On June 26, the United Nations once again observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This year marks the 25-year anniversary of the original establishment of the UN’s observation of the anti-drug day, and it was marked with activities around the globe all aimed at reducing the impact of drugs on the people of the world. UN Secretary-General called on the world’s governments, the media and civil society all to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use and to take steps to keep people from suffering the consequences of consuming drugs. The UN takes an intense interest in wiping out the plague of drugs on Earth not only because of the devastating effects on the individual, but also due to the fact that drug use poses a major threat to the stability and security of nations and carries the risk of undermining socio-economic and political stability and development around the globe. These purposes are right in line with the goals and intentions of Narconon International, and with rehab treatment centers located on six continents, they helped to observe the UN anti-drug day in various places around the world.
Washington, D.C.
The President of the United States holds his office in Washington D.C., but on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking another president was in the District of Columbia. Narconon International President Clark Carr spoke at a symposium in the nation’s capital. During his speech, Mr. Carr went into great detail concerning the many dangers of drug use. He followed this portion of the presentation up with extensive information about the effective addiction treatment solutions available in the many Narconon centers around the U.S. and worldwide.
Uganda
In this East African nation, a man who works as a secondary school teacher is also known for delivering Narconon services including drug education. He has provided these services to hundreds of people, but on June 26 he spent time with community leaders including the regional commissioner. Furthermore, he delivered a drug education talk to a large group of schoolchildren, after which the children signed a drug-free pledge. So impressed was he with the Narconon representative’s efforts to improve the community, that the commissioner extended his thanks to Narconon, stating his belief that if more people and organizations did what Narconon was doing, Africa would see the sustainable development that it so badly needs.
California
June 26 saw drug prevention and education activities across California. In Compton, south of downtown Los Angeles, a veteran Narconon drug prevention specialist delivered a talk on to 100 school children in cooperation with the L.S. County Sheriff’s Youth Activity League, discussing the ways in which drug use can destroy one’s hopes and dreams. In Burbank in the San Fernando Valley, a Narconon drug prevention group provided a local Kiwanis club with a seminar. Further up the coast in Santa Clara County, just south of San Francisco, a top drug educator spoke to children at the Alma Community Center, focusing on setting and pursuing goals in life.
South Africa
A Cape Town resident spent the day out on the streets of the city, handing out the booklet 10 Things Your Friends May Not Know about Drugs in an effort to educate young people about drugs by dispelling many of the common myths on the subject. He also interviewed youths he met with about their opinions as to why it was cool to be drug-free, to obtain material for an educational video that is currently in production.
Europe
In three European countries, Italy, Belgium and Russia, volunteers and staff of Narconon centers on the Continent got in touch with more than 5,000 people out on the streets. They provided the people with whom they met with anti-drug educational materials, as well as spending time face-to-face discussing the reasons why it is important to avoid using drugs.
All in all, the UN’s anti-drug day activities were right in line with the purpose of Narconon. The director of Narconon International’s outreach activities spoke about the topic, stating that the organization has the intention to work closely with groups ranging from the UN down to local churches, community organizations, schools and individuals in an effort to put an end to the scourge of drugs. If people around the globe make actions such as those that occurred on June 26 more of an everyday occurrence, it is possible to foresee in the near future a day when drugs no longer plague mankind.
To see the full releases on Narconon activities go to: