World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on May 31. The day is further intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects, which currently lead to nearly 6 million deaths each year worldwide, including 600,000 of which is the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

What is Drug?

• Any substance taken to modify perception, mood, cognition, behaviors or motor function is called a drug. Drugs can be classified on the basis of their effects on the central nervous system. 

1. Depressants : Slow down the control nervous system. Eg.- Alcohol, Heroin.
2. Stimulants : Speeds up the control nervous system. Eg.- Cocaine. 
3. Hallucinogens : Distorts perception. Eg. – Cannabis, Marijuana, Bhang, Ganja.

Alcohol and tobacco are also called Gateway Drugs or Soft Drugs because they could lead to consumption of more powerful, hard, mind-altering drugs such as cocaine, heroin etc.

Tobacco like Sutta, Fag, Smoke, Pan Masala, Gutka, Biri etc. contains nicotine. Interestingly nicotine is one of the most addictive substances. Encouraged by its easy availability, it is usually the first drug young people try. It is highly addictive. Tobacco use causes for more illness and deaths than all other addictive drugs combined. Smoking and chewing are the two modes of nicotine consumption.

Depressant like Alcohol reduces the activity of the central nervous system and is assumed to induce relaxation. Moreover Alcohol induces drowsiness not good sleep. In fact it causes disturbed sleep. People dependent on Alcohol can’t sleep well without it. It has also been shown to reduce sexual desire and effect libido (sexual desire).

Stimulants like Cocaine & crack (Blow, Coke, Snow Crack, Charlie, Flake, Lady, Big C, Candy etc.) are addictive stimulant made from the extract of the leaves of the coca plant. Crack is cocaine that has been further processed with ammonia or baking soda so that it can be smoked. Both produce a very intense, powerful “rush”. The high from cocaine can last for minutes or hours. It gives one the illusion of being “alive”, euphoric and supremely confident and in-charge.

Hallucinogens like Cannabis, Marijuana, Bhang, Ganja (Charas, Weed, Joint, Has etc.) are mild Hallucinogens and Depressants. It is usually consumed for a feeling of well being, euphoria, “high” feeling, and state of relaxations. Effects occur rapidly. They last from 30 minutes to several days.