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Tackling drug abuse the Baha'i way

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI JUNE 25. While drug and alcohol abuse has assumed epidemic proportions in various parts of the world, the widespread problem not just reflects a dependency syndrome, especially among the youth, but also an internal crisis.

To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, the Baha'i Information Office here in the Capital has released a press statement on what it calls "Combating Drug Abuse through Spiritual Dynamics''.

According to the Baha'i perspective, the response to the internal crisis should be a systematic and realistic prevention programme, emphasising the importance of attitudes in dealing with drug abuse problems.

``Behavioural scientists agree that attitudes, more than knowledge, influence the initiation of behaviour. Attitudes are learned early and adopted as a way of life. Acquired attitudes represent a person's values and the values guide a person's choice of behaviour such as whether to abuse drugs or to lead a drug-free life.''

Baha'is actively participate whenever they find an opportunity in drug education programmes. Further, they believe that religion and science must be in harmony as facets of one reality. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs and substances not prescribed for medical purposes are forbidden, according to the Baha'i faith, and an individual's commitment to abstain from such practices is maintained by faith. Self-esteem and respect for human worth and dignity play an important role in people's attitudes toward themselves. One of the most common factors involved in drug abuse around the world is loss of self-esteem. By abstaining from the use of alcohol and illicit drugs, parents and celebrities and influential personalities can set an example that will strongly influence the children's attitude towards drugs.

``The attitude of the individual through drugs whether relating to production, traffic or consumption should be considered through spiritual orientation which helps people to develop positive attitudes towards themselves and their environment,'' the Baha'i statement said.

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