. Why do they have to choose drugs as a saviour for their lifes? There are more things they could've done! Let's make a change! Stop Drug Abuse!


Keep hoping, guys!

YAY MULTIMEDIA :D

Someone i know said that interactive learning is the best way to learn so yeah

Here's a video about drug abuse, a bit off topic, but still a bit cool.



And here's a commercial



a little intermezzo for you guys

keep hoping~

Organizations Taking Part in Preventing Drugs Abuse :)

well the title said them all, let's get going!

1. UNODC (United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime)


"UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. UNODC relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from Governments, for 90 per cent of its budget.

UNODC is mandated to assist Member States in their struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism.

The three pillars of the UNODC work programs are:

• Field-based technical cooperation projects to enhance the capacity of Member States to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism
• Research and analytical work to increase knowledge and understanding of drugs and crime issues and expand the evidence base for policy and operational decisions
• Normative work to assist States in the ratification and implementation of the relevant international treaties, the development of domestic legislation on drugs, crime and terrorism, and the provision of secretariat and substantive services to the treaty-based and governing bodies

In pursuing its objectives, UNODC makes every effort to integrate and mainstream the gender perspective, particularly in its projects for the provision of alternative livelihoods, as well as those against human trafficking."

So basically, UNODC is a United Nation organization which handles Drugs and Crime.

UNODC launches campaigns to raise awareness of drugs and crime problems.

On 26 June every year, UNODC marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In 2009, the campaign theme is "Do drugs control your life?"

Here is the list of the UNODC's themes.

UNODC campaign themes since 2000

• 2010 - Health is the ongoing theme of the world drug campaign.
• 2007-2009 - "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs."
• 2006 - "Value yourself...make healthy choices"
• 2005- "Drugs is not child's play"
• 2004 - "Drugs: treatment works"
• 2003 - "Let's talk about drugs"
• 2002 - "Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS"
• 2001 - "Sports against drugs"
• 2000 - "Facing reality: denial, corruption and violence"

And there are three drug related treaties that guide UNODC's drug related programs. These are: The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 as amended by the 1972 Protocol ; the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988.

These three major international drug control treaties are mutually supportive and complementary. An important purpose of the first two treaties is to codify internationally applicable control measures in order to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific purposes, and to prevent their diversion into illicit channels. They also include general provisions on trafficking and drug abuse.

"UNODC believes that people can do something about it"

That's a great slogan!

2. INCB (International Narcotics Control Board)

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for the implementation of the United Nations international drug control conventions. It was established in 1968 in accordance with the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. It had predecessors under the former drug control treaties as far back as the time of the League of Nations.

The functions of INCB are laid down in the following treaties: the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988

Broadly speaking, INCB deals with the following:

1. As regards the licit manufacture of, trade in and use of drugs, INCB endeavours, in cooperation with Governments, to ensure that adequate supplies of drugs are available for medical and scientific uses and that the diversion of drugs from licit sources to illicit channels does not occur. INCB also monitors Governments' control over chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs and assists them in preventing the diversion of those chemicals into the illicit traffic;

2. As regards the illicit manufacture of, trafficking in and use of drugs, INCB identifies weaknesses in national and international control systems and contributes to correcting such situations. INCB is also responsible for assessing chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of drugs, in order to determine whether they should be placed under international control.

In the discharge of its responsibilities, INCB:

1. Administers a system of estimates for narcotic drugs and a voluntary assessment system for psychotropic substances and monitors licit activities involving drugs through a statistical returns system, with a view to assisting Governments in achieving, inter alia, a balance between supply and demand;

2. Monitors and promotes measures taken by Governments to prevent the diversion of substances frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and assesses such substances to determine whether there is a need for changes in the scope of control of Tables I and II of the 1988 Convention;

3. Analyses information provided by Governments, United Nations bodies, specialized agencies or other competent international organizations, with a view to ensuring that the provisions of the international drug control treaties are adequately carried out by Governments, and recommends remedial measures;

4. Maintains a permanent dialogue with Governments to assist them in complying with their obligations under the international drug control treaties and, to that end, recommends, where appropriate, technical or financial assistance to be provided.

INCB is called upon to ask for explanations in the event of apparent violations of the treaties, to propose appropriate remedial measures to Governments that are not fully applying the provisions of the treaties or are encountering difficulties in applying them and, where necessary, to assist Governments in overcoming such difficulties. If, however, INCB notes that the measures necessary to remedy a serious situation have not been taken, it may call the matter to the attention of the parties concerned, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Economic and Social Council.

As a last resort, the treaties empower INCB to recommend to parties that they stop importing drugs from a defaulting country, exporting drugs to it or both. In all cases, INCB acts in close cooperation with Governments.

Even the UN believes that EVERYONE's capable of making a change!

So, never stop believing and,

KEEP HOPING!

Coping with peer pressure

Peer pressure is the hardest thing when it comes to avoiding drugs. These are a few tips on how to deal with it :)

• First of all, you're not alone! You might think you're the only one who hasn't experimented with drugs. In reality, most young people don't take drugs. You're not alone and you don't have to take risks if you don't want to!
  
• Think about where you stand on issues like sex, drugs and alcohol.
• Prepare by thinking through how you want to respond and behave in situations where these things come up.
• Nobody should have to justify a decision not to take drugs.
• Whether you have a strong personal commitment, or just don't want it this time, your choices are your business~
• If you're offered drugs you don't want, say no firmly but clearly and without making a big deal about it. If they try to persuade you, humour can be an effective way to deal with the situation.
• Having the strength to say "no" can be hard. However, it also feels good to stick with what you believe in. Explaining to people in a calm way why you don't want to be part of something may earn you respect from others.
• Finding out about the different drugs, from the effects to the risks involved, can help you resist pressure. As your understanding grows, your confidence will too :)
  
• It's natural to want to fit in with friends. After all, nobody likes to stand out from the crowd for the wrong reasons. We need to feel that we belong. Still, although they may not show it immediately, your friends will respect you more if you're clear about what you want and what you don't want to do.
• It might not seem like it, but you're not the only one worrying about what other people think of you. Try to focus on your own opinion of yourself-in the end, that's all that matters.
• Peer pressure is often a way for people to seek approval for their own behaviour. Do you really want to get involved to help justify someone else's drug use? I don't think so!

So, what do you think? You don't need to use drugs, there are lots of other things to do beside it *like homeworks :p* ! Never give up, my friend. Don't just stand there, deal with it!

Keep hoping!

Signs of Drugs Use

Although there are certain emotional and physical symptoms of substance use, do not immediately assume that the person is on drugs. There could be other reasons why he or she behaves unusually, so don't just ask frankly.

Emotional and social signs

• Moodiness, excitement, anger, hostility, depression
• Constant lying and stealing
  
• Refusing to admit to the harmful effects of drugs
• Avoiding old friends or people who could confront them about behaviour changes
• Being secretive about themselves (like phonecalls, etc.)
  
• Having friends they do not want you to meet or talk about
• Being evasive about their whereabouts
• Loss of motivation
• No interest in everyday life
• Playing truant from school (skipping school, detention, careless about grades)
  

Physical signs

• Drowsiness
• Trembling
• Red eyes, dilated pupils
• Lack of interest in personal hygiene and appearance
• Slurred speech
• Loss of, or increase in appetite
• Uncoordinated movements
• Circles under the eyes
• Irregular sleeping habits
• Frequent colds and coughs
• Weight loss
• Sudden decrease in weight
  

images and informations courtesy of (UNODC (United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime) with edits by me :)

You should be careful when you see someone with these characteristics, but DON'T AVOID THEM! talk to them, nobody wants to be alone! Give them hope :)

Keep hoping, guys~

True Story

O. D.

A Story of Teenage Drug Addiction

by David R. Wilkerson

George had been missing for three days. His mother sat by the phone hoping to hear from the search party. Across the room the minister was breathing a prayer. George had been a member of his church, having started attending at the age of eleven. He was a quiet sort of boy who minded his own business - was moody at times.

At the age of fifteen he started running around with the wrong crowd. It was at a dance that one of his friends put a "joint" of marijuana in his hand and told him to drag on it. At first he was scared and refused. But when he saw everyone else doing it - he tried it. The smoke swirled through his head. In five minutes he was dancing like a demon -he forgot his problems - he even forgot about God.

The next day he wanted to try it again. Big thrill "great kick - really packed a wallop. This time it chased away the blues. That night he was deathly sick - head throbbing, vomiting - he had to have another joint of "grass." This was the first step toward a life of addiction.

He was now smoking one after another. Often six and seven at a time. But even seven joints didn't "bug" him any more. The pusher said he felt sorry. He pulled out a small cellophane bag containing a fraction of an ounce of pure, white heroin. "Just sniff it up your nose," he was told. "You'll stay high for two days. It's better - cheaper not habit forming. Marijuana is kid stuff. Try some "horse." He took his first free sniff out of curiosity. It was everything the pusher said it would be. He felt like a king - his conscience didn't bother him. He was fearless - he had a feeling of superiority.

The next day George was looking for another "deck" of heroin. It cost him a lot this time. Three weeks of sniffing was all he could take. The thrill was wearing off. His friends were all "skin popping." They claimed it was a quicker fix and that it conserved the powder. His buddies had "the works." When he first saw them "drilling" with the needle he was upset. It was his turn - but he chickened out. A friend drilled him. It knocked him out. When he awoke - he sat "goofing" for two hours.

It was soon costing a lot each day to keep him high. He could no longer borrow as he owed everyone in the neighborhood. He began to work "angles." He sold all his clothes at the pawn shop. Just twenty-two years of age - he refused to believe he would ever be a drug addict. He even hated the sound of it.

Just six months ago, George was forced to go "mainline" into the veins. Skin popping was no longer effective. After his first mainline injection, he knew he was hooked for life. He began to mug, break into apartments, steal, hold up taxi cabs - all for money to get drugs. He lost 30 pounds and was nothing but skin and bones. Two days before his disappearance - he mysteriously came upon a large sum of money. The last anyone heard of him - he was headed for Harlem to "cop" a full "load" of heroin.

Both mother and minister sat solemnly waiting. George had been gone for three days without leaving a single clue to his whereabouts. At this very moment the police were investigating complaints of a terrible odor coming from the roof top of a tenement house on Prospect Avenue, Bronx, New York. Three officers nearly fainted at the sight. George was lying on the roof top just left of the stairwell, dead. He had been dead for three days, he was naked and his body had turned as black as a burnt cork. Most horrifying of all, were the gruesome features of his face. The once handsome face took on the perfect image of an ape. An autopsy revealed George had died of an overdose.

It was late that same night when his mother was called to the morgue to identify him. The funeral will long be remembered. His body was wrapped in asbestos with only his face showing. The sealed casket had a glass covered oval cut in the top to enable narcotics agents to view the remains. Young drug addicts were fled past the casket and told, "This is how it ends." Ladies fainted - strong men were shaken - but the drug addicts were unmoved. Their minds were long since hardened to the truth.

This is a true story. I know the minister who buried him. Teenager - hear this - NOW! At the end of every sensual pleasure is a casket. The drug pushers are invading the land. They want their drugs in every high school - in every city, town and village. For some this message is already too late - you are hooked. You can be helped only if you are desperate. THIS IS THE WAY TO BE SAVED - "Confess your sins to the Lord Jesus with your mouth - repent and be sorry for all your sins - forsake your wicked way of living - call on Him and ask Him to come and live in your heart - feed yourself daily with God's Word and talk to Jesus."

"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season" Hebrews 11:25. Sin has pleasure there is no doubt about that, but those who overcome the temptations of this world will rejoice in everlasting life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord" Romans 6:21

"For the Son of man (Jesus) is come to save that which is lost" Matt. 18:11. Do you feel lost today. Confused about your future, sick of your sin, then turn to the Saviour who will answer you as you pray and ask His help.

Editor's Note: This tract was written in the early 1960's, but the events are as true today as they were back then. Drugs are still shattering homes and lives. Trusting in Jesus is the only way to overcome them - John 14:6.

It's such a sad story. Things could've turn out better than it happened! That's because drugs are not the right way! Remember, when there's a will, there's a way!

Keep Hoping, guys