Pubdate: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 Source: Hindustan Times (India) Copyright: 2006, Hindustan Times Ltd. Contact: http://www.hindustantimes.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/910 ANTI-DRUGS DAY OBSERVED SEMINARS AND symposia were held to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Drug Trafficking on June 26. Speaking at a seminar held at IMA, IMA president SK Gupta said that the misuse of drugs has now become a big problem for society. People should try and keep others aware of the adverse effects of drug products. Psychiatrist Dr Unnati Kumar talked about the problems regarding the misuse of drugs. Kumar further said that there is alarming growth in drug abuse cases in the last decade. Synthetic drugs like cocaine, sleeping pills are more prevalent than natural drugs like tobacco, liquor. According to United Nation Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) drug abuse and illegal trade is continuously growing. About 14% people are addicted. Now six out of 10 students are addicts of tobacco and liquor. Even 25% medical students are misusing liquor and medicines. IMA secretary UC Sinha conducted the program.Meanwhile, Hasrat Mohani Hospital De-addiction cum Rehabilitation center organised a seminar on the international anti-drugs day on Monday. Speaking on the occasion Dr Vrandavan, project director of the de-addiction centre, said the young generation is continuously growing towards the addiction of drugs. A large number of people are using smack and injecting drugs. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman