How can we prevent drug use throughout the world?
- Countries can work in concert with the United Nations to reduce the demand for drugs by utilizing effective practices in treatment, law enforcement and prevention.
- Drug use itself should be targeted by educational efforts having a clear message of abstinence.
- The human trafficking and senseless violence practiced by the drug trade must be brought to light by journalists free to report on these tragedies.
- Governments, businesses and philanthropic organizations all bear the costs of drug use and, therefore, should commit to fund drug prevention efforts for the long term.
- Research should also be funded and continued to discover the best ways of communicating a drug free message and a positive attitude toward healthy lifestyle choices.
- Prevention education should always be sensitive to cultural differences and present as paramount the value of human life and the human right to live free from the bonds of addiction.
- Our world leaders must be educated about the vast societal costs of drug use and become a part of each country’s prevention strategy.
- Policymakers should be aware of the United Nations’ guidelines against drug use as well as their own countries’ acceptance of those signed treaties against illegal drugs and drug trafficking.