MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS TO COMMEMORATE
“INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING 2011”
SINGAPORE
26 JUNE 2011
Dear students,
I would like to share with you the true story of an ex-drug abuser who is in his thirties. He was introduced to ‘Ecstasy’ by his friends at a disco and was too immature to believe that a small pill would do any harm to him so he tried it. He has regretted trying it till this day, because he became hooked after the very first try. He later abused ‘Erimin-5’ and other types of drugs, including sleeping pills. Drugs have changed his life drastically. He would even go to the extent of cheating and stealing money from his parents and friends to satisfy his cravings for drugs. He would undergo very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, uncontrollable diarrhoea and vomiting when he couldn’t get his fix. The fear of being arrested also added to his stress and paranoia. He could not lead a normal life and his father chased him out about 4 years ago. At one stage, depressed and under the influence of drugs, he even tried to take his own life but he was rescued. Although he has been rehabilitated, he still faces a life-long struggle against the pull of drugs and must constantly stay vigilant, or he could easily succumb and return to his drug taking days again. His drug habit also brought grief and pain to his loved ones, especially his parents. Estranged from his family, what he craves for now is his father’s forgiveness. He has ruined his future through that first experiment with drugs. Truly, with drugs, there is no turning back. Life does not rewind like a movie.
2 So do think carefully before experimenting with drugs. I can understand that young people like you value friendship and bonding above all other things. You feel that it is important to do things that your friends do so that you will be accepted by them. It is not uncool to say NO to drugs! Do not be swayed by sweet-talking friends who offer you drugs for free or be tempted by curiosity, thinking that you can stop anytime you want. Do not underestimate the control that drugs can have over you. Once you start, it will become impossible to stop.
3 Drug abusers’ actions do not only hurt themselves; their loved ones and friends who care about them will suffer too. Drug addiction is a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
4 26th June is the day chosen by the United Nations as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a day on which people around the world pledge to work together to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse. We want to raise awareness of the harmful effects of drug abuse on the individuals and the society as a whole, and to achieve the goal of a drug-free society through the commemoration of the international drug-free day in Singapore. This year, we are presenting you with an anti-drug binder clip through your teachers.
5 All of us have dreams of leading a carefree, healthy and meaningful life surrounded by our loved ones. Along the way, we will have to make many choices and decisions which will affect whether we realise these dreams. Always remind ourselves that ‘Life Does Not Rewind. Make The Right Choice’ – say NO to drugs. Do not choose a path of drugs, guilt, suffering and remorse.
6 I sincerely wish that all of you will realise your dreams, but to do that, you have to make the right choices.
N VARAPRASAD (DR)
CHAIRMAN
NATIONAL COUNCIL AGAINST DRUG ABUSE