AlphaBiolabs USA Blog
Supporting those who need it this World Drug Day
World Drug Day, or International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, takes place on June 26 2023.
It’s a global event organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and has been running since 1987.
Designed to strengthen action and cooperation with the objective of an international society free from drug abuse, UNODC wants to highlight that the stigma and discrimination associated with drug misuse can prevent individuals from getting the help they need.
Instead, the organization wants the world to take a more people-centered approach, focussing on human rights and compassion.
The theme for this year’s World Drug Day is ‘People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.’ The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of treating drug users with compassion and respect and without judgment, as well as prioritizing prevention and offering alternatives to punishment.
Drug misuse in the US
Recent statistics reveal that more than 27 million people in the United States are using illicit drugs or misusing prescription drugs. What’s more, the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics has found that half of all people aged 12 and over have used illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime.
The same report also found that since 2000, there have been over 700,000 deaths in the US directly related to drug overdose. Marijuana is the most commonly used substance in the US, followed by cocaine and then LSD.
The signs and symptoms of substance misuse
As a leading drug and alcohol testing laboratory, we understand all too well the impact that substance misuse can have on people’s day-to-day lives and these rising drug use statistics highlight a growing problem in the US.
For this reason, it is important that people can spot the signs of substance misuse, in order to get a friend, colleague or family member the help they need.
The most common signs of a person misusing drugs include:
- Changes in physical appearance such as sudden weight loss or gain, or a lack of personal hygiene
- Changes in behavior including wanting more privacy
- Difficulties at work including declining performance and attendance
- A lack of energy
- Defensive behavior when asked about substance use
- Changes in appetite
- Spending more money than usual or asking to borrow more money
If you are worried about someone you know and you think they might be misusing substances, it is important to approach the conversation calmly and emphasize that you simply want to support them in getting the help they need.
Where can I buy a drug test?
AlphaBiolabs offers a range of easy-to-use, home drug tests, designed to give you peace of mind or enable you to seek support for a friend or loved one who has been misusing drugs.
Simply choose our Home Drug & Alcohol Nail Test ($99) or our Home Urine Drug Test Kit ($34.95) and order your test online now.
If you have a question or would like advice on which test is best for you, call our friendly Customer Services team on 727-325-2902, email info@alphabiolabsusa.com, or use our live chat to speak to a support specialist.
Please be aware that our home drug test kits are for peace of mind only, and the results cannot be used in court.
