Drug Use Prevention Week: dangers, signs, and ways to help

      As part of the Drug Use Prevention Week, we draw attention to one of the most pressing problems of modern society. Previously, the word "drug" referred to a substance that deprived a person of the ability to feel pain and could induce a coma. Today, this concept is much broader — it encompasses a whole range of substances that destroy the lives and health of people.

      What are psychoactive substances?

      Psychoactive substances are any substances capable of altering a person's consciousness. This category includes not only classic drugs but also alcohol, tobacco, and other toxic compounds. The danger is that many, when first encountering such substances, do not think about the consequences. Moments of dubious pleasure can turn into the destruction of life: just one or two uses can trigger the mechanism of addiction.

      How do drugs work?

      The effects of narcotic substances are diverse, but the essence is the same: they create an illusion of well-being and pleasant sensations. When the effect wears off, problems do not disappear — they are compounded by psychological and physical dependencies. The consequences of use extend far beyond health:

      * Financial difficulties. Drugs are expensive, and an addicted person is willing to go to great lengths to obtain money for a new dose.

      * Crime. In the pursuit of substances, people commit illegal acts — against themselves, their loved ones, and society as a whole.

      * Loss of control. In a state of withdrawal, a person thinks only about one thing — obtaining drugs at any cost.

      What are the signs of drug use?

      You can suspect a problem based on a number of signs. They are noticeable if you show a little observance:

      * atypical behavior: inexplicable laughter or fear, excessive liveliness or, conversely, sluggishness;

      * sharp mood swings without visible reasons;

      * changes in social circles, withdrawal from previous interests;

      * problems with studies or work;

      * secrecy, avoidance of direct communication;

      * external signs: dilated or constricted pupils, pale skin, tremors of the hands.

      If you notice such symptoms in a loved one (especially in a teenager), do not ignore them. The absence of the smell of alcohol with inadequate behavior is a serious cause for concern.

      Where to seek help?

      The sooner you take action, the greater the chances of helping the person. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, you can receive qualified support at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Narcological Dispensary (tel.: 8 (831) 433-65-24, website: https://nond-nn.ru/). Specialists at the dispensary will help conduct diagnostics, select treatment, and direct rehabilitation.

      Drugs and health: why is this incompatible?

      Drug addiction strikes at the entire body. The consequences of use affect:

      * the brain — the functioning of the nervous system is disrupted, memory worsens, intelligence decreases;

      * the heart and blood vessels — the risk of heart attacks and strokes increases;

      * the liver — the organ responsible for detoxification suffers one of the first;

      * the kidneys — the filtering function is impaired;

      * the reproductive system — infertility and hormonal disruptions are possible;

      * personality — values, interests, and behavior change, leading to social degradation.

      Is it possible to get rid of addiction?

      - It is possible, but it requires a comprehensive approach:

      1. The desire of the person themselves. Without internal motivation, treatment will be ineffective.

      2. Professional help. Medication therapy and working with psychologists help relieve withdrawal and address the causes of addiction.

      3. Rehabilitation. Social adaptation programs return a person to normal life, teaching them to cope with stress without drugs.

      4. Support from loved ones. Family and friends play a key role in recovery.

      But prevention is the best way to combat drug addiction. Tell children and teenagers about the risks, be attentive to their surroundings and moods. Remember: one dose can be the beginning of a path that leads to irreversible consequences.

      More news about the event:

      Drug Use Prevention Week: dangers, signs, and ways to help

      As part of the Drug Use Prevention Week, we draw attention to one of the most pressing problems of modern society. 14:22 22.06.2026 City of Shakhunya - Shakhunya

      Drug Use Prevention Week: dangers, signs, and ways to help

      As part of the Drug Use Prevention Week, we draw attention to one of the most pressing problems of modern society. 14:08 22.06.2026 Varnavinsky Municipal District - Varnavino

      Drug Use Prevention Week: dangers, signs, and ways to help

      As part of the Drug Use Prevention Week, we draw attention to one of the most pressing problems of modern society. 13:23 22.06.2026 Balakhna Municipal District - Balakhna

      Drug Use Prevention Week: dangers, signs, and ways to help

      As part of the Drug Use Prevention Week, we draw attention to one of the most pressing problems of modern society. 13:19 22.06.2026 City of Bor - Bor

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Drug Use Prevention Week is taking place in Russia

      Narcotic substances are substances that alter the functioning of the human brain and, consequently, change the perception of reality. 18:22 22.06.2026 Administration of the Dobryansky District - Dobryanka

      The All-Russian Drug Use Prevention Week has started!

      This initiative aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and abstain from addictions. 16:13 22.06.2026 Aksubaevsky District - Aksubaevo

      Drug Use Prevention Week

      In the Novokubansk district, as part of the national project "Long and Active Life," the Drug Use Prevention Week begins (in honor of the International Day Against Drug Abuse). 16:09 22.06.2026 Novokubansk Central District Hospital - Novokubansk

      DRUG USE PREVENTION WEEK

      The period from June 22 to June 28 has been declared by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation as "Drug Use Prevention Week" (in honor of the International Day Against Drug Abuse). 16:08 22.06.2026 Vichuga News - Vichuga

      🚫 June 22–28: Drug Use Prevention Week

      From June 22 to June 28, Drug Use Prevention Week is taking place. 16:06 22.06.2026 Basic Medical College - Kaluga

      From June 22 to June 28 – Drug Use Prevention Week

      From June 22 to June 28, Drug Use Prevention Week is being held (in honor of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and its illegal trafficking on June 26). 16:05 22.06.2026 GBUZ MIAЦ - Penza

      Drug Use Prevention Week is taking place in Russia

      Narcotic substances are substances that alter the functioning of the human brain and, consequently, change the perception of reality. 18:03 22.06.2026 PRO Solikamsk - Solikamsk

      June 22 — 28 — Drug Use Prevention Week

      Despite extensive preventive work, erroneous perceptions about narcotic substances and their effects still persist in society. 15:48 22.06.2026 Cardiology Dispensary - Bryansk

      Traffic police officers in Tolyatti detained a suspect in the illegal acquisition and storage of drugs

      During a night patrol in the Avtozavodsky district on Botanicheskaya Street, officers of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the city of Tolyatti noticed a man near one of the apartment buildings. 15:45 22.06.2026 NIA Samara - Samara

      Drug Use Prevention Week: protect the health and future of youth!

      The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation announces Drug Use Prevention Week. 16:44 22.06.2026 Chagodoshchensky Municipal District - Chagoda

      Drug Use Prevention Week: protect the health and future of youth!

      The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation announces Drug Use Prevention Week. 12:39 22.06.2026 Veliky Ustyug Municipal District - Veliky Ustyug

      Drug Use Prevention Week

      Drug addiction is a state in which all a person's thoughts are focused solely on where and how to get the next dose of the drug. 15:34 22.06.2026 Family Health Protection Center - Rostov-on-Don

      Vologda Region joined the Drug Use Prevention Week

      The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation announced the holding of Drug Use Prevention Week from June 22 to June 28. 16:23 22.06.2026 Government of the Vologda Region - Vologda

      Vologda Region joined the Drug Use Prevention Week

      The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation announced the holding of Drug Use Prevention Week from June 22 to June 28. 16:02 22.06.2026 Tarnogsky Municipal District - Tarnogsky Gorodok

      June 22-28: Drug Use Prevention Week

      From June 22 to June 28, Drug Use Prevention Week is taking place (in honor of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and its illegal trafficking on June 26). 15:01 22.06.2026 GBUZ LO Vyborg MB - Vyborg

      Watch today on the program "Here and Now": about the prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug addiction

      Watch today on the