2 minute speech on drug abuse

Speech on Drug Abuse in English in Simple and easy Words

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Speech on Drug Abuse: Drug abuse has become the most common thing these days and many youth are destroying their lives by getting addicted to drugs. It’s very important to sensitize our youth on the subject of drug abuse. They are ruining the lives of our youth and putting their future in a great darkness. The use of drugs is making their lives vulnerable and prone to destruction. Therefore, it becomes very important to raise awareness about it amongst our youth and prevent them from succumbing to it. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated annually on June 26th it serves as a significant platform for raising awareness and addressing the critical issue of substance abuse. You can even prepare a speech on drug abuse and deliver it on various occasions and platforms.

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Long and Short Speeches on Drug Abuse in English

For your help, we have posted below some short speech on drug abuse as well as long speech on drug abuse, which will give you a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and help you create an impressive brief to impress upon your audience and bring a change in society.

Speech on Drug Abuse – Speech 1

Dear Students – Warm Greetings to all of you! I welcome everyone to the school seminar hall.

Today, we are here to discuss about the fatal consumption of drugs and how it is destroying the lives of our youth. But before the discussion begins, I would like to deliver a short speech on drug abuse and would like to enlighten our students on this sensitive subject matter.

Drugs, as we all know, are an illegal matter which some people drink, smoke, inject or eat for the mental as well as physical effects that it leaves. There are several students who consume drugs out of fun or for various other reasons. People who deal in the selling of drugs create a network and mainly target students in order to make them addicted to drugs. Initially, the drugs are sold to the students for free and gradually when they get addicted to it, they start buying and consuming it. In fact, the students also eventually become a part of their network and start dealing in it.

It is observed that students start consuming drugs out of stress or unfair expectations of their teachers as well as parents. Lack of emotional support and disorder in their families make them vulnerable and increase their dependency on drugs. They use it in order to calm down their state of mental agitation. Other than this, it is poverty that compels some students to become a part of the selling and dealing network of drugs and derive their pocket money. Therefore, it becomes like a vicious circle of the drug addicted students from which they seem to find no escape unless the society comes for their rescue.

Sadly, the students fail to realize that the consumption of drugs has a severe impact on their physical and mental health, such as they start experiencing mental disorder, their intelligence level decreases, experience deadly diseases and untimely death. When one completely succumbs to the temptation of drugs, it gets very difficult for him/her to recover from its impact except in the centers for drug rehabilitation where they gain a new life, but which involves a high cost. In fact, there are many cases too where even rehabilitation centers fail because of the worst condition of the patients.

I, therefore, request all the students to refrain themselves completely from the consumption of drugs before it destroys their health, future and takes away their lives. Don’t even try to touch or come close to them. Drugs can even destroy a complete generation. So think wise and act smart. Shape your future which seems bright and full of achievements. The drugs that doctor prescribes to his/her patients must only be taken in order to combat a specific disease otherwise the government must take strict measures to ban its illegal trade in the market and save our youth from destruction.

I want to conclude by saying that drug abuse should be an absolute ‘No’ for all and I sincerely hope that our students will never ever try to consume drugs and will completely stay away from its use. Remember that our country needs you as you are its future and harbinger of progress.

Speech on Drug Abuse – Speech 2

Good Morning Friends – Welcome to the 77 th campaign for drug addiction ban.

It feels extremely great to see how the members of our organization are working hard in order to make every day count and reach out to the masses for spreading awareness about the drug addiction or drug abuse. Since day one and today it’s the 77 th campaign of our organization – we haven’t really ever thought that we will grow this big, i.e. currently we have more than 200 people working for us and have gained a mass appeal. The response so far has been really good and we have been able to transform the life of the people for good, who earlier have been living under the influence of drugs.

So today I would further like to appeal to the masses to refrain themselves from using drugs and live a healthy life. Drug addiction or drug abuse is described as an excessive dependency on a substance, which inevitably becomes the compulsive need of the person using it. This need becomes so compulsive that without that substance the person cannot live his life like a normal person does. And, when such a substance is stopped being available in the market then that person is believed to be suffering from substance withdrawal.

The addiction of drugs has become one of the serious social problems in many developing as well as developed countries and it undeniably proves to be the principal obstruction in the all-round development of the people, society, country and the world at a large. Our country is a progressing country and it is already afflicted with so many other grave problems, such as unemployment, poverty and illiteracy that the problem of Adolescence and Drug abuse makes the situation even worse here as it further makes our economy regressive by destroying the lives of its youth.

Even sadder is the fact that several drug addicts cannot afford to make a purchase of expensive drugs so much so that in the end they have to resort to such activities as theft in their homes. These people are not born thieves, but their addiction to drugs makes them heinous and propels them to commit crimes in order to feed their body with drugs.

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People can become addicted to drugs because of various reasons, some of which are mentioned below:

1. In order to de-stress themselves

When a person is under the influence of drugs, he/she forgets everything and enters into a trance-like state. However, it is only later that people realize that the use of drugs is only aggravating the problem and not really helping them in getting rid of the stress.

2. Out of peer pressure

Many times, people start taking drugs because their friends are addicted to them. However, once they start taking it, it becomes really difficult for them to get rid of this habit.

3. Style Statement

Many teenagers these days think that the habit of drinking, smoking and even drug addiction is what helps them look cool and create a style statement in the front of others. However, it’s only when these people get trapped in its vicious circle that they realize the irreparable they have caused to their lives.

Teenagers and every person for that matter must understand that the habit of drug abuse not only greatly affects their body and mind, but also finishes their bright future. So we should strictly say ‘No’ to drugs and save our lives as well the lives of our loved ones by spreading awareness in our surroundings.

Speech on Drug Abuse – Speech 3

Respected Principal, Vice Principal, Teachers and My Dear Fellow Students – Warm Welcome to all of you! Today, standing in the prayer hall I would like to take this opportunity to deliver a brief speech on Drug Abuse.

I request our principal and teachers to kindly allow me to speak on this subject as it is a high time to enlighten our youth about the dangerous habit of drug abuse. In the present times, there are many factors that push a man to resort to drug addiction and make his/her life miserable. The most glaring factors are rapid industrialization and urbanization, which have given birth to a new kind of behavior among the youth of today, i.e. individualism and permissiveness. People these days prefer nuclear families and in many cases both parents are working, as a consequence of which they become less forbearing in comparison to their previous generations. People are living their lives in isolation and avoid getting social because the stress in the modern times has become way too much to make them withdrawn figures in their personal lives.

In the end, such people become involved in the habit of drinking, smoking, drug addiction, etc. Besides, when a child doesn’t feel satisfied at home or when he/she is deprived of love, affection and care of his/her parents, a feeling of discontentment comes in and such children become prone to drug addiction and ruin their lives completely. What is more painful to see that if the drug addicted people are not allowed the use of drugs, then he/she suffers from bouts of depression, painful and uncontrollable convulsions as well as vomiting!

It is an obvious fact that the addiction of drugs is ruining the path of progress of many individuals and our nation as a whole so much so that proactive measures need to be taken in order to keep a check on this destructive habit of our youth. The most significant step in this direction would be about spreading awareness amongst the people on a national scale.

Our Indian government has in fact formulated various campaigns and even has been able to gain success in this direction. The individuals whose family and friends suffer from the addiction of drugs are requested to approach the rehabilitation institutions and camps in order to provide treatment to the addicts.

Drug abuse should not be tolerated and be completely banned as a taboo. However, it is not advised to torture the addict or treat him/her inhumanely for this habit because if you try and convince the person about its treatment then he/she may willingly choose to opt for it and get rid of this addiction by admitting himself/herself at the rehabilitation centers.

A person who has become the victim of drug abuse is forced by his/her bodily conditions to carry on with the addiction, but sooner they realize the bad impact of this habit. All that these people need is a helping hand and therefore we should provide encouragement as well as support to these people in making these addicts come back to their normal lives and lead a healthy life.

Speech on Drug Abuse – Speech 4

Hon’ble Principal, Vice Principal, Fellow Colleagues and My Dear Students – Warm Greetings to one and all!

Firstly, I would like to extend a note of thank you to our respected Principal and Vice Principal for gracing this speech ceremony with their presence and giving their approval too. And, to all the fellow teachers – as without your support this event wouldn’t have been possible. I would also like to congratulate our dear students for making the desired arrangement on a short notice.

The topic for today’s speech is Drug Abuse! I have chosen to speak on this topic because these days I observe many campaigns being run on Drug Abuse in order to teach the people about its ill effects. As a teacher, it also becomes my responsibility to help them spread the message wherever we can and most importantly beginning from our very own school.

Drug abuse is considered one of the banes of our so called civilized society. It has affected all the sections and regions of our society. People with the illicit use of drug are found everywhere, i.e. in urban and rural regions, among men and women, among rich and poor. But it is exceedingly practiced by our young girls and boys living in hostels in nearly all technical and educational institutions.

The grave situation of drug abuse is prevalent across the world and unfortunately our very country India is more strongly affected by it. Our country is a transit country because it is placed between the Golden Triangle consisting of Burma, Thailand and Cambodia, including Golden Crescent consisting of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran – the places where most of the drugs, chiefly heroin and opium are produced. Pakistan is undeniably the nucleus of the world when it comes to any unlawful activity and as far as the drug production is concerned – it is the hub. In fact, a big proportion of drugs go by India in order that it can be exported to other countries.

This happens through the network of drug mafia who further has connections with formidable smugglers as well as terrorists. In the process, unfortunately several young men as well as women become victims to this diabolic activity. Pakistan with the help of ISI is involving itself in a proxy war in the region of Kashmir against India through money earned with the help of drug mafia. Thus, terrorism and drugs share very strong connections.

This addiction to drug is so deadly that people fall prey to its use and become almost a slave. If a person doesn’t get its regular dose, then that person starts feeling a lack of it and becomes depressed with severe pain which even leads to a lack of sensation in arms and legs. Drugs are of various kinds, such as heroin, opium, charas, ganja, etc.

There are some injections too which lead to a state of severe drowsiness. In case, a drug-addict is not able to receive the required dose of drug when needed, then he/she would be ready to do anything for it even by resorting to unfair means, such as theft or may be hurting someone physically, etc.

I therefore request everyone to strictly say ‘No’ to drugs and get such people admitted to rehabilitation centers where their conditions can be improved before it gets horrible and proves fatal for that person.

Speech on Drug Abuse Faq’s

What is the topic of drug abuse day.

Drug Abuse Day focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug misuse and addiction.

What is drug abuse in the English language?

Drug abuse in English refers to the harmful and improper use of drugs, often leading to health and social problems.

How can we say no to drugs?

We can say no to drugs by staying informed, making healthy choices, and seeking support from friends and family when faced with drug temptations.

How to write an essay about drugs?

To write an essay about drugs, start with an introduction, discuss the impacts, causes, and solutions, and conclude with your viewpoint on the topic.

What is drugs summary?

A drugs summary is a brief overview of key information about drugs, including their effects, risks, and uses.

What is drug abuse in a short introduction?

Drug abuse is when people misuse drugs, causing harm to themselves and society. It's a serious problem that needs attention.

What are a few lines on addiction?

Addiction is a strong, harmful craving for something, like drugs, that can be very difficult to control. It can lead to serious problems.

We can say no to drugs by being strong, confident, and making choices that keep us safe and healthy.

Addiction is a powerful need for something that can be harmful, like drugs or alcohol. It can affect a person's life in many negative ways.

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Speech on Drug Abuse: Short & Long Speech on Drug Addiction

admin June 25, 2024 Speech 453 Views

Speech on Drug Abuse : Drug abuse has become the most common thing these days and many youth are destroying their lives by getting addicted to drugs. It’s very important to sensitize our youth on the subject of drug abuse. They are ruining the lives of our youth and putting their future in a great darkness. The use of drugs is making their lives vulnerable and prone to destruction. Therefore, it becomes very important to raise awareness about it amongst our youth and prevent them from succumbing to it. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated annually on June 26th it serves as a significant platform for raising awareness and addressing the critical issue of substance abuse. You can even prepare a speech on drug abuse and deliver it on various occasions and platforms.

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

United Nations International Day against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. It is observed annually on 26 June , since 1989.

Long and Short Speeches on Drug Abuse in English

Speech on Drug Abuse: Speech 1

Dear students – warm greetings to all of you i welcome everyone to the school seminar hall..

I, therefore, request all the students to refrain themselves completely from the consumption of drugs before it destroys their health, future and takes away their lives. Don’t even try to touch or come close to them. Drugs can even destroy a complete generation. So think wise and act smart. Shape your future which seems bright and full of achievements. The drugs that doctor prescribes to his / her patients must only be taken in order to combat a specific disease otherwise the government must take strict measures to ban its illegal trade in the market and save our youth from destruction.

Speech on Drug Abuse: Speech 2

Good morning friends – welcome to the 77 th campaign for drug addiction ban..

People can become addicted to drugs because of various reasons, some of which are mentioned below:

1. in order to de-stress themselves.

2. Out of peer pressure

Many times, people start taking drugs because their friends are addicted to them. However, once they start taking it, it becomes really difficult for them to get rid of this habit.

3. Style Statement

Speech on Drug Abuse: Speech 3

Respected principal, vice principal, teachers and my dear fellow students – warm welcome to all of you today, standing in the prayer hall i would like to take this opportunity to deliver a brief speech on drug abuse..

Speech on Drug Abuse: Speech 4

Hon’ble principal, vice principal, fellow colleagues and my dear students – warm greetings to one and all.

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Speech on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Every year on June 26, the world observes the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This important day aims to raise awareness about the major problem that illicit drugs pose to society.

You might wonder, why such a day? Well, this global observance encourages people to actively fight against drug abuse and illegal drug trade. It’s a day for everyone to stand together against a common concern.

1-minute Speech on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we gather for a special event, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This day is about standing strong against a harmful problem that hurts people and families all over the world.

Drugs are like a monster hiding under your bed. They seem fascinating, promising fun and escape from your troubles. But like the monster, they can hurt you, take away your health, happiness, and dreams. Drug abuse is not a game. It is a dangerous trap that can destroy lives.

People who sell drugs illegally are like the monster’s helpers. They make a lot of money while causing harm. This is called illicit trafficking. It is a worldwide problem that feeds the monster of drug abuse. It hurts our societies by increasing crime, damaging health, and breaking families.

We can also support those who are struggling with drug abuse. Show them love, and guide them to get help. They are not alone in their battle. Each one of us can be a superhero against the monster of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In conclusion, let us remember this day as a symbol of our fight. Let us stand together, learn, help, and fight. Because together, we are stronger than any monster.

2-minute Speech on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

June 26 is a significant day. It’s the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This day holds a mirror to a problem that impacts everyone, from children to adults. It’s about drugs, and it’s about the illegal selling of drugs. The United Nations chose this day to remind us all that drugs are a threat to our lives and our world.

Let’s first talk about drug abuse. This means taking drugs in a way that hurts us. Sometimes, people use drugs to feel better or escape from problems. But, these drugs can harm our bodies and minds. Over time, our brain changes, and we start needing these drugs to feel normal. This is called addiction. It’s like a trap that’s hard to escape from.

Then comes illicit trafficking. This is a fancy term for the illegal trade of drugs. It’s like a dark web, where drugs are made, sold, and bought. This network spreads across countries and continents. It’s a business that makes a lot of money by hurting people and societies.

But why should we care about this day? Because drugs are not a far-off problem. They are in our neighborhoods, our schools, sometimes even in our homes. They can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, or status. So, this day is about spreading awareness. It’s about understanding the dangers of drugs and helping those who are trapped by them.

So, how can we help? First, we need to talk about drugs. Often, there is silence around this topic. But, silence only helps the problem grow. We need to talk openly, without judgment. We need to listen to those who are struggling and offer help.

Lastly, we need to support the fight against the illegal drug trade. This means not buying or selling drugs. It also means reporting any such activities we see. By doing this, we can cut off the money flow to these harmful businesses.

In conclusion, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is not just a day. It’s a call to action. It’s a call to protect ourselves, our friends, our families, and our world. It’s a call to stand against drugs and the harm they cause. Because every life is valuable, and no one should be lost to drugs.

Speech On Drug Abuse | Drug Abuse Speech for Students and Children in English

April 9, 2023 by Prasanna

Speech On Drug Abuse: The drug is a substance that can cause the death of an organism if taken more than the dosage. It causes a change in the physiological and psychological structure of the organism when it is consumed. There are various mediums through which one can intake or consume drugs like smoking, inhalation, injection, etc.

In pharmacy terms, a drug is a chemical substance, that is typical of a known structure, which, when entering into a living organism, produces a biological effect. The other name given to pharmaceutical drugs is medicine or medication. It mainly treats cures or prevents a disease present in a body. Pharmaceutical drugs should be used for a limited time, or it may cause severe disorders if taken regularly.

Students can also find more English Speech Writing about Welcome Speeches, Farewell Speeches, etc

Long And Short Speeches On Drug Abuse for Kids And Students in English

In this article, we provide a long speech for students and children on the topic of Drug Abuse with about 500 words and another short speech with 150 words approximately on the same topic.

These speeches can help anyone who is looking forward to presenting a speech on the topic as mentioned above, be it students, teachers, or any other research person.

Furthermore, we have also included ten Lines on the topic and some FAQs to make the content clearer to our readers.

A Long Speech On Drug Abuse is helpful to students of classes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. A Short Speech On Drug Abuse is helpful to students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Long Speech On Drug Abuse 500 Words In English

Very good morning and a warm welcome to everybody present here today. Today, I will be talking on the topic of‘ drug abuse’.

The word ‘drug’ when it comes to one’s mind, is taken in a negative sense as it is often misused. If the drugs are used for serving a useful purpose, it could bring a considerable change in the lives of people.

The drug is not a dangerous substance itself. But people misuse it in many ways. It is highly dangerous and can cause serious health problems if one takes it on a regular basis. The drug has become a trend in today’s world. Today’s generation has become obsessed with following whatever is new or trending in the world. Such is the situation in case of drugs.

Pharmaceutical drugs are classified into the following groups that have the same kind of chemical structure, mechanisms of actions, mode of action of the same type of drugs, etc. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification is the most popularly used drug classification system. It assigns a unique code or the ATC code to each drug. The ATC code is an alphanumeric code. It assigns that specific drug within the ATC system.

Another essential classification system that is widely used for drug classification is the Biopharmaceutics Classification System. This system classifies the drugs according to their solubility and permeability or absorption properties.

There are also different kinds of drugs. Among them, Psychoactive drugs play an essential role. It consists of chemical substances that are very harmful to the human body. It has a high chance to affect the function of the nervous system of a human being. These drugs can affect one’s stability of mind, inflict mood swings, etc.

These psychoactive drugs have a significant impact on people. These drugs mainly consist of depressants, antidepressants, hallucinogens, etc. and have been proven extremely useful. It has also gained huge success in treating mental disorders around the world. The drugs that are used in a wide variety in the world are caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and many more. These drugs are considered to be recreational drugs. Recreational drugs refer to the drugs that are consumed for pleasure and not for medical purposes.

Abuse of such psychoactive drugs can turn out to be very dangerous to the entire humankind. It can cause psychological or physical addiction. All these drugs have tremendous side effects; these side effects can later give rise to several diseases.

Thus, the government has come up with strict rules and regulations regarding the production of these drugs. This industry is closely supervised, so the smuggling of drugs can be reduced as much as possible.

It is our duty as responsible citizens of our country not to misuse the drugs as it will cost us our lives and follow the rules and regulations of the government appropriately. If we see any such crime, we should immediately report it to the nearest police station.

Thank you, everyone, for your patience and for giving an earful to my speech. I hope everyone has a great day ahead.

Short Speech On Drug Abuse 150 Words In English

Good morning and welcome to everyone present here. I am here today to give a speech on ‘Drug abuse’.

The drug is not the kind of word that has an outstanding reputation of its own. It is mostly associated with spoiled teenagers or rich kids with a lot of money.

In reality, the drug has many positive sides. It is known to serve as medicines or medication of many chronic diseases. There are many kinds of drugs that help in the treatment of mental illness, depression, etc.

It can be proved to be equally harmful if it is consumed without the medical advice of a professional. It will not take long to convert the consumption of drug from an option to an addiction.

Thus, it is essential we maintain the balance and not consume drugs to destroy our own lives.

With this, I mark the end of this speech, thank you.

10 Lines On Drug Abuse Speech In English

Drug abuse or addiction is one of the most common chronic and compulsive disorder that often requires formal treatment.
Drug abuse changes a person’s brain chemistry, and the longer one uses it, the more damage they pose for themselves.
There are ample rehabilitation centres in most countries now to overcome the problem of drug abuse. However, people hardly go there for treatment in most cases.
There are some very symptoms like isolating oneself, spending time with new friends, losing job etc.
Drug overdose death rate has tripled across the world since 1990.
Most Americans between the age of 18 to 25 are likely to be drug addicts.
Over 15000 Americans died in 2017 due to heroin overdose.
More than 90% of people who have any addiction start from a very young age, before turning 18.
Drug and alcohol usage costs around $600 billion to the U.S economy each year.
In 2017 around 8,50000 Americans used heroin at least once.

FAQ’s On Drug Abuse Speech

Question 1. What is the function of NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)?

Answer: NIDA is one of the most famous scientific research institutes under the U.S department of health services. The institute addresses essential issues about drug abuse, drug trends etc.

Question 2. Where can I get data on drug overdose?

Answer: Data on drug overdose, addiction can be availed from various agencies such as NIDA in case of the U.S where they annually maintain reports od drug abusers.

Question 3. Why do drug users keep using the drug?

Answer: Being exposed to drugs for a very long time changes the brain’s power to get control over decisions, thus making it difficult to abstain from drug use.

Question 4. What is drug addiction/abuse?

Answer: Drug abuse is a chronic disease that changes brain circuits and is also responsible for other behavioural changes. Quitting drugs is one of the main problems of drug abuse as even with the strongest of opinions people fail to do so.

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Short Speech on Drug Addiction in English for Students and Children

Good morning all of you! Respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends. Thank you for being present here on this special occasion.

Drugs are chemical substances which have an effect on our body. There are two types of drugs, one is legal and the second one is illegal. The legal drugs are basically the medicines which we use in our everyday use for various problems in our body such as body ache, headache, etc. These drugs are to cure our body ailments.

Young people often start with just tasting of these drugs and then end up getting addicted to it. They do this due to various reasons. They consume it sometimes because of unfair expectations and stress. The drugs make them feel high and its after-effects are quite relaxing. But its effects, in the long run, can damage their brain, liver, etc.

Poverty is also one of the reasons behind this drug-selling network. Drug sellers target students and make them addicted to drugs. Initially, they give drugs to the students for free and once, they get addicted, they start charging them. They also target poor children and make them sell drugs in order to earn some money.

Drug consumption makes students mentally and physically weak. It also attracts various diseases. It makes students depressed and makes their recovery difficult.

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18 Best TED Talks for Addiction & Recovery

18 of the best TED Talks for addiction and recovery by healthcare professionals, athletes, a Fortune 500 entrepreneur, a former Miss USA, and more.

The best TED Talks for addiction and recovery , along with other powerful YouTube videos to play for clients in a treatment setting – or for yourself or for anyone who desires to learn more about substance use.

The following best TED Talks for addiction are entertaining, insightful, and though-provoking.

1. The 12 Steps According to Russell Brand (2018)

A 10-minute clip of Russell Brand’s interpretation of the 12 Steps . Humorous and honest.

2. Addiction: A Story of Stigma, A Story of Hope | Scott McFadden (2020)

This 18-minute talk delivered by Scott McFadden is one of the best TED Talks for addiction as it addresses stigma and sends a message of hope.

Excerpt: Scott McFadden is a Licensed Addictions Counselor, who also identifies as a person in long term recovery from heroin and other drugs. He shares a harrowing story of incarceration and a long journey to recovery while explaining the dynamics of addiction and the labels, shame, and stigma which have become the greatest obstacles to turning around the opioid epidemic.

He shows us the need to talk to one another to overcome the secret places where shame resides. This is a story of vulnerability and hope!

5. Addiction Neuroscience 101 (2018)

Approximately 25 minutes, an overview of the neurobiology of addiction.

4. Chris Herren Speaking on His Addiction Recovery Story | PeaceLove (2015)

A 17-minute motivational speech delivered by Chris Herren.

Excerpt: Hear former professional basketball player and motivational speaker Chris Herren speaking about his recovery from drug addiction. Since August of 2008, Herren has been drug-free and alcohol-free, and has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all other things.

5. Disconnected Brains: How Isolation Fuels Opioid Addiction | Rachel Wurzman (2018)

This fascinating 19-minute video clip from Rachel Wurzman is one of the best TED Talks for addiction as a biopsychosocial disorder.

Excerpt: Addiction to opioids is now officially a national emergency. But why are addiction rates spiking and what can we do about it? Neuroscientist Rachel Wurzman shares new research about how the brain reacts to opioids, replacing the sense of community and belonging human beings are losing. We are beginning to understand that solving the opioid epidemic will require us to focus on social factors surrounding those addicted.

6. Do You Have More Heart Than Scars? | Zackary Paben (2017)

A 17-minute inspirational talk by Zackary Paben.

Excerpt: How can resilience and interdependence impact the arch of our personal narrative to transcend from victim to hero? Since 1991, Zack has been empowering adolescents and adults as a mental health/recovery professional in a variety of modalities, including wilderness and residential.

As he continues to face his own visible and invisible scars, he innately has to acknowledge the wounds of others and encourage them in their own healing process.

7. Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong | Johann Hari (2015)

A 15-minute video from Johann Hari. This piece is somewhat controversial because it suggests that addiction is a social/environmental issue while failing to address the impact of trauma, genetics, brain chemistry, etc. This clip is an excellent tool for generating discussions and is one of the best TED Talks for addiction.

Excerpt: What really causes addiction — to everything from cocaine to smart-phones? And how can we overcome it? Johann Hari has seen our current methods fail firsthand, as he has watched loved ones struggle to manage their addictions. He started to wonder why we treat addicts the way we do — and if there might be a better way.

As he shares in this deeply personal talk, his questions took him around the world, and unearthed some surprising and hopeful ways of thinking about an age-old problem.

8. Great Leaders Do What Drug Addicts Do | Michael Brody-Waite (2018)

An 19-minute talk from Michael Brody-Waite, entrepreneur and addict in recovery.

Excerpt: This is my story from drug addiction and homelessness to founding and leading a company on the Inc 500 list. There are 3 principles that saved me from death and set me apart as a leader. They are small enough to fit in your pocket, yet big enough to change your life. The best part is that anyone can take these principles and immediately implement them after watching this talk.

9. The Harm Reduction Model of Drug Addiction Treatment | Mark Tyndall (2017)

This 17-minute video from Mark Tyndall about harm reduction and recovery is one of the best TED Talks for addiction treatment.

Excerpt: Why do we still think that drug use is a law-enforcement issue? Making drugs illegal does nothing to stop people from using them, says public health expert Mark Tyndall. So, what might work?

Tyndall shares community-based research that shows how harm-reduction strategies, like safe-injection sites, are working to address the drug overdose crisis.

10. How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime | Nadine Burke Harris (2015)

16-minute talk by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris on the impact of trauma.

Excerpt: Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain.

This unfolds across a lifetime, to the point where those who’ve experienced high levels of trauma are at triple the risk for heart disease and lung cancer.

11. Let’s Quit Abusing Drug Users (2015)

19-minute video clip about addiction and recovery reform from Dr. Carl Hart. He discusses drug use in the context of poverty, social injustice, and ignorance. An excellent video for generating discussion and one of the best TED Talks for addiction and policy reform.

Excerpt: Carl Hart, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Columbia University, offers a provocative, evidence-based view of addiction and discusses how it should impact drug policy.

12. The Merits of Harm Reduction | Melissa Byers (2019)

14-minute video clip from Melissa Byers about addiction, harm reduction, and recovery.

Excerpt: Melissa shares her family’s personal story of addiction and how harm reduction plays a much more significant role to recovery than people realize.

13. Nuggets (2015)

A 5-minute cartoon clip of a kiwi bird who tastes a golden “nugget.” This simple animation doesn’t require words to send a powerful message about addiction. Hauntingly accurate.

14. The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power | Gabor Maté (2012)

This 19-minute speech delivered by Gabor Maté is one of the best TED Talks for addiction.

Excerpt: Canadian physician Gabor Maté is a specialist in terminal illnesses, chemical dependents, and HIV positive patients. Dr. Maté is a renowned author of books and columnist known for his knowledge about attention deficit disorder, stress, chronic illness and parental relations.

15. Recover Out Loud | Tara Conner (2017)

One of the best TED Talks for addiction, this 10-minute video clip from former Miss USA, Tara Conner, is all about her personal experience with substance use.

Excerpt: Tara Conner, Miss USA 2006, shares her life-long struggle with addiction and what she has learned from 10 years of sobriety. Addicts are not bad people that need to get good, but sick people that need to get well.

In this challenging and at times humorous talk, she calls for a different response to the addiction crisis.

16. Revitalize | Living With Addiction | Amber Valletta (2015)

16-minute inspirational talk delivered by Amber Valletta.

Excerpt: Supermodel, actress, and fashion icon Amber Valletta opens up for the first time about her daily struggle of living with addiction.

17. Rewriting the Story of My Addiction | Jo Harvey Weatherford (2015)

10-minute video clip from Jo Harvey Weatherford about her personal recovery journey.

Excerpt: Jo Harvey Weatherford develops and implements drug and alcohol prevention programs on the campus of The University of Nevada. In this candid talk she discusses the importance of the stories we tell ourselves about our behavior, and how she rewrote her own story of addiction to alcohol.

18. The Stigma of Addiction | Tony Hoffman (2018)

This 15-minute video from Tony Hoffman is one of the best TED Talks for addiction. He shares about his substance use and stigma.

Excerpt: There is a stigma which many assign to drug addicts, even long after they have overcome their addiction. Tony discusses how his first time smoking marijuana led to his eventual drug addiction, homelessness, prison, and finally redemption.

For Families – The Island of Insanity: Navigating Through Loved Ones’ Addictions | Karen Perlmutter (2022)

A powerful 13-minute video for anyone who is traumatized by the addiction of a loved one.

Excerpt: With a master’s degree in clinical social work, Karen has seen first-hand that addiction is a tragedy with a profound effect on the family. She has ideas on how we can support families in combatting the devastating effects of this disease After earning her undergraduate degree through the University of South Carolina in 2003, Karen began working with teens and families through a therapeutic foster care agency. She pursued higher education in the field, earning her Master’s in Clinical Social Work at the University of North Carolina (Wilmington) in 2007, and continuing on to becoming a Licensed Independent Social Worker.

Karen has over a decade of experience working as a therapist with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in the treatment of substance abuse and mental illness, and has developed a particular interest in supporting the holistic needs of families who are affected by these struggles.

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Addiction and Recovery Information

10 Unmissable Ted Talks for Insights into Substance Abuse Recovery and Mental Health

Introduction.

In recent times, the global focus has been on addressing and managing substance abuse and mental health issues. TED conferences stand at the forefront of delivering actionable insights and practical strategies to help individuals in their quest for recovery and improved mental health. With invaluable learning experiences presented by some of the world’s leading experts in the field, these TED Talks will enhance your understanding of the subject matter and provide you with tips to take your recovery and mental health to the next level. Here are ten unmissable TED Talks to help you gain insights into substance abuse recovery and mental health.

1. Johann Hari: Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong

Johann Hari’s TED Talk offers a refreshing and informative take on addiction, forcing viewers to rethink the true meaning of the word. Hari delves into the scientific and sociological factors that contribute to addiction and discusses how re-evaluating our approach to addicts can lead to more successful recovery programs.

2. Kevin Briggs: The Bridge Between Suicide and Life

Kevin Briggs’ TED Talk shares the heart-wrenching accounts of his role as a patrol officer on the Golden Gate Bridge. Briggs provides unique insights into the field of mental health by recounting the stories of the individuals he has encountered and the importance of lending a listening ear to those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

3. Nadine Burke Harris: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime

Nadine Burke Harris’ TED Talk examines the long-lasting impact of childhood trauma on overall health and well-being. Harris presents the correlation between adverse childhood experiences and chances of developing substance abuse and mental health problems later in life. This presentation helps to expand our understanding of the relationship between early-life trauma and long-term health consequences.

4. Eleanor Longden: The Voices in My Head

In her gripping and educational TED Talk , Eleanor Longden recounts her experience with hearing voices and being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Through her personal journey, Longden sheds valuable light on the road to recovery and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and support in overcoming mental health difficulties.

5. Glenn Greenwald: Why Privacy Matters

Although not specifically targeted at substance abuse recovery or mental health, Glenn Greenwald’s TED Talk provides essential insights into the importance of privacy, which is a fundamental aspect of confidentiality in therapy sessions. This thought-provoking talk highlights the relevance of privacy in maintaining mental well-being and enabling personal growth.

6. Guy Winch: Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid

In this engaging TED Talk , psychologist Guy Winch drives home the notion of practicing emotional first aid. Winch explores the importance of taking care of our emotional well-being, just as we do with our physical health, to help prevent mental health issues and substance abuse relapses.

Do you have a loved one struggling with addiction?

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7. Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Brene Brown’s TED Talk delves into the concept of vulnerability, exploring its significance in human connection, empathy, and ultimately, recovery from substance abuse and mental health issues. Brown’s talk offers valuable insights on embracing vulnerability, allowing healing and fostering better connections with others.

8. Thomas Insel: Toward a New Understanding of Mental Illness

Thomas Insel’s TED Talk dives deep into the complexity of mental illness and challenges the preconceived stigma surrounding it. Insel’s presentation is a revelation for those seeking to enhance their understanding and empathy for individuals with mental health challenges and their families.

9. Nora Volkow: Addiction is a Disease of Free Will

In her riveting TED Talk , Dr. Nora Volkow, a leading neuroscientist, delves into the science behind addiction and the impact of drugs on the brain. By helping viewers understand the biological factors that contribute to addiction, Volkow’s talk works towards dismantling the stigma surrounding substance abuse and addiction.

10. Ruby Wax: What’s So Funny About Mental Illness?

In her humorous yet insightful TED Talk , Ruby Wax shares her personal experience with mental illness and discusses the importance of opening up conversations about mental health. Wax’s presentation encourages viewers to embrace humor in their approach to mental health and substance abuse recovery, fostering a more open and positive attitude.

These ten unmissable TED Talks provide a wealth of information and insights for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of substance abuse recovery and mental health. From exploring the science behind addiction to recognizing the role of trauma and vulnerability in recovery, these presentations offer valuable strategies and tips for making strides in the quest for improved mental well-being.

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Address to the Nation on the Campaign Against Drug Abuse

September 14, 1986

The President. Good evening. Usually, I talk with you from my office in the West Wing of the White House. But tonight there's something special to talk about, and I've asked someone very special to join me. Nancy and I are here in the West Hall of the White House, and around us are the rooms in which we live. It's the home you've provided for us, of which we merely have temporary custody.

Nancy 's joining me because the message this evening is not my message but ours. And we speak to you not simply as fellow citizens but as fellow parents and grandparents and as concerned neighbors. It's back-to-school time for America 's children. And while drug and alcohol abuse cuts across all generations, it's especially damaging to the young people on whom our future depends. So tonight, from our family to yours, from our home to yours, thank you for joining us.

America has accomplished so much in these last few years, whether it's been rebuilding our economy or serving the cause of freedom in the world. What we've been able to achieve has been done with your help -- with us working together as a nation united. Now, we need your support again. Drugs are menacing our society. They're threatening our values and undercutting our institutions. They're killing our children.

From the beginning of our administration, we've taken strong steps to do something about this horror. Tonight I can report to you that we've made much progress. Thirty-seven Federal agencies are working together in a vigorous national effort, and by next year our spending for drug law enforcement will have more than tripled from its 1981 levels. We have increased seizures of illegal drugs. Shortages of marijuana are now being reported. Last year alone over 10,000 drug criminals were convicted and nearly $250 million of their assets were seized by the DEA, the Drug Enforcement Administration.

And in the most important area, individual use, we see progress. In 4 years the number of high school seniors using marijuana on a daily basis has dropped from 1 in 14 to 1 in 20. The U.S. military has cut the use of illegal drugs among its personnel by 67 percent since 1980. These are a measure of our commitment and emerging signs that we can defeat this enemy. But we still have much to do.

Despite our best efforts, illegal cocaine is coming into our country at alarming levels, and 4 to 5 million people regularly use it. Five hundred thousand Americans are hooked on heroin. One in twelve persons smokes marijuana regularly. Regular drug use is even higher among the age group 18 to 25 -- most likely just entering the workforce. Today there's a new epidemic: smokable cocaine, otherwise known as crack. It is an explosively destructive and often lethal substance which is crushing its users. It is an uncontrolled fire.

And drug abuse is not a so-called victimless crime. Everyone's safety is at stake when drugs and excessive alcohol are used by people on the highways or by those transporting our citizens or operating industrial equipment. Drug abuse costs you and your fellow Americans at least $60 billion a year.

From the early days of our administration, Nancy has been intensely involved in the effort to fight drug abuse. She has since traveled over 100,000 miles to 55 cities in 28 States and 6 foreign countries to fight school-age drug and alcohol abuse. She's given dozens of speeches and scores of interviews and has participated in 24 special radio and TV tapings to create greater awareness of this crisis. Her personal observations and efforts have given her such dramatic insights that I wanted her to share them with you this evening.

Mrs. Reagan . Thank you. As a mother, I've always thought of September as a special month, a time when we bundled our children off to school, to the warmth of an environment in which they could fulfill the promise and hope in those restless minds. But so much has happened over these last years, so much to shake the foundations of all that we know and all that we believe in. Today there's a drug and alcohol abuse epidemic in this country, and no one is safe from it -- not you, not me, and certainly not our children, because this epidemic has their names written on it. Many of you may be thinking: ``Well, drugs don't concern me.'' But it does concern you. It concerns us all because of the way it tears at our lives and because it's aimed at destroying the brightness and life of the sons and daughters of the United States .

For 5 years I've been traveling across the country -- learning and listening. And one of the most hopeful signs I've seen is the building of an essential, new awareness of how terrible and threatening drug abuse is to our society. This was one of the main purposes when I started, so of course it makes me happy that that's been accomplished. But each time I meet with someone new or receive another letter from a troubled person on drugs, I yearn to find a way to help share the message that cries out from them. As a parent, I'm especially concerned about what drugs are doing to young mothers and their newborn children. Listen to this news account from a hospital in Florida of a child born to a mother with a cocaine habit: " Nearby , a baby named Paul lies motionless in an incubator, feeding tubes riddling his tiny body. He needs a respirator to breathe and a daily spinal tap to relieve fluid buildup on his brain. Only 1 month old, he's already suffered 2 strokes.''

Now you can see why drug abuse concerns every one of us -- all the American family. Drugs steal away so much. They take and take, until finally every time a drug goes into a child, something else is forced out -- like love and hope and trust and confidence. Drugs take away the dream from every child's heart and replace it with a nightmare, and it's time we in America stand up and replace those dreams. Each of us has to put our principles and consciences on the line, whether in social settings or in the workplace, to set forth solid standards and stick to them. There's no moral middle ground. Indifference is not an option. We want you to help us create an outspoken intolerance for drug use. For the sake of our children, I implore each of you to be unyielding and inflexible in your opposition to drugs.

Our young people are helping us lead the way. Not long ago, in Oakland, California, I was asked by a group of children what to do if they were offered drugs, and I answered, "Just say no.'' Soon after that, those children in Oakland formed a Just Say No club, and now there are over 10,000 such clubs all over the country. Well, their participation and their courage in saying no needs our encouragement. We can help by using every opportunity to force the issue of not using drugs to the point of making others uncomfortable, even if it means making ourselves unpopular.

Our job is never easy because drug criminals are ingenious. They work everyday to plot a new and better way to steal our children's lives, just as they've done by developing this new drug, crack. For every door that we close, they open a new door to death. They prosper on our unwillingness to act. So, we must be smarter and stronger and tougher than they are. It's up to us to change attitudes and just simply dry up their markets.

And finally, to young people watching or listening, I have a very personal message for you: There's a big, wonderful world out there for you. It belongs to you. It's exciting and stimulating and rewarding. Don't cheat yourselves out of this promise. Our country needs you, but it needs you to be clear-eyed and clear-minded. I recently read one teenager's story. She's now determined to stay clean but was once strung out on several drugs. What she remembered most clearly about her recovery was that during the time she was on drugs everything appeared to her in shades of black and gray and after her treatment she was able to see colors again.

So, to my young friends out there: Life can be great, but not when you can't see it . So, open your eyes to life: to see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to His children, to enjoy life to the fullest, and to make it count. Say yes to your life. And when it comes to drugs and alcohol just say no.

The President. I think you can see why Nancy has been such a positive influence on all that we're trying to do. The job ahead of us is very clear. Nancy 's personal crusade, like that of so many other wonderful individuals, should become our national crusade. It must include a combination of government and private efforts which complement one another. Last month I announced six initiatives which we believe will do just that.

First, we seek a drug-free workplace at all levels of government and in the private sector. Second, we'll work toward drug-free schools. Third, we want to ensure that the public is protected and that treatment is available to substance abusers and the chemically dependent. Our fourth goal is to expand international cooperation while treating drug trafficking as a threat to our national security. In October I will be meeting with key U.S. Ambassadors to discuss what can be done to support our friends abroad. Fifth, we must move to strengthen law enforcement activities such as those initiated by Vice President Bush and Attorney General Meese . And finally, we seek to expand public awareness and prevention.

In order to further implement these six goals, I will announce tomorrow a series of new proposals for a drug-free America . Taken as a whole, these proposals will toughen our laws against drug criminals, encourage more research and treatment, and ensure that illegal drugs will not be tolerated in our schools or in our workplaces. Together with our ongoing efforts, these proposals will bring the Federal commitment to fighting drugs to $3 billion. As much financing as we commit, however, we would be fooling ourselves if we thought that massive new amounts of money alone will provide the solution. Let us not forget that in America people solve problems and no national crusade has ever succeeded without human investment. Winning the crusade against drugs will not be achieved by just throwing money at the problem.

Your government will continue to act aggressively, but nothing would be more effective than for Americans simply to quit using illegal drugs. We seek to create a massive change in national attitudes which ultimately will separate the drugs from the customer, to take the user away from the supply. I believe, quite simply, that we can help them quit, and that's where you come in.

My generation will remember how America swung into action when we were attacked in World War II. The war was not just fought by the fellows flying the planes or driving the tanks. It was fought at home by a mobilized nation -- men and women alike -- building planes and ships, clothing sailors and soldiers, feeding marines and airmen; and it was fought by children planting victory gardens and collecting cans. Well, now we're in another war for our freedom, and it's time for all of us to pull together again. So, for example, if your friend or neighbor or a family member has a drug or alcohol problem, don't turn the other way. Go to his help or to hers. Get others involved with you -- clubs, service groups, and community organizations -- and provide support and strength. And, of course, many of you've been cured through treatment and self-help. Well, you're the combat veterans, and you have a critical role to play. You can help others by telling your story and providing a willing hand to those in need. Being friends to others is the best way of being friends to ourselves. It's time, as Nancy said, for America to ``just say no'' to drugs.

Those of you in union halls and workplaces everywhere: Please make this challenge a part of your job every day. Help us preserve the health and dignity of all workers. To businesses large and small: We need the creativity of your enterprise applied directly to this national problem. Help us. And those of you who are educators: Your wisdom and leadership are indispensable to this cause. From the pulpits of this spirit-filled land: We would welcome your reassuring message of redemption and forgiveness and of helping one another. On the athletic fields: You men and women are among the most beloved citizens of our country. A child's eyes fill with your heroic achievements. Few of us can give youngsters something as special and strong to look up to as you. Please don't let them down.

And this camera in front of us: It's a reminder that in Nancy's and my former profession and in the newsrooms and production rooms of our media centers -- you have a special opportunity with your enormous influence to send alarm signals across the Nation. To our friends in foreign countries: We know many of you are involved in this battle with us. We need your success as well as ours. When we all come together, united, striving for this cause, then those who are killing America and terrorizing it with slow but sure chemical destruction will see that they are up against the mightiest force for good that we know. Then they will have no dark alleyways to hide in.

In this crusade, let us not forget who we are. Drug abuse is a repudiation of everything America is. The destructiveness and human wreckage mock our heritage. Think for a moment how special it is to be an American. Can we doubt that only a divine providence placed this land, this island of freedom, here as a refuge for all those people on the world who yearn to breathe free?

The revolution out of which our liberty was conceived signaled an historical call to an entire world seeking hope. Each new arrival of immigrants rode the crest of that hope. They came, millions seeking a safe harbor from the oppression of cruel regimes. They came, to escape starvation and disease. They came, those surviving the Holocaust and the Soviet gulags. They came, the boat people, chancing death for even a glimmer of hope that they could have a new life. They all came to taste the air redolent and rich with the freedom that is ours. What an insult it will be to what we are and whence we came if we do not rise up together in defiance against this cancer of drugs.

And there's one more thing. The freedom that so many seek in our land has not been preserved without a price. Nancy and I shared that remembrance 2 years ago at the Normandy American Cemetery in France . In the still of that June afternoon, we walked together among the soldiers of freedom, past the hundreds of white markers which are monuments to courage and memorials to sacrifice. Too many of these and other such graves are the final resting places of teenagers who became men in the roar of battle.

Look what they gave to us who live. Never would they see another sunlit day glistening off a lake or river back home or miles of corn pushing up against the open sky of our plains. The pristine air of our mountains and the driving energy of our cities are theirs no more. Nor would they ever again be a son to their parents or a father to their own children. They did this for you, for me, for a new generation to carry our democratic experiment proudly forward. Well, that's something I think we're obliged to honor, because what they did for us means that we owe as a simple act of civic stewardship to use our freedom wisely for the common good.

As we mobilize for this national crusade, I'm mindful that drugs are a constant temptation for millions. Please remember this when your courage is tested: You are Americans. You're the product of the freest society mankind has ever known. No one, ever, has the right to destroy your dreams and shatter your life.

Right down the end of this hall is the Lincoln Bedroom. But in the Civil War that room was the one President Lincoln used as his office. Memory fills that room, and more than anything that memory drives us to see vividly what President Lincoln sought to save. Above all, it is that America must stand for something and that our heritage lets us stand with a strength of character made more steely by each layer of challenge pressed upon the Nation. We Americans have never been morally neutral against any form of tyranny. Tonight we're asking no more than that we honor what we have been and what we are by standing together.

Mrs. Reagan. Now we go on to the next stop: making a final commitment not to tolerate drugs by anyone, anytime, anyplace. So, won't you join us in this great, new national crusade?

The President. God bless you, and good night.

Note: The President spoke at 8 p.m. from the Residence at the White House. The address was broadcast live on nationwide radio and television.

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Attorney General Sessions Delivers Remarks About the Opioid Crisis

Raleigh , NC United States

Remarks as prepared for delivery

Thank you, Bobby, for that kind introduction. Bobby has been a federal prosecutor for nearly 24 years, and has helped prosecute a wide range of cases – from drug trafficking and money laundering to white collar corruption. He was also involved with the criminal investigation that returned an original copy of our country’s Bill of Rights to North Carolina – a full 138 years after it was stolen during the Civil War. Better late than never! Bobby is also a member of my Advisory Committee, and I am grateful for all of the work he does for me, for our Department, and for the people of North Carolina. I’m honored to be here with you all today to make three announcements about our fight against the opioid epidemic. But before I do that, I want to congratulate Bobby and AUSA Lawrence Cameron and everyone in this office on the conviction you won yesterday against a doctor who conspired to distribute oxycodone. Some of the numbers in the indictment are staggering. Four of the top 11 oxycodone prescribing pharmacies in North Carolina are all located in a town with 22,000 people in it. You did a great job of following the numbers to find evidence needed to stop a criminal from spreading addiction in this community. I just came from Columbia, South Carolina, where I met with our 94 border security coordinators at the National Advocacy Center. I told them that one of the reasons their work is so important is that most of the deadly drugs in America were brought over our border. I was pleased to meet with them, and I am pleased to be here with you. I have visited more than 30 U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the past year, and I’m always inspired to meet with the attorneys, investigators, and officers who are in the trenches every day making us safer. That’s why I want to thank all of the federal officers who are here with us today, including Michael Stansburg of the FBI, Brandon Bridgeforth of the Secret Service, Rob Murphy of DEA, Wayne Dixie of ATF, Acting U.S. Marshal Robert Pettit, and so many others. While we are inexpressibly proud of our fabulous federal officers, we also understand and appreciate the fact that 85 percent of the law enforcement officers in this country serve at the state and local levels. That’s why I want to give a special thanks to all of the state and local law enforcement officers who are here as well: Colonel Glen McNeill with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Secretary of Public Safety Erik Hooks, Jack Moorman with N.C. State University, our many county sheriffs and police chiefs and all of our other fabulous officers. It is an honor to be with you. I’d like to mention that there is one officer who isn’t with us here today: Deputy David Lee’Sean Manning. Deputy Manning lost his life in the line of duty just over a month ago in Edgecombe County. He served under Sheriff Atkinson, who is here. Deputy Manning was a courageous, dedicated young man who wanted nothing more than to serve his community and provide for his beautiful little daughter. We mourn his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Our men and women in blue face danger each and every day, and President Trump and I understand that. We are proud to stand with you. You are essential – you work to protect law-abiding Americans, take criminals off of our streets, and keep dangerous drugs out of our communities. That work of enforcing our drug laws has never been more important than it is right now, because today we are facing the deadliest drug crisis in American history. Approximately 64,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2016 – the highest drug death toll and the fastest increase in that death toll in American history. That’s more than enough people to fill Carter-Finley Stadium. Imagine that: it’s as if the entire crowd at a Wolfpack game were to die from drug overdoses in one year. Preliminary data show another—but what appears to be a smaller—increase for 2017. Amazingly, for Americans under the age of 50, drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death. This epidemic is being driven primarily by opioids – prescription painkillers, heroin, or synthetic drugs like fentanyl. In 2016, opioid overdoses alone killed 42,000 Americans – five times the number from 17 years ago. That’s one every 12 minutes. That means that by the time I have finished speaking, another American will have died of an opioid overdose. Sadly, North Carolina knows the tragic consequences of drugs and addiction all too well. From 1999 to 2016, the number of fatal drug overdoses in North Carolina increased 440 percent. Opioid-related deaths increased by 800 percent. On average, at least three people die every day from opioid overdoses in North Carolina. And as we all know, these are not just numbers – these are moms, dads, daughters, spouses, friends, and neighbors. But we are not going to accept the status quo. We will not allow this to continue. Business as usual is over. Ending the drug crisis is a top priority for the Trump administration. President Trump has a comprehensive plan to end this national public health emergency. He wants to improve our prevention efforts by launching a national awareness campaign about the dangers of opioid abuse. He has set the ambitious goal of reducing opioid prescriptions in America by one-third in three years. And he is a strong supporter of our law enforcement efforts. We play a key role in the President’s plan—because law enforcement is crime prevention too. That’s why this Department is taking aggressive steps to prosecute those who would profit off of addiction. I want to tell you about an announcement today that the DEA will propose a change to the way it sets opioid production limits. Under this proposed new rule, if DEA believes that a company’s opioids are being diverted for misuse, then they will reduce the amount of opioids that company can make. DEA would also be able to use other information when determining quotas, including from the Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA, the CDC, Medicare and Medicaid, and our partners in the states. Which brings me to my second announcement. The DEA has reached an agreement with 48 Attorneys General—including North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein—to share prescription drug information with one another in order to aid investigations. DEA collects some 80 million transaction reports every year from manufacturers and distributors of prescription drugs. These reports contain information like distribution figures and inventory. DEA will provide our state partners with that data, and the states will provide their own information to DEA. Much of that information will come from prescription drug monitoring programs, like the one here in North Carolina. That will make both the DEA and our state partners more effective at finding evidence of crime. I am also announcing today a major law enforcement action with our state and local partners in West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan. This morning we have charged more than 90 defendants and seized enough fentanyl to kill a quarter of a million people. We have dismantled a major multistate alleged drug trafficking ring that had been allegedly operating for nearly 20 years. Now they won’t threaten us with deadly drugs anymore. A total of approximately 200 law officers at the state, local, and federal levels worked together to make this enforcement action possible. I want to thank all of them for their outstanding work. And I want to congratulate DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the state and local partners who helped make this possible. These three announcements build on the historic new efforts we’ve been making over the past year under President Trump. We are aggressively attacking the gangs and cartels—damaging, weakening, and even destroying their distribution networks. I’m sure you remember last spring when we indicted 83 Bloods in Charlotte. More than 600 officers at all levels worked together to arrest 73 gang members in five states. And just two months ago, we charged another 44 gang members in Charlotte. This past summer, the Department announced the largest health care fraud takedown in American history. DOJ coordinated the efforts of more than 1,000 state and federal law enforcement agents to arrest more than 400 defendants—including more than 50 doctors. These defendants allegedly committed more than $1 billion in fraud. More than 120 of these defendants have been charged with opioid-related crimes, which means this was also the largest opioid-related fraud enforcement action in American history. At the end of March, along with our allies in Mexico, DEA destroyed more than half a million poppy plants allegedly owned by the Sinaloa cartel and seized 2,000 kilograms of suspected cocaine in Mexico—enough cocaine to kill 1 million people. Just days later, the Department announced the seizure of the largest dark net marketplace in history – AlphaBay. This site hosted some 220,000 drug listings and was responsible for countless synthetic opioid overdoses, including the tragic death of a 13 year old. Over the last few weeks, the DEA has seized a total of more than 64 kilograms of suspected fentanyl in cases from Detroit to New York City. That’s enough to kill 21 million people—more than the population of New York State. That’s also in addition to more than 100,000 suspected counterfeit oxycodone pills DEA seized in California that were pressed with fentanyl. In total, from 2016 to 2017, we tripled the number of fentanyl prosecutions at the federal level. We are right to celebrate these accomplishments, but we have to acknowledge that we still have a lot more work to do. That is why our Department has put in place new tools to help you find and prosecute drug crimes. One of these tools is the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit – a new data analytics program that focuses specifically on opioid-related health care fraud. This sort of data analytics team can tell us important information, like who is prescribing the most drugs, who is dispensing the most drugs, and whose patients are dying of overdoses. It’s the same kind of data that helped you win that conviction yesterday. As part of this initiative, I have assigned a dozen experienced prosecutors in opioid hot-spot districts to focus solely on investigating and prosecuting opioid-related health care fraud. I have sent these prosecutors to where they are especially needed, including nearby in the Middle District of North Carolina and the Eastern District of Tennessee. In fact, just a few months ago, our opioid fraud prosecutor indicted seven people running a pain clinic for a conspiracy to distribute illicit painkillers in Eastern Tennessee. The indictment alleges that approximately 700 patients of this clinic are now dead and that a significant percentage of those deaths were allegedly from overdoses on drugs they prescribed. We have begun J-CODE, a new team at the FBI that focuses specifically on the threat of online opioid sales. I could go on. We are going to keep arming you with the tools that you need to keep drugs out of this community. And we are going to keep up the pace. We know that our mission is difficult, not hopeless. Together, we can break the vicious cycle of drug abuse, addiction, and overdose that has devastated countless American families. And so I want to close by reiterating my deep appreciation and profound thanks to all the women and men of law enforcement – federal, state, local, and tribal – as well as their families, for sacrificing so much and putting your lives on the line every day so that the rest of us may enjoy the safety and security you provide. The work that you do is essential. I believe it. The Department of Justice believes it. And President Trump believes it. You can be certain about this: we have your back and you have our thanks.

Sunny’s Story

A drug prevention book written by a mother who lost her son to a drug overdose from the viewpoint of the family beagle, Sunny . It's a great learning tool for kids, parents, teachers, and others.

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Drug Prevention Education Presentation

Live & virtual presentations available.

Please click the following link Drug Prevention Program Request to request more information on our Drug Prevention Education Programs and Services or call the office at 203-831-9700.

Ginger Katz drug prevention education presentation speaker

Evaluation of Home, School, and Community Programs™

Drug Prevention Education Speaker Connecting to Teens

Ginger reaches young people like few others can. Through her presentations, she implores listeners to follow the positive passions in their lives. A central theme of Ginger’s work is that young people should cultivate relationships with three to five trusted adults with whom they are able to share their problems and innermost thoughts. Her presentations frequently elicit responses-in person or via email and letters-from parents who are seeking help for a family member, or from young people wanting to share their problems as a result of hearing the Courage to Speak presentation. Some youngsters are in a serious crisis. The Courage to Speak is committed to responding immediately and provides referrals where needed.

Comments from Students After Hearing the Drug Prevention Education Presentation from Speaker, Ginger Katz

“After hearing Ian’s story, I shall never do drugs.”
“I will always remember this story. When somebody asks me to do drugs my auto response will be your story in my mind and my answer will definitely be no”
“There are a lot of kids in high school who do drugs. They think it’s a joke. I wish everyone could hear you speak.”
“I see now that drugs can affect all kinds of kids, not just ‘drop-outs.’ I can understand that if you stay silent to protect a friendship, you could end up losing the friend, like you lost Ian.”
“After hearing you speak and looking at all the pictures of Ian, I actually had the feeling that I knew him and I was very upset. I came out of class with a new attitude towards drugs and alcohol.”
“When she read from her journal, I had tears in my eyes. It was different to hear about a drug addiction from a parent’s viewpoint. It was overwhelming. I don’t think I will ever forget it.”
“The three things I’ve learned are to never do drugs, choose my friends wisely and have at least one person I can tell anything to.”
“My sister got into trouble again and my parents always make excuses for her. You made me see the ‘wall of silence.’ “
“I just heard ur speech and i wanted to say u really touched me. i mean for the past couple weeks, i have been smoking cigeretts with my friends and, at parties, drinking a little and i didn’t realize it could lead to so much stronger drugs, so i just wanted to say thank u.”
“The only thing I thought was bad about the presentation is that everybody said that my life seems like Ian’s, but I don’t think my life is. I do drugs, but I don’t feel I have a problem. But besides that, it was a good program. A sign of denial?”
“Once you start, you can’t stop and the drug can make you do things you normally wouldn’t. Drugs can have a major impact on your brain and make you think about crazy things or not think at all.”
“It made me realize how other people are affected by drugs, not just the drug user. I don’t want to use drugs because I wouldn’t want to hurt my mother.”
“I cried during and after her talk. I hadn’t fully grasped the enormity of what drugs could do. I had thought about doing drugs, but now I never will. I don’t want to hurt myself or the ones I love.”
“Ian looks like a normal person, not a drug addict. The saddest thing was that he died right when he had decided to get help.”

Drug Prevention Education Speaker Connecting to Parents

Speaking as a parent who has experienced the ultimate loss, Ginger inspires people to step forward, assess their situation, and address their problems. But her riveting presentation isn’t filled with sadness. Ginger’s words overflow with hope and promise that the courage to speak – about fears, drug dependence, or any troubling issue – presents an ideal opportunity for healing.

Through Ginger’s story, and the life-saving prevention information it contains, students and parents begin to recognize the telltale signs of alcohol and other drug use. She also describes the veils behind which those signs hide: anger, denial, fear, pain and deception.

Comments from Parents After Hearing the Drug Prevention Education Presentation from Speaker, Ginger Katz

“You gave me insight to start my own gathering of information and outreach in my neighborhood. We need to help each other help our kids.”
“On our way home from your presentation, my son told me he knew of kids in his eighth grade class who were taking drugs. On the way to your talk, he had emphatically said just the opposite. Thank-you for enabling him to confide in us.”
“Listening to Ginger gave me the courage to make the hard decisions needed to help our son who is an alcohol and heroin addict receive the treatment he needed. Parents who love their children can ill afford not to invest their time to attend, learn and understand how they can help their most precious possession, their children.”
“As a mother, I could not help but feel both your love for Ian and your pain. Thank-you for speaking the truth.”

Ian’s Story – The Heart of the Courage to Speak ® Foundation

My son Ian died on September 10, 1996 in his sleep of an overdose. He was only twenty years old. After he died, one by one, his friends began to come to me. We were all in such pain. I sat and listened, torn between anger and agony, as slowly they began to talk about what had really been going on.

Anger doesn’t help. Ian’s friends and his family have to heal. We have to find the courage to speak before it is too late for so many other young people like my son who are in danger of becoming addicted to drugs. Ian was bright, handsome, athletic and popular. If this could happen to him, it could happen to anyone.

Comments from Students about the Presentation

“I see now that drugs can affect all kinds of kids, not just ‘drop-outs.’ I can under stand that if you stay silent to protect a friendship, you could end up losing the friend, like you lost Ian.”

Ian James Eaccarino

The Courage to Speak Foundation

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Learn more about Courage to Speak® substance use prevention education programs and curriculum for Elementary, Middle, and High School students.

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UN Observances

A staff member of the Liberia National Police Anti-Drug Squad

By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

The evidence is clear: invest in prevention

The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This year’s World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.

Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

#WorldDrugDay #InvestInPrevention

World Drug Report

Every year, UNODC issues the World Drug Report , full of key statistics and factual data obtained through official sources, a science-based approach and research. UNODC continues to provide facts and practical solutions to address the current world drug problem and remains committed to attaining health for all. Health and justice sectors are under pressure and access to services and support is obstructed when we can least afford it.

Why Is Cocaine Trafficking Surging?

For two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. We are committed to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being as deterrents to them.

The World Drug Report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health. It highlights, through improved research and more precise data, that the adverse health consequences of drug use are more widespread than previously thought.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

Why do we mark International Days?

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances .

United Nations

Office on drugs and crime.

Information For

26 May 2003 Stockholm, Sweden

Young People and Drug Abuse: Prevention and Treatment Bliss technology won't bring back lost paradise Hell on earth is more likely

Your Majesty Queen Silvia, Distinguished Members of Parliaments, Ladies and Gentlemen

Last March, I addressed the Stockholm Symposium on Cannabis. I am back to this wonderful city thanks to the Swedish Government and in particular to the National Drug Policy Coordinator, Mr. Fries, our host.

Our subject is Young people and drug abuse : a compelling subject, so very appropriate for the distinguished members of the many parliaments represented here. My belief is that, working together during the next couple of days, we shall demonstrate that successful (drug) policy, aimed at youth, can have a human touch.

It is about the compassionate heart of drug policy that I wish to speak. And I shall do so, not to launch a new slogan, but as a tribute to you, Queen Silvia, whom I salute as the symbol of Sweden's commitment to save young lives from addiction. Your call for the "right to hope" in a life, both exciting and drug-free, was the wonderful testimonial you brought to political leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on drugs in 1998.

Five years since your call, the world drug situation has changed dramatically. To some extent change has been for the better. Yet this undeniable progress has not gone as far or as fast, as we had desired. In part this is because the rules of the drug game kept on changing, at times forcing governments to chase -- rather than to lead -- events. This message I delivered to Ministers last April, during the meeting of the Commission of Narcotic Drugs. But we should not only point to unpredictable changes in external circumstances - they are part of life. We should also have the courage to blame ourselves: our children's "right to hope" is indeed intertwined with our societies' ability to deliver the conditions for that hope to materialize. And, at present, not all societies are equally committed to control the drug problem.

I remain convinced that we shall make better, and faster, progress towards a world not threatened by drug trafficking and drug abuse if, and only if, we stay the course defined by the international Conventions (of 1961, 1971 and 1988) and further mapped out in New York in 1998. Yet, although necessary, staying the course is not a sufficient condition. We also need to make clear the consequences of changing the course -- something not done adequately so far.

We need to communicate louder and clearer that the risks involved in abandoning half a century of drug controls are so high and the resulting public costs and private suffering so big, that the Conventions are not up for negotiation. This was the Ministers' unanimous view in Vienna last month. What is under consideration, starting here, today in Stockholm, are the ways and means to account for the dramatic changes taking place in the world of drugs, so that governments can maintain control of the situation and lead. I look forward to listening to the debate. As a contribution to it, let me consider three issues that deserve, I believe, special attention.

My first proposition is the following: drug abuse among young people, while not a normal occurrence, could become such . The chemical technology of bliss -- namely, the consumption of synthetic substances, like ecstasy and speed -- is blurring the notion of drug addiction as parents and governments alike are confused about the severity of their impact. Not surprisingly, in the last decade, the consumption of bliss substances by young people has become more serious than in the past.

My second proposition follows from the preceding one: while societies' sufferings are similar, governments' responses differ . They range from benign neglect of substance abuse, to robust intervention against it. These differences magnify the misunderstanding in society and facilitate the spread of misinformation about which country is doing what about the drug problem - including the related costs and consequences.

My third proposition brings the argument forward by calling for joint action: drug risks for the young are no longer confined within national borders . Today's culture has abolished time and space. Life styles are shared instantly and internationally. The presence here of parliamentarians from so many countries is an excellent opportunity to realize 1) that the problems your constituencies face are not unique, and 2) that we must therefore develop a shared understanding of what needs to be done.

Bliss technology is on the rise

Let me offer you some facts on the first proposition. There was already some discussion on cannabis during the international symposium held here last March. In the second half of the '90s, cannabis abuse throughout Europe increased dramatically among students. In some countries (Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Italy, to name just a few), lifetime use almost doubled, reaching the 25-35% range. Almost all other European countries registered an increase in the same period (ESPAD survey 1995 and 1999).

Thanks to another variation on the technology of bliss (in this case, genetic engineering of plants), the active ingredients of cannabis have become much stronger. Today, we find up to 20 per cent THC in cannabis compared to a fraction of that amount (2-3%) in the 1960s. (I still remember the smell of the weak marijuana smoked by the "flower kids" in Berkeley, my alma mater.) Even though more research is needed, the increased THC level may result in even more problems for quite a number of young people.

Stronger cannabis is only one item on young people's bliss technology-menu. The increasingly popular dish on the menu is synthetic drugs in general, ecstasy and speed in particular. In the United States, lifetime use of ecstasy among 12th graders has almost doubled (to 10.5%) since 1996 (Monitoring the Future survey, 2002). Ecstasy abuse has also increased considerably in Eastern Europe and Russia. Only in Western Europe has its consumption declined (from a relatively high level), as it has for cannabis (ESPAD surveys 1995 and 1999).

We therefore have a growing number of reports of serious health consequences, even among first-time abusers. Though such consequences may not be immediately visible, ecstasy's neurotoxins impact the brain and hurt major organs (liver and heart).

As synthetic drugs are simple to produce with ordinary chemicals, are simpler to take, and are (erroneously) perceived to be relatively harmless, the threat posed by their consumption is enormous. I have called them "Public Enemy Number 1". They may, in a not too distant future, replace organic drugs at the top of the list.

Although I have mainly spoken about rich countries (which are, as we all know, at the origin of the bliss technology production), manufacturing and addiction are spreading to other parts of the world: for example, to the Far East, where the problem has turned into an alarming epidemic. Slowly, young people in developing countries are catching up with the experience of their northern peers.

Although I have dealt with cannabis and ecstasy separately, they are not separate in young people's minds or experience, as poly-drug abuse is on the rise. It is actually at the origin of an increased number of deaths around the world - a sort of stealth cause of death, as many of them are not attributed to bliss technology products.

My first conclusion is the following: alarm bells should be ringing all over the world. The data about adolescents are especially worrisome, as adolescents are establishing behavioural patterns that will accompany them for a lifetime. On the front, however, news is not so good.

Mixed responses to a common problem

Indeed, and this is my second point, not everyone seems to hear the alarm bells. Responses in various countries have been mixed.

Some countries are maintaining a fatalistic approach, even benign neglect. Somehow, families, educators, and governments alike consider drug abuse as an inevitable part, and not an exception, of growing up.

This attitude has stretched up to the acceptance of policies such as testing of pills in discos to prevent the "unsafe" ingestion of unknown chemicals. The dubious message being sent out is that it is relatively "safe" to use these pills once they are checked. It is ironical that we test people on the road (namely, after alcohol consumption) to prevent drunken driving, and we test pills (namely, before intake), thus condoning driving under drug intoxication. And then we read on Monday's papers about the weekend road massacres!

The wish to "stand outside oneself" (the original meaning of the Greek word ekstasis ) has accompanied human beings from the moment they exited the Garden of Eden. Not surprisingly the temptation is still there, and the call still strong. Yet, how different is the ekstasis brought about by one's control of the mind as practiced by ascetics and hermits in the past, and the one induced by the technology of bliss today.

Karen Armstrong has recently described these differences quite aptly (The Guardian, 23 May 2003). " Our desire for transcendence and unfettered bliss has got out of control. Today young people simply swallow a pill and enjoy states of mind that have formerly been the preserve of a few highly talented mystics, but without the traditional safeguards " (first difference). She adds: " the purveyors of ecstasies are no longer well meaning, highly trained priests. They are unscrupulous dealers who have no concern for their victims, many of whom die in the search of joy, liberation and transcendence " (second difference).

At a time when religion is fading, family bonds are weakening and society is splintering, the technology of bliss poses a new, enormous threat. It "promises" young people to become Saturday-night "masters of the universe". Law enforcement alone cannot control this compulsion for ekstasis . Since these changes are societal, society as a whole needs to share the responsibility. I thus invite the parliamentarians in this Hall, true representatives of society, to examine what they can do to help.

The need for a common response

Countries apply the Conventions on drug control in accordance with local conditions. Yet, the increase in abuse among young people is no longer a matter of national variations. It is a global trend, driven by an increasingly global culture and increasingly trans-national crime syndicates. We need a common response. Above all, we should not think of backing down from the overall commitment to protect the health of our youth.

This commitment was unanimously confirmed at the recent Ministerial meeting in Vienna. The Drug Commission confirmed the importance of current international drug control mechanisms. Ministers stressed the need for innovative prevention based on experience. Here lies another gap: prevention efforts do not always speak clearly to youth and to the pressures they are increasingly facing.

For greater impact, we need to:

Understand how young people perceive drugs in their life, and develop our prevention efforts based on that;
Increase the confidence of young people so that they can deal with their problems, without turning to drugs;
Involve young people in healthy activities, for example in various forms of volunteer work at home and abroad, where substance abuse is combatted.

Above all, society should stop sending conflicting messages to young people. I call for responsible behaviour on the part of media and the music industry: their role models in relation to drug abuse is crucial.

Conclusions

All countries are part of the drug problem. Commitment by all countries is needed for its solution.

I have invited you to think globally, but let me also ask you to act locally. It is important that the United Nations Conventions and their goals are translated into national policies. Your role in this process is fundamental. Drug abuse by youth cannot be addressed in isolation. Questions of education, employment, social inclusion, sexual health, and others need to be considered.

Hopefully, at the end of this meeting, you will return to your constituencies with renewed energy and engage everybody -- voters and fellow legislators alike -- in our common effort: a healthy future for our children also depends on you.

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Speech On Drug Abuse | Drug Abuse Speech for Students and Children in English

Speech On Drug Abuse:

A substance can cause death if it is taken in excess of its dosage. When consumed, it changes the physiological and psychological structure of the body. Various methods exist for consuming or consuming drugs, including smoking, inhalation, injection, etc.

In pharmacy terms, a drug is a chemical substance, which has a characteristic structure, which, when ingested by a living organism, produces a biological effect. The other name given to pharmaceutical drugs is medicine or medication. Basically it cures or prevents a disease present in the body. Regularly taking pharmaceuticals can cause severe disorders if taken for an extended period of time.

In addition, students can find more information on Welcome Speeches, Farewell Speeches, and other English Speech Topics here

Long And Short Speeches On Drug Abuse for Kids And Students in English

There is a long speech for students and children on the topic of Drug Abuse with about 500 words, and a short speech with approximately 150 words on the same topic.

Students, professors, or anyone else who is planning to present a speech on the topic mentioned above can benefit from these speeches.

As well as ten lines on the topic, we have included some FAQs to help make the content more clear for our readers.

A Long Speech On Drug Abuse is helpful to students of classes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. A Short Speech On Drug Abuse is helpful to students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Long Speech On Drug Abuse 500 Words In English

Good morning and a warm welcome to everybody here today. I am going to talk about drug abuse today.

When one thinks about drugs, it is taken in a negative sense since they are often misused. If the drugs are used for serving a useful purpose, it could bring a considerable change in the lives of people.

Thank you, everyone, for your patience and for giving an earful to my speech. I hope everyone has a great day ahead.

Short Speech On Drug Abuse 150 Words In English

Good morning and welcome to everyone in attendance. I am here today to speak on the topic of drug abuse.

The term “drugs” does not have a particularly good reputation, and it tends to be associated with spoiled teenagers or wealthy children.

However, there are many positives about the drug. It has been known to serve as a medicine or medication for many chronic diseases. There are many kinds of drugs that help in the treatment of mental illness, depression, etc.

It can also be detrimental if consumed without the advice of a medical professional. As soon as the consumption of drugs is no longer an option, it becomes an addiction.

Thus, it is essential we maintain the balance and not consume drugs to destroy our own lives.

With this, I mark the end of this speech, thank you.

10 Lines On Drug Abuse Speech In English

Drug abuse or addiction is one of the most common chronic and compulsive disorder that often requires formal treatment.
Drug abuse changes a person’s brain chemistry, and the longer one uses it, the more damage they pose for themselves.
There are ample rehabilitation centres in most countries now to overcome the problem of drug abuse. However, people hardly go there for treatment in most cases.
There are some very symptoms like isolating oneself, spending time with new friends, losing job etc.
Drug overdose death rate has tripled across the world since 1990.
Most Americans between the age of 18 to 25 are likely to be drug addicts.
Over 15000 Americans died in 2017 due to heroin overdose.
More than 90% of people who have any addiction start from a very young age, before turning 18.
Drug and alcohol usage costs around $600 billion to the U.S economy each year.
In 2017 around 8,50000 Americans used heroin at least once.

FAQ’s On Drug Abuse Speech

Q1. What is the function of NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)?

Answer: NIDA is one of the most famous scientific research institutes under the U.S department of health services. The institute addresses essential issues about drug abuse, drug trends etc.

Q2. Where can I get data on drug overdose?

Answer: Data on drug overdose, addiction can be availed from various agencies such as NIDA in case of the U.S where they annually maintain reports od drug abusers.

Q3. Why do drug users keep using the drug?

Answer: Being exposed to drugs for a very long time changes the brain’s power to get control over decisions, thus making it difficult to abstain from drug use.

Q4. What is drug addiction/abuse?

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COMMENTS

Speech on Drug Abuse in English in Simple and easy Words
1. In order to de-stress themselves. When a person is under the influence of drugs, he/she forgets everything and enters into a trance-like state. However, it is only later that people realize that the use of drugs is only aggravating the problem and not really helping them in getting rid of the stress. 2.
Speech on Drug Abuse: Short & Long Speech on Drug Addiction
1. In order to de-stress themselves. When a person is under the influence of drugs, he/she forgets everything and enters into a trance-like state. However, it is only later that people realize that the use of drugs is only aggravating the problem and not really helping them in getting rid of the stress. 2.
Speech on International Day against Drug Abuse and ...
2-minute Speech on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Ladies and Gentlemen, June 26 is a significant day. It's the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This day holds a mirror to a problem that impacts everyone, from children to adults.
Speech On Drug Abuse
Speech On Drug Abuse: The drug is a substance that can cause the death of an organism if taken more than the dosage. It causes a change in the physiological and psychological structure of the organism when it is consumed. There are various mediums through which one can intake or consume drugs like smoking, inhalation, injection, etc. ...
Short Speech on Drug Addiction in English for Students and Children
Drug sellers target students and make them addicted to drugs. Initially, they give drugs to the students for free and once, they get addicted, they start charging them. They also target poor children and make them sell drugs in order to earn some money. Drug consumption makes students mentally and physically weak.
18 Best TED Talks for Addiction & Recovery
11. Let's Quit Abusing Drug Users (2015) 19-minute video clip about addiction and recovery reform from Dr. Carl Hart. He discusses drug use in the context of poverty, social injustice, and ignorance. An excellent video for generating discussion and one of the best TED Talks for addiction and policy reform.
New thoughts on addiction
New thoughts on addiction. These talks take a new, fresh perspective while exploring the epidemic of addiction. Watch now. Add to list. 14:32.
10 Unmissable Ted Talks in Substance Recovery & Mental Health
Here are ten unmissable TED Talks to help you gain insights into substance abuse recovery and mental health. 1. Johann Hari: Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong. Johann Hari's TED Talk offers a refreshing and informative take on addiction, forcing viewers to rethink the true meaning of the word.
Speech writing on drug abuse
Speech writing on drug abuse | Drug Abuse speech in English | a speech on drug abuseAbout this videoDrugs abuse is not only illegal, but it also harms your p...
How to Craft a Memorable, Effective Speech On Drug Abuse and ...
How to Craft a Memorable, Effective Speech On Drug Abuse and Addiction: Key Strategies and Tipsessay or speech on drug abuse and Addiction #PublicSpeaking #S...
14 TED Talks Relating To Drug Addiction & Recovery
2) Everything You Know About Addiction is Wrong by Johann Hari. With an in-your-face title like that, you know this talk is going to be worth your while. Johann Hari has spent years traveling around the world to find out what causes addiction and what the solution (s) could be. His innovative ideas may just be the cure for the universal crisis ...
Russell Brand speech on drugs, addiction & recovery
Russell Brand's full speech from the Creating Recovery event in London, 2014. He touches upon his own experiences of drug addiction and recovery, as well his...
Anti-Drug Campaign Speech
Anti-Drug Campaign Speech - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. The document discusses the dangers of drug addiction and advocates saying no to drugs. It notes that drug addiction is a growing global problem that can ruin lives and futures. Young people may be enticed to try drugs out of curiosity or to cope with life pressures ...
World Drug Day message: think health, not drugs
On 26 June, the world will commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which serves as a reminder of the need to combat the problems illicit drugs pose to society. "We must recognize the major impediment to development posed by drug abuse and illicit trafficking," said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message.
Address to the Nation on the Campaign Against Drug Abuse
Drug abuse costs you and your fellow Americans at least $60 billion a year. From the early days of our administration, Nancy has been intensely involved in the effort to fight drug abuse. She has since traveled over 100,000 miles to 55 cities in 28 States and 6 foreign countries to fight school-age drug and alcohol abuse.
Attorney General Sessions Delivers Remarks About the Opioid Crisis
That's one every 12 minutes. That means that by the time I have finished speaking, another American will have died of an opioid overdose. Sadly, North Carolina knows the tragic consequences of drugs and addiction all too well. From 1999 to 2016, the number of fatal drug overdoses in North Carolina increased 440 percent.
Drug Prevention Education Presentation
In this dynamic, riveting and thought-provoking drug prevention education presentation, nationally renowned drug prevention education speaker, Ginger Katz, Founder and CEO of The Courage To Speak® Foundation and author of Sunny's Story, shares the story of her son Ian's losing battle with drugs. Ginger Katz has made over 1000 presentations ...
Message on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The theme of this year's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, "Better Knowledge for Better Care", highlights the need to understand drug dynamics trapping so many millions of people in a downward spiral, to inform balanced solutions that are based on scientific evidence, to know better what the issues are and to ...
Drug Addiction (Substance Abuse)
Drug Addiction (Substance Abuse) - A Path to Recovery - A Motivational Speech for Encouragement As humans, when things get tough, we have a tendency to fall ...
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse ...
Speeches
The increasingly popular dish on the menu is synthetic drugs in general, ecstasy and speed in particular. In the United States, lifetime use of ecstasy among 12th graders has almost doubled (to 10.5%) since 1996 (Monitoring the Future survey, 2002). Ecstasy abuse has also increased considerably in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Campaign Against Drug Abuse
Campaign Against Drug Abuse. September 14, 1986. Good evening. Usually, I talk with you from my office in the West Wing of the White House. But tonight there's something special to talk about, and ...
Speech On Drug Abuse
Speech On Drug Abuse: A substance can cause death if it is taken in excess of its dosage. When consumed, it changes the physiological and psychological structure of the body. Various methods exist for consuming or consuming drugs, including smoking, inhalation, injection, etc. In pharmacy terms, a drug is a chemical substance, which has a ...

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18 Best TED Talks for Addiction & Recovery

1. The 12 Steps According to Russell Brand (2018)

2. Addiction: A Story of Stigma, A Story of Hope | Scott McFadden (2020)

5. Addiction Neuroscience 101 (2018)

4. Chris Herren Speaking on His Addiction Recovery Story | PeaceLove (2015)

5. Disconnected Brains: How Isolation Fuels Opioid Addiction | Rachel Wurzman (2018)

6. Do You Have More Heart Than Scars? | Zackary Paben (2017)

7. Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong | Johann Hari (2015)

8. Great Leaders Do What Drug Addicts Do | Michael Brody-Waite (2018)

9. The Harm Reduction Model of Drug Addiction Treatment | Mark Tyndall (2017)

10. How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime | Nadine Burke Harris (2015)

11. Let’s Quit Abusing Drug Users (2015)

12. The Merits of Harm Reduction | Melissa Byers (2019)

13. Nuggets (2015)

14. The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power | Gabor Maté (2012)

15. Recover Out Loud | Tara Conner (2017)

16. Revitalize | Living With Addiction | Amber Valletta (2015)

17. Rewriting the Story of My Addiction | Jo Harvey Weatherford (2015)

18. The Stigma of Addiction | Tony Hoffman (2018)

For Families – The Island of Insanity: Navigating Through Loved Ones’ Addictions | Karen Perlmutter (2022)

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New thoughts on addiction

Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong

Addiction is a disease. We should treat it like one

Why we need to end the War on Drugs

10 Unmissable Ted Talks for Insights into Substance Abuse Recovery and Mental Health

1. Johann Hari: Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong

2. Kevin Briggs: The Bridge Between Suicide and Life

3. Nadine Burke Harris: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime

4. Eleanor Longden: The Voices in My Head

5. Glenn Greenwald: Why Privacy Matters

6. Guy Winch: Why We All Need to Practice Emotional First Aid