Drug Abuse Today by ANDREA MIĆANOVIĆ

PREMIER ISSUE/JUNE Youth Initiative 2017 Magazine

YOUTH FORUM IN WORLD'S DRUG DAY VIENNA SDG AND DRUG ABUSE 2017

Where does Youth Initiative Magazine What 26 June 2017 is a very special day not only come from? How did it really begin? Find are Sustainable Development Goals because the first issue of Youth Initiative out all about our team and how three and how to achieve them? Read Magazine came out, but also because it is days changed out lives forever. more on page 5. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. TOGETHER WE BUILD A BETTER FUTURE. 10 UNODC Youth Initiative 14 Sustainable Development Forum 2017 participants Goals and drug prevention

Why was participation important How are they related? What is for them? For some it turned their being done today? Find out more lives around! from Nijat Eldarov! 21 Get the facts and break 28 It goes both ways the myths

Importance of the ongoing Prevention activities at Vienna campaign and how to take action. International School.

32 Understanding drug 36 Marcelo Martinez, use as a health problem exclusive interview 1 E

Is really addiction our choice or Impressive life, achievements and U S S

what is the science behind drug dreams of a young man. I

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E N U J OUR TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Radmila Doder

VICE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Milly Meyer

BOARD SECRETARY: Nikoleta Míchalová

JOURNALISTS: Nikoleta Míchalová Elena Trifonova Chahrazad Sadi Andrea Mićanović Nijat Eldarov Malak Khan

PROOFREADER: Paula Linares

EDITORS: Haykuhi Movsisyan Zhang Haoyue Nijat Eldarov Hanan Yazdi Andrea Mićanović GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Radmila Doder Nikoleta Míchalová Jelena Vorkapić Mahnoor Jalal

PR MANAGERS: Sahar Osama Panuwat Chalermmoo Big thanks to the kind support of the UNODC office in @YIMagazine Vienna Hanna Heikkila Stefanie Schmatz Heeyoung Park @YIMagazine

Disclaimer: all photographs used either belong to the participants of Youth Initiative Forum 2017, Youth @yimagazine_yi Initiative or are provided by canva.com for free use in their designs [email protected] Graphs in research article(s): 1 Alejandro Badel, Brian Greaney (2013) Exploring the Link between Want to reach us on social media? Tag us on Drug Use and Job Status in the your posts or U.S. Available at: https://www.stlouisfed.org/Publicati use #unodcyouthinitiative #yimagazine ons/Regional-Economist/July- #youthinitiativemagazine 2013/Exploring-the-Link-between- #togetherwecanbuildabetterfuture Drug-Use-and-Job-Status-in-the-US 2 Women’s health USA 2012, Illicit Drug Use. Available at:https://mchb.hrsa.gov/whusa12/h s/hs.html Editor's letter Today’s youth has been often described in media unfortunately rather in negative context as lazy, not interested enough regarding the things that matter, etc. One of the missions of the Youth Initiative Magazine team is to show how much youth can contribute and that there is a lot of young people all around the world who are fighting for better tomorrow for all of us.

What is more important than health seriously? In my opinion, that is the most important thing in life. When your health is at risk nothing else matters. Therefore, Youth Initiative Magazine was made as a promotion of and fight for health tackling one of the most serious danger for our health which is definitely drug abuse.

We want to educate young people but also other relevant groups as for example parents about this issue and how to approach it. Moreover, we would like to motivate youth to engage in drug prevention and that is why one part of the magazine is and will be devoted to youth who are working as drug prevention activists all across the globe.

I got the idea for the magazine back at the end of 2016 while discussing Youth Initiative projects for the future with my friend and colleague Marcelo. We were more than happy when this idea was well received by the UNODC Youth Initiative. The next step was to wait until Youth Forum 2017 and hopefully get more people involved which as you can see thankfully happened!

We have been working hard on this project since March and we are going to continue to work even harder because we are all really passionate about this and we hope this magazine will become bigger with each issue. I want to thank my team for every moment of their free time invested in this.

I hope you are going to enjoy and that you are going to learn a lot from the premier issue of the Youth Initiative Magazine! We are looking forward to your comments and contributions! Radmila Doder EDITOR-IN-CHIEF YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES ON THE OCCASION

Paint yourself a better future

Are you good at painting? Or photography? Or theater, singing, writing? Share with us your idea of a better future on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by sending it to [email protected], sharing it on our FB page @YIMagazine or sharing it on your social media with hastags #fightagainstdrugsthroughart #togetherwebuildabetterfuture #unodcyouthinitiative #yimagazine #youthinitiativemagazine. Looking forward to seeing your future!

#myPASstory INTERNATIONAL DAY How are YOU contributing towards a better AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND world? What actions are you taking to combat this issue? Let us know through #myPASstory. For more information please ILLICIT TRAFFICKING contact us through Facebook or write us a mail through [email protected] By Chahrazad Sadi

June 26 is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the day when individuals, companies, societies and ASK US communities get together to fight against this dangerous phenomenon, raising awareness about the dangers of illicit Part of drug prevention drugs and how to stop this phenomenon from further is to be informed about increasing. the dangers of drug abuse, to understand what consequences the According to the final UN office report, over 200 million people actions we take have are using illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, etc. This year it and to seek help when is estimated that 1 of 20 adults used at least one kind of drug. needed. Are you unsure of something? You Which is roughly the equivalent of the combined populations want to take action but don't know how to start? Don't hesitate and contact us! You of France, Germany, Italy and the UK. The impact of drug can either contact us openly on our social abuse in terms of its consequences on health continues to be media or anonymously by sending us a devastating. About 29 million people suffer from drug-use mail. You will get the answer as soon as we disorders but only 1 in 6 people with drug use disorder are in get the chance to respond and the questions who might concern more of our treatment. The most widely cultivated drugs continue to be readers will be published in our next issue. cannabis which was reported by 129 countries.

On this international day against drug abuse, the UNODC calls on all countries and communities to rescue the lives of everyone blighted by drug abuse by integrating security and WHAT WILL YOU public safety policies with a focus on human well-being and DO? sustainable development. Y O U T H F O R U M 2 0 1 7 A T T H E H E A D Q U A R T E R S O F U N I T E D N A T I O N S I N V I E N N A O N T H E O C C A S I O N O F C O M M I S S I O N O N N A R C O T I C D R U G S

For the sixth time in a row, from the 13th to the 15th of March, UNODC Youth Initiative gathered young leaders from all across the globe at United Nations Headquarters in Vienna. Thus providing them with an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in the field of drug prevention and debate further steps for further collaborations.

The Youth Forum was as usual organized by and in addition to the Commision on Narcotic Drugs (CND) the policy making body of the UNODC. This year’s Forum had more than 40 youth participating from over 30 countries. These remarkable young people were nominated by the Member States thanks to being the most active youth.

Furthermore, this year was different in comparison to previous years in terms of the opening ceremony. The 60th CND had Youth Initiative members Radmila and Marcelo, participants of previous Youth Forums in 2012 and 2013, as opening speakers! This was the first time in the history of the CND, that youth spoke at the opening ceremony. In addition, they were the first speakers, which shows how important the role of the youth is today!

On the following day, H.E. Yuri Fedotov, UNODC’s Executive Director, gave a speech at the Youth Forum, afterwards participants had an opportunity to meet him in person and ask him questions! Also, previous day participants had an opportunity to meet Mr Gilberto Gerra, Chief of Drug Prevention and Health Branch at UNODC.

On the third day of the Youth Forum this year’s Youth Forum participants, Andrea from Montengro and Ghanim from Qatar delivered the statement to the plenary of the Commision.

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E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE FIRST EVER I N T H E H I S T O R Y O F T H E C N D : Y O U T H H O L D S A N O P E N I N G S P E E C H

Importance of Youth Initiative

B Y R A D M I L A D O D E R ( S E R B I A ) A N D M A R C E L O M A R T I N E Z ( P E R U )

Honorable chair, distinguished delegates, ladies The global drug problem affects youth a lot and and gentlemen. in different ways and that is why we need to be part of the solution. THANK YOU for the opportunity to present our statement and address the importance of the The Youth Initiative is giving us, the youth, the UNODC Youth Initiative. opportunity to contribute to the work of the policy making body of the UNODC. We are really The Youth Initiative was founded in 2012 with the proud to mention that Youth Forum participant goal of empowering youth to become active Hamda from United Arab Emirates got the leaders in their communities in preventing drug possibility to address delegates in the UNGASS. use. Through it's Youth Forum, it has inspired 160 Youth leaders. Through its small grants, it has In addition, for us, personally, participating in the changed the lives of over 93,000 youth. Through Youth Forum four years ago has been a life social networks, it reaches thousands of people changing experience which motivated us to every day. continue to work after returning home both in our communities and globally. For instance, we inspiring initiatives, we worked in one of the have been making videos dismantiling the poorest parts in Cartagena, Colombia. We myths about substance abuse, working together organised a lot of activities related to art, sports, online with other Youth Forum participants all acting and more to strengthen ties between the from different continents. children and their families.

In Serbia. my peers and I have organized free Great progress has been made since the start of sports and educational activities, as well as the Initiative and there is still a lot of work to do, mentoring, hundreds of 13 to 23 year old youth particularly vis a vis the commitment you have were included. The one I am personally most made in the UNGASS process to put health at the proud of is free foreign language school which centre of response to world drug problem. The me and my team established after Youth Forum sustainability and expansion of the Youth in 2013 and exsits till today, completely run by Initiative, and a true participation of youth in the third generation of high school students solving the world drug problem, is of huge leaders. importance for us youth all over the world. We can help, and play a valuable role in creating In Peru. we have established Youth Initiative solutions. We need your help and support and we Peru and fortified it with the Andean Youth promise that we will commit to working even Initiative with the help of youth leaders from harder. Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador. In one of the most personally inspiring initiatives, we worked Together we can reach more than ever before. in one personally inspiring initiatives, personally Thank you.

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E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE TOGETHER W E C A N M A K E A B E T T E R F U T U R E

B Y G H A N I M A L - M U F T A H ( Q U A T A R ) A N D A N D R E A M I C A N O V I C ( M O N T E N E G R O )

Excellences, distinguished delegates, ladies and vast amount of different solutions to a problem gentlemen, which affects everyone alike. We call on you, the people with the power to change the world, to we are honoured to be given the opportunity to take into account some of the proposals we have. speak on behalf of many young people around We, the generation of tomorrow, are the ones the world. Over the last few days a group of most affected by the decisions made today. We eager students, from over 30 countries, have believe a broad approach is the best way to come together to voice their concerns on the tackle a problem which is spread among a wide global drug issue. The focus was discussing the variety of cultures. There is not one global causes and consequences of drug abuse among approach to deal with an issue, that is so youths, to try and propose a way forward, in what individual to every person affected by it. When seems an ever growing issue. The work towards talking about the causes for the initial use of this goal has not only taken place in these days drugs among our peers, we found that societal but over the course of the last years, with each factors play a substantial role. Whether it is peer individual determined to make a change within pressure, the icons they are surrounded by or their community. simply wanting to fit in and be "cool". Furthermore lack of education and future We believe the collective ideas from fresh young prospects leaves children, or entire societies minds such as ours, can open all our eyes to a vulnerable. We have several suggestions when it comes to solving these issues. believe it is important to work towards education in all countries, ensuring that every child has We believe it is of fundamental importance that access to educational opportunities. In order to youths grow up in a supportive environment. make advances as a global community, we must This means ensuring emotional stability by all be committed to the cause. creating non judgmental places where people feel free to share their thoughts and feelings, all This means we need your support and trust in our within an accepting society. This can be work, especially as we are the ones affected the achieved through the further education of most and very actively involved in our guardians and teachers, helping them see how communities. We Know that together we can they can best influence and support their build a better future. children without stigmatising them. The media and role models in society have the greatest influence on children and adults alike. Especially in the present day, many prominent figures such as musicians and actors, encourage the use of harmful substances. In order to Who is who? resolve this there must be stricter regulations regarding the publications of different media. Ghanim Al-Muftah

We believe too that we can use this same media Ghanim Al-Muftah is a student but as a powerful tool to educate and raise more importantly he is a person unlike awareness for the issue. We would also like to anyone else in the Youth Forum 2017. emphasise the importance of education from an early age, targeting schools, which will often He has a Caudal Regression provide the base for a child's knowledge. For Syndrome, a condition which makes this reason we would like to call for more his life and achievements so much accurate educating of pupils around the world more impressive. He is a social media eradicating the myths which they might believe influencer with a vision to empower in. It is vital we give them the opportunity to youth. Find out more: develop their personal and social skills. We also https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=pTcqkGmy9JM

Andrea Micanovic Andrea is an 18 year old student from Montenegro. She represents High 9 School Student Union of Montenegro, a

youth focused organization through E U S

which she interacts with youth on daily S I

basis to understand what are the major E I

problems that need to be tackled. She M E R P

strongly believes in taking action to see |

the changes in the world she wants to 1 0 2 see instead of relying on others to do it E N

for her. U J

YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE UNODC Youth Initiative Forum 2017 participants

Between the 13th and 15th of March, young people gathered at the Vienna International Center for annual "The forum gave me a Youth Forum, which was organized as a side event of chance of listen to new the Commission on Narcotic Drugs to discuss the fresh ideas, to get to drug issue around the world. The participants were know the situation that chosen on the basis of their CV, questionnaire and a other countries are in final interview. More than 40 young people had been and the ways they deal selected from over 30 countries to spend three days with these problems." discussing causes, consequences and solutions to - Haykuhi Movsiyan the world drug problem. Nuzhah Tarsoo

It was the first time I got to opportunity made me realise represent my country on an that drug abuse has the same international scale. The forum pattern which repeated itself gave me an opportunity to throughout the world. I learnt understand different that the most important thing perspectives of the drug issue. was not to highlight our As international participants, differences but find the we all came from very different similarities and connections communities and societies, between our problems and each dealing with the same develop ways to tackle them. issue but in different ways. This

Milly Meyer It was important for me to participate in the Youth Forum because I wanted to expand my views on drugs and the problems related to it. I also wanted to see the solutions and measures that are used by other organizations and countries. I am passionate about preventing drug abuse among youth and the Youth Forum was the perfect place for inspiration.

Nikoleta Míchalová I love participating in activities like the Youth Forum because it always 11 inspires me to see how so many motivated young people can change E U

the world! This is especially important when it comes to an issue such S S I as drug abuse which seems so distant and yet is so close to us that it R E affects the lives of everybody living in my community - whether directly I M

(one’s own drug abuse) or indirectly (one’s relatives, co-workers or E R P

even people like politicians). Therefore I want to work hard on making |

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E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE Panuwat Vincent Gevers

Chalermmoo That's not a very hard question to answer. Almost anything that has something to do with either youth Because this is a great chance. I can learn or drug prevention, is something that I would like to about the problems, exchange experiences invest my time in. Also being able to directly give about the ways to help youth and adults from my opinion on the matters in such a big political drug substance abuse. I can learn new things organ makes me feel as if I can make a difference in from others and they can learn from me. The the world even at a young age. Even though many most important thing is to learn together different opinions and reasons for attending were because our strength is in unity and only presented, this seems to be one we share: being together, we can build a better future. able to make a change. Haykuhi Movsiyan Due to this unique and exceptional opportunity I found adherents with whom I work in the matters that represent huge importance for our future and require a lot of attention and support.The forum gave me a chance to listen to fresh ideas, to get to know the situation that other countries are in and the ways they deal with their problems. It was also an excellent opportunity to thoroughly discuss the causes and consequences of drug use and provide means with which to fight against this great issue which has become a real menace for our society. Chahrazad Sadi The objective of my participation in the UNODC Youth Initiative Forum was to develop a strategy to raise awareness and fight against the phenomenon of drugs and criminality that takes place in a global societal environment. More importantly, it was to work intensively on the small steps one has to take in order to make sure that our strategy will be successful and will truly bring results. Furthermore, I wanted to strengthen communication channels, especially through the UNODC to ensure better awareness in the face of the dramatic rise of this phenomenon. Drug abuse constitutes a real, destructive, life threatening problem for my country's youth, and the future of the young populations of the world. The Youth Forum gathered so many young, talented, ambitious students, to show us the steps we should follow. What happens next is our responsibility and duty. We may not be together physically, but we are together in our hearts and goals. The forum ended, but our joint work has just started. Our goals are achievable because we stick together. And as our statement reads: ''...We know that together we can build a better future!'' YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

Sustainable Development Goals and Drugs by Nijat Eldarov

As depicted in the World Drug will scrutinize the correlation harmonization of economic Report 2016, roughly a between sustainable development, social quarter of a billion development goals (SDGs) and integration and preservation of people took at least one drug drug prevention, as well as, the surroundings are deemed vital in 2014. Such high estimates way in which the widespread elements in the process. of drug abuse among people presence of drug addiction prevailing in the workforce among members of the young Taking the complexity and bring about adverse effects on generation(s) influences the substantial necessity of the economic growth, prevalence global partnership on the way to aforementioned concept into of economic hardship, the promotion of drug-free destruction of fabric of the communities. Sustainable societies and heaps of other development has been defined problematic issues. Since as a concept giving priority to not many youngsters are prone to only the fulfill the current needs, What are using various kinds of narcotic but also focusing on supplying sustainable drugs due to interest, the future generations with depression, desire to escape enough resources. The term was development reality, etc. provision of coined by the International sustainable development Commission on Environment goals? converts into an impossible and Development in 1987 for the matter. This article first time. In order to achieve sustainable development, consideration, countless 2) attaining universal even further and broadened international organizations, primary education the scope of the international particularly, the United 3) furtherance of cooperation regarding these Nations have played a women empowerment purposes. The Sustainable significant role in setting and gender equality Development Goals, or simply global goals to incorporate the SDGs have been established 4) decreasing the level policies relating to consisting of 17 goals and 169 of infant deaths enhancement of people’s well- targets. Even though those being into reality. 2000’s 5) improving the health goals are not considered legally Millennium Summit was a conditions of mothers binding, the states joining the considerable step in this 6) combating against 2030 Agenda for Sustainable sense, as the eight global HIV/AIDS, malaria and Development are expected to development goals have been other diseases take national measures in order adopted in the course of the 7) guaranteeing the to provide the implementation of meeting. The goals sustainability of goals. SDGs were more emphasized the importance of ecological environment comprehensive and added the reaching the universal human climate action to the Agenda, as 8) ensure the global betterment and were depicted well. Like many other partnership as following: problematic issues, drug abuse has also been given a significant 1) eradication of The New York Summit held in importance in the framework of extreme poverty and 25-27 September, 2015 went Sustainable Development Goals. hunger

National Institute on Drug Abuse (in the USA) Health Effects Of Drug has mentioned cocaine, heroin, inhalants, marijuana, MDMA, methamphetamine, nicotine, And Substance Abuse prescription sedatives, opioids, stimulants and steroids as drugs having global negative health Concerning the criminalization of drugs, addicts effects. Protracted abuse of drug substances cannot get access to support services which brings about the upward trends in the increases the prevalence of transmissible percentages of death, dysfunction of brain and 15 diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis. It’s mental health problems. Recent statistics E estimated that, only four per cent of drug users demonstrate that, drug addicts are two times U S S I who have HIV can benefit from anti-retroviral more prone to experience mood and R E treatment. Harm reduction services such as safe anxiety disorders compared to others. I M E

rooms for addicts that provide clean needles and R P

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Additionally, utilization of drugs during pregnancy N U by mothers leads to a rise in child mortality J rates. YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

Eradication Of Poverty And Drug Prevention

The tragic relation between financial troubles may increase of impoverished people’s abuse the poverty and drug abuse is consumption of drug substances of drug. The National Council that, due to the dependence, among poor people. Women’s on Drug Abuse of Jamaica, in addicts exhaust most of drive into forced sexual this regard, has imposed financial resources on drugs, intercourse in return of fiscal project concerning homeless which in its turn, result in incentives and losing accessibility drug addicts in Kingston poorness. Additionally, the to the health services may be and St. Andrew. stress stemmed from the deemed as grave consequences Decline in Education Health & Drug Addiction Effects Of The drug consumption by cannot use their right to children and teenagers may education. Drug And lead to them dropping out of the schools, which is Luckily, education can be Substance hazardous for the intellectual used for prevention purposes. potential of the communities. For example, UNODC notes Abuse Besides, drug addiction is communication strategies for likely to deplete all the drug incidents, consent with It has been proven that, financial resources and police and professionals, the risk of women regarding therefore, the payment provision of support to drug dependence and facing of education for their children schoolchildren engaged in side effects due to utilizing becomes not only secondary drug prevention as a part of drugs is a lot more compared to drug abuse treatment but school-based education for to the situation of males. also difficult. Hence, youth drug abuse prevention. However, statistics collected by The Recovery Village Personalized Addiction Treatment demonstrates that, 81 per cent of men have been treated for addiction to marijuana as primary drug abuse, as opposed to women with 61 per cent indicator. Additionally, impoverished women with low level of knowledge are forced to be involved in illegal drug markets in some countries. According to the Health Poverty Action 2015, Eurasian NGOs have recorded intense physical and sexual brutality by police on the women injecting drugs. Furthermore, Amethyst Recovery Center notes that, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the USA already works to spread awareness of the specific needs of gay and transgender substance users.

Sustainable Cities and Communities Problem and Promotion of Inclusive Societies

The activities that aim to prevent drug abuse should be improved and better implemented 17 also because drug abuse has substantial adverse impacts on the safety of cities. In accordance with

the 5th target of 16th SDG, the corruption of drug cartels over government agencies and security E U S

services should be minimized, as well. Besides, the profits gained from drug trade might lead to the S I

increase in the number of organized crimes by armed groups, such as Taliban and Revolutionary E I

Armed Forces of Colombia. M E R P

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E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

So as to prevent the USA between 2005-2011 time- “ Let us not forget that behind prevalence of drug abuse, it is frame. Therefore, existence of the policies, we have hundreds important provide career job status is considered to of thousands of farmers affected opportunities and support for prevent the sizable narcotic drug by poverty, food insecurity, lack vulnerable people. This would use. of land, instability who as a ensure the economic growth of result engage in illicit drug the respective country and Moreover, illegal drug trade cultivation” – said, Mr. Yuri help youth concentrate on their results in considerable harm to Fedotov, Executive Director of future goals thus preventing the environment. For instance, UNODC at his opening speech them from participating in risky such trade has brought about of the side-event "Outreach to behaviour. The following table the 10% of deforestation in Peru. new Stakeholders in the Field of shows that, illegal drug abuse Instead, countries may take Alternative Development" was most common among national agricultural measures in conducted in 2014. Therefore, unemployed people, followed order to conduce to the as an indispensable part of by part-time workers, full-time development of this field, and in UNODC’s activity, ensuring works and retired people in the its turn, prevent drug cultivation. alternative development should be considered a must. The Role of Work Accessibility and Territorial Ecosystems In Drug Prevention Policies

Reinforcing The Global Partnership To Combat Drug Abuse

Under the 1st target of “Partnership for the goals” goal states are expected to provide the international support for developing countries to attain the effective collection of taxes and incomes. It is estimated that, at least US $ 100 billion is demanded to implement anti-drug policies annually worldwide. Because of such high costs, cooperating with developing countries by assisting them with financial resources is another vital point of global partnership. Besides UNODC, the international network combining 173 NGOs globally – International Drug Policy Consortium backs evidence-based policies to reduce the drug-related harm. Conclusion The development sector for so many years has been missing from the discussions and policies on drug abuse prevention. However, the establishment of development agendas by UN brought about the worldwide attention on the mentioned matter, which is not only hazardous for the health conditions of people, but also economic, environmental and social capacity of the states. Therefore, to ensure the cooperation from local to global levels has converted into one of the major purposes of policy-makers of today. For that reason, the youth and officials engaged in drug prevention-related activities are supposed to put the best of their efforts to maintain the sustainable development and allow the members of future generations to benefit from the productivity of social betterment. DJO OYOU ILIKNE THE YUIMAGSAZIN!E? applying has never been easier

Journalist Editor Video editor PR manager Graphic designer

Translator 19 E U S S I

Send us your CV and motivation letter to E I M E

[email protected]. R P

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E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE F R I E N D S H I P T H A T G R E W O U T O F ACTIVISM B y N i k o l e t a M í c h a l o v á

I entered the United Nations building at 8 am on a I picked a seat close to the entrance and a girl Monday morning. As I was waiting in line, I started called Haykuhi joined me. We started chatting looking around trying to guess with whom I would about how we both got here but the conversation be spending the following days. Will they be nice? soon turned a very different way. We began What work are they doing around the world? Will talking about our hobbies, our dreams and goals. any of them have an impact on me and the work Things that I don’t even talk to my friends about that I do? often became the starting point of our conversation. Who knows how deep our I didn’t have much time to think, because soon after conversation would have got if we had not I entered, I saw Radmila Doder. I recognized her been interrupted by the beginning of the event. right away from various pictures that I’d seen after Who knows where we would be now if we had we started working together on an online film just a little more than two and half days. Still project called “Get the facts and break the myths” a Haykuhi closely follows what I do, supports me continuation of a campaign started by the Youth whenever I need it, and tells me how her life is Initiative. She was talking to a guy who I could not going so that I can support her as well. Even recognize but was about to meet - Marcelo. though both of us are living extremely busy lives we still find time to talk. Despite all the barriers. Their story started five years ago, when they met for As a result of two and half days Youth Forum. the first time thanks to the Youth Forum. It was their Isn’t that something? common dedication to fighting against the world drug problem that allowed them to meet but it was It’s hard to say what will happen in five years with their instant connection and personalities that the two of us. But perhaps we will be as close as allowed them to stay in touch. They met again for ever… as close as Radmila and Marcelo. We will a very special occasion: holding an opening speech be running projects together and supporting each of the CND (Commission on Narcotic Drugs). other. We will be helping each other professionally and personally, spending hours on I was still observing all of this from a distance. I did the phone if one of us is troubled, reminding each not have time to meet them because while they were other to stay positive when the times get hard and busy preparing for their speech, I was busy getting work like our lives depend on it. to know the new people with who I was about to spend the following two and half days. Not that I Whatever happens, one thing is for sure. My can complain… it was a simple and a pleasurable experience is not unique. There is something task. From the very beginning, there was an magical about working together towards amazing atmosphere, everybody was smiling, full improving the world that allows one to find of energy and excited to be there. It was a very soulmates in the crowd and find friendships contagious atmosphere. that will overcome all barriers. GET THE FACTS AND BREAK THE MYTHS By Andrea Mićanović

Would you agree if you were told that facts on eight myths about drug use, your opinion was not completely yours? United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Would you then realize the influence that started a campaign called ‘Get the Facts your parents, friends, professors and and Break the Myths’. especially the media have on your perception of the world, shaping your When I was reading through these fact attitude in the long run? And it is sheets, I realized that I myself believed in completely natural and positive that we some of the myths resolved during this adopt a certain opinion of a person we are campaign. Until I got encouraged by the talking to, unless we do it without fact sheet on the myth number 6 to start considering it previously. It is of a great my own study on the the ways drugs importance that we avoid blindly trusting influence society, I thought that drug to everything that we read or hear, and to users are the only ones affected. The rather make our own little researches, elaborated articles, publications, reports aiming at getting evidence-based facts of the organizations that are dealing with that will strongly support our attitude the problem of drug use, helped me towards a specific topic. understand that drugs do a great damage to both the users and their families and The problem of drug use has arisen a long friends, but can also destroy the nature 21 time ago, but there are many of us who and environment surrounding us. are not yet well-informed on this issue. E U S

For example, there are still a lot of us who In the fact sheet it is said that in areas S I

believe or believed at some point that where illicit drugs are cultivated, soils R E I

cannabis is harmless or that the become low in important organic M E information on the dangers of drugs is nutrients such as nitrogen and R P

enough to prevent drug use. Therefore, phosphorus, and very high in acidity and 7 1 aiming at creating fact sheets with an aluminium toxicity, which makes soil 0 2 overview on scientific information and infertile after a certain period of time. E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

Having read this, I was surprised by the supported, loved or taken care of fact that drugs are very dangerous even properly. before they are actually used. Not to mention stressful and seemingly hopeless I will stop here because I do not want to situations in which people closest to write in details, hoping that this article someone using drugs find themselves. made you curious about other five fact sheets, that will break all the myths you Another myth that intrigued me is called ever had about drug use if read carefully. I ‘Everybody is using drugs’. Unfortunately, also sincerely hope that I helped you I can often hear some of my peers understand why we have to base our approving the use of drugs just because attitudes on exact and reliable they are convinced that the number of information, avoiding any misjudgements people using drugs is much more higher that could deepen social problems we than it really is. This may sound harmless should try to solve. at first, but if we think for a moment, we will notice the real danger that lies in this thought. If youth believes in this, it can notably determine their opinion on using drugs in a negative way and encourage them to make wrong decisions. Youth must be educated and provided with accurate information about the use of drugs around the world, which may contribute to prevention programmes. Get the facts Myth number 2 says that addicts made the wrong choice, which makes them and break the myths completely responsible for taking the wrong step. It challenges the idea that they are "making a choice" and rather video campaign presents some triggers that push people towards abusing drugs. It is nicely explained in the fact sheet that nobody chooses to be born in a dysfunctional family or in a poor community. Nobody chooses to be born with no self-esteem or self-confidence. Nobody chooses to feel rejected in both their families and society. There are some external and even internal factors that we cannot control, but we can be controlled by if we are not

Some of the participants of the Youth Initiative Youth Forum 2017 and more of previous Youth For more information visit: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/ Initiatives Forums also came up with the idea of prevention/youth-initiative/factsheets- spreading the message through video. Check it and-activities.html out and come up with your own original idea of how to spread the message! Where had the connection between family, school and community torn apart?

Young people are exposed to drugs earlier than ever. Typical age of a first-time experimentation with marijuana and other illicit drugs has dropped from 20 to 16, which is similar to the age when youth starts experimenting with alcohol and cigarettes. There are drug users in the fifth and sixth grade, which sounds quite disconcerting, doesn't it? Where the connection between family, school and community had torn apart?

B Y E L E N A T R I F O N O V A

Nowadays, parents are stressed due Council on Drugs of Vidin is a great The communities that surround youth, to various economic and social example of this co-operation. strongly influences their opinion. Even problems than make them improve Prevention activities in different though parents are the ones who their standard of living. It is common classes include playing various give life, raise their children, take for the parents to emigrate to seek a interactive games. Students learn in care of them every day and do solution to unemployment and an interactive way which makes it fun everything for our happiness and well poverty, leaving their children behind. and exciting for them to participate. being, Friends are the family youth They rely on grandparents to control As a result, instead of passively chooses on their own. They are the and raise them. For many, supporting cramming information about drug ones, who make them laugh and feel their children financially is enough abuse, they engage with the issue, special and unique. They have the but it is not, on the contrary, it learn to challenge the common myths power to influence us and our view of triggers off more problems that they about drug abuse, think about them the world? Yes. Whether or not, we can imagine. The combination of independently and critically, reflect on are influenced by the community financial security and lack of control their own life and as a result have which surround us one way or is detrimental to young people. As far much longer lasting impressions from another. Unfortunately, not every as Bulgarian youth is concerned, the the “lessons”.Separating the class into opinion and advice are for the good. reasons for drug use are curiosity, teams for the games is also a good Sometimes, one's interests are higher stress, a means to look ''cool'' and practice for a prevention activities, than health and well-being of their ''superior'' in the eyes of their friends. because they learn to work together. loved ones. That is why, we have to Drug addiction is much more than By following the National Strategy of be careful about choosing people mentioned so far. What drives people Youth in every country, schools who occupy an important place in use drugs is their personal insecurity are engaged to create favorable our life. While no family is perfect, and lack of awareness. Even though conditions for informal learning, they are usually the ones we can rely they are at their minority, there still professional, social and personal on most. The rest of the people are those who resists the temptation realization of young people, their follow their own interest and 23 of experimenting with drugs. participation in social and economic therefore might be more likely to E

life, their inclusion in local, regional manipulate and use us. U S

Youth organizations often work with and national management as well as S I

schools as they allow them to to contribute to the improvement of Ships do not sink because of the R E communicate directly with their the quality of life. For this reason, water around them; ships sink I M target audience: youth. School school has to provide favorable because of the water that gets into E R P

provides the necessarily learning environment so as to ensure beneficial them. "Do not let what is happening |

tools for successful prevention of work between the students and the around you get inside you and weigh 1 0

drug abuse.The Municipal Youth certain youth organization. 2

E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

you down''. It is the same with people. Behind curiosity lie ranges of feeling and insecurities that push you towards trying something you know might harm you. The problems, anxieties and deprivations create a desire to escape into another world, with other people (and the way yo get into this parallel world is drugs). In the attempt to look ''cool'' and ''superior'', young people try to hide the lack of attention and low self- esteem. When there are emotional ''cracks'' in somebody, they let their surroundings penetrate into their bodies and minds. Drugs cannot fill the cracks. Drugs make them deeper and... the ship sinks.

Social pressure to drink is something caused by cultural norms; which have to be changed IT GOES N I K O L E T A BOTH WAYS M Í C H A L O V Á Vienna International School (VIS) is the situation in VIS over years. It an IB school with a group of Grade can pinpoint year groups in which 10 - Grade 11 students already the consumption of harmful traditionally carry out drug substances is exceptionally high (in prevention at the beginning of which case the peer education Grade 10. There are two major session could be extended) or events: one for the students and exceptionally low (in which case the one for the parents, as prevention peer education session could be is not only about telling “kids” what shortened). Either way, it was not to do. It is also about educating proven to be a good starting point. parents on how to be supportive and how to understand their The peer education sessions vary children. from class to class. It is important that the students who lead them are Before beginning any prevention able to feel the character of the activities whatsoever, a class to be able to tailor the questionnaire is sent out to education session directly to them. 25 Some classes are shy and learn determine the situation is E U

like in the targeted year group. This better when they can listen to a S S I

is helpful not only when preparing presentation with scientifically R E I

various activities for the student based evidence communicated to M E

them in an interesting way. Then R peer educational session, and for P

there are classes who feel 7

presenting possible scenarios to 1 0 2 parents, but it also allows to track comfortable with each other and E N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE

benefit from discussion and active participation. Lastly, there are classes which are full of energetic people and need to move around, engage physically, in which case the right approach would be almost that of a game. Whatever the class character is, the leader of the peer education session has to be ready for A peer education session: every scenario with activities that discussion about legal engage the students. drinking age

While students tend to brag to their peers about using harmful substances such as alcohol, cannabis or tobacco, it is a topic that tends to be taboo at home. Their parents either refuse to believe that their beloved children would ever take drugs or they follow the principle “what the eye doesn't Preparation for parent's night see, the heart doesn't grieve over”, simply ignoring the problem. It is essential to educate parents, to give environment for their children to them insight about how to spot if talk about said problems. We hold their child has a problem, how to a annual presentations to this bring up conversation about drug effect that unfortunately do not abuse and how to create a safe have a high attendance rate as they are on voluntary basis. Sadly many parents, especially those who think that there is no Myth Sheets problem or choose to ignore it, never get to hear the effect their UNODC runs a campaign called “Get the facts, break careless actions have in their the myths!” which provide scientific evidence to break child’s crucial years of youth the societally accepted myths. One of the best received experimentation with drugs. There activities is when students are provided with an empty is no right way to engage in drug sheet of paper and 10 minutes to brainstorm on prevention. In every community, “sentences” that describe drugs in some way. It is every culture and every society it referred to as sentences to avoid giving students any has to be approached slightly hints that they are not true as many of the myths are differently. This is just one of the written down. Afterwards, they all get a printed version paths that can be taken; one that of a myth sheet and have to present and discuss what has it's strengths but also some they thought was true and what the reality is. In many weaknesses, which are targeted cases, this is quite surprising and leads to discussions. again and again. Y O U T H

H A S A C O M P L E T E L Y D I F F E R E N T P E R S P E C T I V E I N T H I S R A P I D L Y C H A N G I N G W O R L D Hanna Heikkila has been working at the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) in the health branch dealing with drug prevention for 6 years. Before that she worked for the public health institute in her homeland, Finland, in the same field; substance and risk behaviour prevention. She studied sociology and is continuing her education. During her sociology studies she was already involved in research on drug addiction and adult education from where she went on to work on projects, where she educated teachers and health care personnel on drug prevention.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE more emphasis on youth participation came up. RESEARCH PROJECT YOU WERE INVOLVED IN It caught Yuri Fedotov's interest, so he asked us DURING YOUR STUDIES? to do something with the idea. This project was one of his initiatives. It still however does not At the university where I studied, there was an receive enough funding. The Youth Initiative has ongoing research project examining the behaviour always been more of a pro-bono activity for us of addicted people, so that’s how I got in. Furthermore, during my studies I was working in and also for all the young people who are primary schools giving lessons in life skills, for making the initiative work on a voluntary basis example playing different games with small children by using their free time. and getting them to learn how to communicate emotions or creating strategies for decision making. WAS IT DIFFICULT TO GET YOUTH SPEAKERS TO THE COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS BACK HOW DID THE YOUTH INITIATIVE ORIGINALLY 27 IN 2012? START AND WHERE DID THE IDEA COME E U

FROM? For sure and not only in 2012. For many years S S I we were uncertain about whether we would be R

The Youth Initiative was a very original idea E allowed to speak at the plenary or not. In fact, I M

that emerged from discussions with our E

holding a speech was always plan B, we R P

Executive Director Yuri Fedotov. Originally |

prepared for the eventuality even though we did 7 there was a small meeting with people 1 0

not even have a permission to enter the plenary 2 from him, our health branch and some NGOs, E

room (laughs). It was all very exciting but then N where the idea of giving more visibility and U over the years, the Member States learnt to J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE appreciate a lot the contribution of young Secondly, it is a huge underutilised resource, people and now it is pretty established and because the youth has so much creativity and normally the chair is very welcoming. This year energy and passion and if we don’t use the was a great example since for the first time ever energy, it’s a huge waste for our cause. And of youth was allowed to speak two times with the course, youth has a completely different first statement by young people delivered at the perspective in this rapidly changing world. formal opening session of the CND. It was Finally of course, for the issues that are really simply great! important, there is an added credibility when the prevention comes directly from peers and SO HOW DO YOU THINK THAT THIS WILL not adults. This list could continue for a long DEVELOP FURTHER? time.

Well that’s something that you would know LOOKING BACK TO ALL THE FORUMS THAT better (laugh). It is great to see that new projects YOU ORGANIZED FROM 2012 ONWARDS, are arising from the Youth Forum which gives WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? this issue a greater visibility and also due to One thing is that we managed to sustain this previous successes, people trust that the activity year after year and grow it and to initiative will keep on happening so that you increase the general participation. In the years could really start making bigger and longer when we were beginning, there were few lasting projects. Also connecting globally like you people, little time and limited space. In many are doing now with the Youth Initiative Magazine ways there was less room for the youth. We and which looks really promising. also had to somehow direct the involved youth and I think we have been growing better year YES, IT DOES. WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S by year in really encouraging uncensored IMPORTANT THAT YOUTH IS INVOLVED IN opinions and instead really allowing them to PARTICULAR? shape the event themselves. At least I hope so. For many reasons; first of all active participation of young people is a very important protective HOW DID YOUTH INITIATIVE AND factor. So any way we can support youth to ENGAGEMENT WITH YOUTH IN GENERAL participate actively in their schools or IMPACT YOUR LIFE? communities, we are in fact supporting Hmm, it has been a hugely rewarding prevention itself. experience to be able to just witness all the great effort and to be able to see all WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU STILL NEED TO those young people who miraculously WORK ON? want to invest their free time on their own free will to do all this important work To continue with this initiative and of course to and often they really make a lot of secure more resources like space. It was the progress. Many of the activities that have first time we were allowed to have one been established by youth whether on additional day which made a huge difference. Of local or a global level have been really course, when we have a big group of people inspiring. It’s a learning process and as we who just met it takes time for them to start go seeing all this initiative and motivation working as a team. is always a pleasant surprise. U N D E R S T A N D I N G drug use as a health problem

BY MALAK KHAN In a world where drug users underdeveloped before the Experimentation with and abusers are ostracized early 20s, leading to a higher substances is common and mistreated by many tendency towards risky amongst youth, but can be societies, it is important to behaviour such as impacted greatly by their maintain perspective on the experimenting with drugs. In individual circumstances and problem of drug abuse by addition to this, during the conditions of their understanding it as a childhood and adolescence, society. Socioeconomic multifactorial health issue our underdeveloped brain factors can create a pressure with genuine pathogenesis develop dependencies more upon an individual to and not simply a crime or a easily during childhood and experiment with substances form of moral corruption. adolescence. According to the as a coping mechanism. NIAA (Nevada Interscholastic According to the UNODC, Addiction, according to the Activities Association) some of the most common research of the United National Epidemiological conditions that can gr1e9a tly Nations Office on Drugs and Survey on Alcohol and Related increase the chances of youth Crime, can be categorized as a Conditions (2003), a far higher experimenting with drugs developmental disease. frequency of cases of alcohol include: extreme poverty, Addiction often develops addiction results from people exploitation, social exclusion, 29 during childhood and that begin consumption hunger, work overload, E adolescence, during stages of between the ages of 10 and exposure to violence, U S S I the human development where 20 than from any other age displacement, and human R E one is highly susceptible to group. Research such as this trafficking. Children and I M E

risk taking behaviours. The illustrates one psychological adolescents that grow up in an R P

| prefrontal cortex of the brain, cause behind experimentation environment that is 7 1 responsible for much of the and subsequent addiction- detrimental to their mental, 0 2 decision making and risk simple physiological physical and social well-being E N U avoidant processes, is immaturity. are far more susceptible to J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE "for many drug abusers, the pathogenesis of their addiction is closely linked with other pre- existing mental conditions" using substances as a coping mechanism, especially if such substances are readily available in their society.

It is important to note that for many drug abusers, the pathogenesis of their addiction is childhood experiences at home, including abuse, closely linked with other pre-existing mental emotional neglect, household dysfunction, conditions. Premorbid psychiatric disorders disrupted attachment to parents, and more can that may contribute to drug addiction often result in an increased risk of addiction and include: social phobia, depression, bipolar experimentation. Research demonstrates disorder, anxiety, conduct disorders and particularly the importance of early bonding to the oppositional defiant disorders. According to mother (Gerra et al, 2010), and also demonstrates one study by Merikangas and Avenevoli (2000) that stress and substance usage during the attributable risk of children with such pregnancy can also affect the risk factors for the disorders developing subsequent substance child. dependence disorders ranges from 44% to 86%. Such disorders can often prompt people Another factor of much significance is the genetic to self-medicate with drugs, or can impact their variation between individuals that causes some to lives in such manners that they feel the be more susceptible to risk taking behaviours than pressure to indulge in substance abuse to cope others, and thus more prone towards with stress. experimentation with drugs. For example according to one study by Gerra et al (2010) the Familial factors also play one of the most major gene 5-HTT with the “SS” polymorphism has a far roles in determining a person’s vulnerability to higher frequency and likelihood for usage of substance addiction. According to the psychotropic substances among adolescents as aforementioned study by Marikangas and opposed to the “S” allele of this gene. The Avenevoli, the attributable risk of familial Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis was also factors to drug dependence is possibly even found to play a role in the presence of basal levels higher than that of premorbid psychiatric of hormones such as cortisol disorders, and is estimated at 55%. Adverse and adrenocorticotropic hormone, which in turn impacts susceptibility towards drug use and abuse. Other genetic factors that impact the person’s susceptibility towards drug abuse include their ability to process the active ingredient of the substance, and their individual response to it. For example, marijuana may provoke psychosis like symptoms in people with specific underlying genetic vulnerabilities, while not displaying such symptoms in others. encountered. Such stimuli can include anything the drug user may have seen or interacted with Once a person has begun experimenting with while they were under the influence. drugs, the path towards addiction also has a complex pathology. Drugs establish a status Having understood drug use as the multifactorial of allostasis within the body- a state that health problem that it is, it is then important to replaces the normal stability of the body remember this when formulating strategies to that is known as homeostasis. As a drug tackle it. Drug use disorders are often user takes more and more of the substance, preventable and treatable. The key is to rely on their body may develop tolerance to the scientific research and to focus on training and substance, requiring them to take more and mobilization of people on the ground level to more of the substance in order to achieve address the vulnerability factors at their roots. the state of stable allostasis. Without being Youth and children, as well as those who have able to continue to take the substance, they contact with them including education may have to cope with extremely severe professionals and parents, must especially be withdrawal symptoms, and thus are often targeted in drug prevention and treatment 31 unable to control the spiral towards programs in order to truly impact the most E U

addiction. Even for those who manage to vulnerable demographic. Policy makers must be S S I

stop taking the substance, the risk of committed to approaching drug abuse disorders R E relapse is high. The emotional and memory as a health issue, and supporting rehabilitation I M E centres of the brain become programmed to and treatment as opposed to criminalization and R P

associate certain salient stimuli with the ostracization, in order to best use their resources 7 1 0

drug, and can be triggered to cause urges for to contribute to a better functioning society and 2

E the substance when such a stimulus is a better functioning world. N U J YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE drug abuse today BY ANDREA MIĆANOVIĆ

I think we can all agree on the of drug prevalence and report it is stated that around fact that drug use has become informed about current rates 600 000 students had a serious global problem of of drug prevalence and the participated in the process of the modern society, affecting reasons that would make data-collection, making the young people in every corner. someone seek solace in drugs project the most extensive, That is why the number of nowadays. harmonized data collection different institutions, on substance use in Europe. organizations and even The European School Survey individuals trying to Project on Alcohol and Other contribute to solving this Drugs (ESPAD) has been The research negative social phenomenon implemented since 1995. The showed that of drug use is increasing. At main objective of ESPAD is to the same time, numerous collect reliable information in approximately surveys conducted in the last as many European countries 21% of boys couple of years should as possible and help definitely be the red alarm for formulate policies, in and 15% of all of us that are ready to do particular those aimed at girls have something to stop the spread young people. The latest of global trend of drug use. report was published in 2015, tried illicit But in order to effectively and was based on the drugs at least respond to threat of drug information provided by 96 use, we need to be well-aware 043 students from 35 once in their and informed about current European countries. In the lifetime. rates This detailed report analysed the calculated. For instance, there behaviour, such as drug use use of illicit drugs and new were 49,714 of drug-related and/or other substance abuse. psychoactive substances among deaths recorded in 2014 in the survey respondents.. The most United States of America, which Also, we can often hear that frequently tried illicit drug is is an alarming information that young people tend to consider cannabis, followed by ecstasy, indicates the importance of a drugs as a perfect solution to amphetamine, cocaine and LSD rapid and constant development their life problems - those who or other hallucinogens. However, of drug use prevention do not know how to cope with these numbers show that the programmes all around the certain obstacles in their life and diffusion rates in cannabis use globe. just escape from them, not have increased compared to understanding that consuming those in 1995. In the report it is But as said earlier, in order to drugs causes only a temporary also written that 4% of students fight against the problem of drug feeling of satisfaction, without have tried new psychoactive use, we need to be aware of the actually sorting the problem out substances. This percentage may reasons that could make a in the long run. seem too low to be harassing, but person try drugs. The study it suggests that these substances ‘Reasons for Drug Use among All in all, it is important that we, are getting more popular than American Youth by Consumption who want to contribute, are other drugs. Level’ was carried out in 2005 familiar with personal and social and supported by grants from background of a person, that Additional research about the National Institute on Drug makes them prone to drug use, the rest of the world was made Abuse. It examined self-reported in order to better support by United Nations Office on reasons for the use of nine prevention and intervention Drugs and Crime and can be substances among nationally policies and programs both in found on its website. The representative samples of US our countris and the rest of the statistics show that the rates of high school seniors. The study world. We have to have a illicit drug use on showed that there are four main comprehensive insight into the other continents are similar to reasons for trying drugs: current situation regarding drug those related to Europe. In that enhancement of positive mood, use, especially among youth. very same research the number obtaining social rewards, coping of drug-related deaths per to decrease negative emotions Speaking of my country, the million persons aged 15- and conformity. ESPAD report 2015, for example, 64 around the world was has shown a slight but While attending psychology continuous increase in the use of lessons at my school, I had a psychoactive substances among chance to learn about high school students, which is a 4% of how various social factors can serious call for relevant national influence our attitudes and institutions and civil society 33 students behaviour. Getting familiar with organizations to take further E U

the concept of conformity, as steps towards solving this issue. S S I have tried

well as the motives of an But it is a call for youth, as well. R E individual to give in to social It is a call for all of us that are I M new E

pressure, I realized that the being directly or indirectly R P

| family issues and the problems affected by the problem of drug 7 psychoactive 1 one encounters within other use to get involved in the process 0 2

social groups can make a person of finding and implementing E substances. N U resort to deviant ways of appropriate solutions. J A more humanistic future

Interview by Nikoleta Míchalová

Marcelo, full name Marcelo Martin Martinez Vicente is a young leader of UNODC, an irreplaceable work force at MegoNetworks and a dedicated student of Business Administration at the University of Piura. However, as impressive as all of this sounds, they are just labels. He is far more than what can be understood from the positions he occupies. He is a man who restlessly fights to improve the world we live in, step by agonizing step. He is a loving son, a nice brother and a friend one can always rely on. On top of all of this, he is a charming gentleman. “YIMagazine: Marcelo, those “As common courtesy Marcelo: By empowering youth who get to know you refer to to achieve their dreams, by for the future you as a calm and always implementing sustainable cheerful and enchanting generation, leave the development goals around the person. How do you always world better than you world and of course it’s stay so positive especially found it” ambitious, but I’m not alone, when dealing with such a I’ve met so many people that negative topic like drug abuse? for doubt , I’m working every are willing to work with me day for this goal. We can all towards these goals. Of course Marcelo: Well, I understand contribute in a big or small we are going to change the that drug abuse prevention way. I know a future that is world, we are just separated may sound like something you less adult-centric and gives a from each other, but we are would not want to volunteer in, place for the youth to solve the getting together little by little. but I prefer to call it youth problems is coming. When it’s empowerment, healthy lifestyle here , I know a future where YIMagazine: You have been promotion or just culture people are raised with that working on various projects in changing. I will always Gilberto Gerra mindset will Peru. Can you tell us more remember the words of my follow: “A sense of about what exactly you do? principal “After considering the responsibility for their problems and gathering community: ”Where people act Marcelo: Well, one of the first information you will discover, like that sign you find in projects I have been working this topic is really nice” and I airplane bathrooms; as with is the DAPC grant with the agree, I have made so many common courtesy for the UNODC and CEPTIS, where new friends because of this, future generation, leave the we taught the youth about the had countless experiences and world better than you found it. importance of drug prevention I’m positive that we are doing and how to use the social great work when it comes to YIMagazine: How would you media to prevent drug use. My this topic. want to achieve this latest project right now is goal? Don’t you think, it’s a working on the Andean Youth YIMagazine: Tell us more little bit too ambitious? Initiative, it is the Youth about your vision of the future. Initiative that focuses on 35 What is it that you are working countries in the Andean Region E

towards? (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador U S S I and Peru) by empowering them R E Marcelo: I know a more to volunteer in their I M humanistic future is coming, E communities and promote R P

| and I say know because healthy lifestyles. We 7 1

believing still leaves a space have come to the conclusion 0 2

E N U J GET ACTIVE NOW!!!! Are your from Latin America? Send [email protected] your CV and a short motivation letter about why you want to be part of the Youth Intiative. YOUTH INITIATIVE MAGAZINE that the best way to prevent drug use is to empower the protective factors that a young boy or girl has (dreams, goals, aspirations, hobbies, things they like, family, etc.). So we serve as a linking platform for the youth.

YIMagazine: What are your future plans? Are you going to continue with your current work at UNODC or maybe even start something new?

Marcelo: Well, right now my plans are to fortify the Andean Youth Initiative, and make it have a better positioning in youth led organizations at a national and international level, we still have some fear barriers that are coming down step by step, it’s a process but we have learned to fall in love with it. I’m very persistent and I know this will work out, we have so much potential. I want to make sure that everyone in my team gets the empowerment they need to succeed with their goals. We are having more contact with drug prevention directors from several countries that want to implement the Youth Initiative in their countries and we are in constant contact with them.

YIMagazine: Who are the people that inspire you the most?

Marcelo: Well, this is where I put my mom on a pedestal, she is the hardest working person I’ve ever met and has always been there for me besides the three hundred problems she may be having, she never wanted to be considered a victim and always made it to the top despite ANY adversary.

YIMagazine: Last question, where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Marcelo: I see myself working in the U.N. I don’t have any particular branch in mind, but UNODC is very interesting, there is so much to learn and so much to do to help out. I also want to have my own NGO of youth empowerment, we can all have an extra push towards our dream and I would be more than happy to help give that push!

YIMagazine: Thank you for letting us peek into your life Marcelo.

Marcelo: Thank you for having me ☺

! D

E ck he D , c e n ag tio p N a k rm oo E fo b in e ac T re F o r m u X r o fo t E ou Bibliography INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/drug-prevention-and- TRAFFICKING treatment/Youth%20Initiative/myth_6_environment.pdf 1 UN1 UN homepage for international day against drug abuse and illicit 2 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Youth Initiative trafiking. From site of the UN home page Campaign – Get the facts and break the myths! – Myth 3. Available :www.un.org/en/events/drugabuseday/ at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/drug-prevention-and- 2 UN report global drug abuse under control . pdf world drug report treatment/Youth%20Initiative/Myth_3_Everybody_is_using_drugs.p 2012 taken from site : http://www.unodc.org.wdr2012 number of the df; page 4-3homepage for international day against drug abuse and illicit 3 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Youth Initiative trafiking. 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