On the basis of Proclamation No. 124 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001, Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week is observed every third week of November. The proclamation highlights a nationwide and a systematically-coordinated community information drive against the evils of drug abuse with the objective to increase awareness and understanding of the adverse effects of drug abuse not only on the health of people but also on the social, economic and even the political development of the country.
The misuse of drugs has a huge effect on people, families, and communities. The consequences of drug abuse are cumulative. Significantly contributing to social, physical, mental, and public health problems. Such problems may include:
• Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
• Domestic violence
• Child abuse
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Physical fights
• Crime
• Suicide
• Teenage pregnancy
Drug abuse prevention starts with education. Drug misuse has a widespread impact on the whole population. Understanding the risk factors of substance use and spreading the word by prevention efforts is the strongest protection against drug addiction.
Reference:
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/substance-abuse