Extended reading read the transcript of a speech given by a police officer to senior high students about drugs. Say no to drugs. Good morning, everyone. As a police officer who has spent many years working in the front line of the fight against drugs, I have witnessed all too often the destructive impact that drugs can have on individuals, families and the wider community. I have seen how drugs can destroy people's physical and mental well being and ruin Young lives. Before they even begin. I have seen how families are tall apart after a family member has become addicted to drugs. I have also seen how tirelessly the forces of law and order work together in fighting against drugs. I will not exaggerate the scale of the problem as the fact speak for themselves. According to the twenty twenty one world drug report, IT is estimated that around two hundred and seventy five million people use drugs worldwide, and over thirty six million people suffered from drug use disorders in the last year. These shocking figures indicate that drug abuse is a very serious global problem. Therefore, IT is everyone's responsibility to say no to drugs. Drug abuse hurts and individual drug user, both physically and mentally. The most serious health conditions associated with drug abuse include heart problems with spiritual problems, kidney failure, liver damage and a weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection. Moreover, drugs interfere with a person's ability to make sensible decisions. Consequently, people under the influence of drugs are no longer in control of their own mind, unlikely to put them ourselves or others in great danger. They also suffer from memory loss and mood disorders like depression or anxiety. Apart from its harm to individuals, drug abuse also destroys families, an impact society as a whole. Drug uses sometimes lie and steel to fuel their habit, while ignoring the responsibility, ie. S they have to their families. This can lead to not only financial hardship, but also the breakdown of one strong family relationships and the loss of stability within the family. The impact drug abuse has on society is also enormous. Under the influence of drugs, drug users may exhibit violent behaviour and sometimes even commit criminal acts threatening public safety. They are willing to do anything to get their hands on drugs also, because drug users need a regular supply of drugs, the criminal underworld quickly develops, eating away at the fabric of society. Knowing the serious damage that can be caused through the use of drugs, you may be asking yourself, why would anybody be foolish enough to start taking drugs? There is no simple answer to this question, but there are well identified risk factors for drug abuse. Some people experiment with drugs simply out of curiosity, some regard drug use as an escape from the stresses of everyday life, and others start to use drugs just because people around them are drug uses. Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself from drug use. First of all, drug education is a vital importance. You should learn more about drugs, especially new designer drugs, which are incredibly dangerous. The more you know about, the terrible is of taking drugs, the more likely you are to stay away from them. Secondly, you need to choose where you go and who you spend time with very carefully. Make sure you around yourself with friends who you can really count on and turn to for support. Last but not least, should you ever come under pressure to use drugs, you must immediately seek assistance from an adult who you look up to, such as a family member, a teacher or a doctor. In conclusion, I hope my message is clear, say no to any kind of drug, the most effective way to avoid all the problems caused by the use of drugs, it's not to use them in the first place.