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Illicit drugs with colourful names are tickets to dead end, Annan warns

Illicit drugs with colourful names are tickets to dead end, Annan warns

With nearly 200 million people consuming illegal drugs, the choice to seek treatment is not only courageous, but often life-saving, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a message for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being observed on Sunday.

With nearly 200 million people consuming illegal drugs, the choice to seek treatment is not only courageous, but often life-saving, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a message for the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being observed on Sunday.

“These drugs might have names that sound colourful or enticing, such as crack, pot, junk, crystal meth, and disco biscuits. But these are little more than tickets to a dead end,” he declared.

“For those trapped by addiction, treatment is a way out, and the choice to seek treatment is not only courageous, but often life-saving,” he added. “Those who have not ventured down the path of drug abuse should learn the lesson from those who have, and firmly choose not to.

“Making healthy choices also means choosing a lifestyle that has a positive effect on the body and mind, including, for example, participation in sports to improve health and well-being, teach the value of teamwork and discipline, and build self-confidence.”