International Day Against Drug Abuse 2025: Know the date, theme, history, and significance

It is also known as World Drug Day, with the day aiming to increase action and collaboration in the effort to end illicit drug use throughout the globe.

The theme for 2025, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime“, emphasises the significance of focused long-term action to break the cycle of organised crime and drug trafficking.

“Prevention and preparedness are how we break the cycle of organized crime.”@GhadaFathiWaly calls for the critical need to #InvestInPrevention, to protect people from drug use and empower communities to live in safety and dignity.#WorldDrugDay pic.twitter.com/GoZviVutAV

— UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) June 26, 2025

It encourages tackling it through fundamental causes, the day encourages investment in prevention, including justice, education, health care, and alternative livelihoods – all are essential components of long-term resilience.

READ | Law enforcers and police not enough, social awareness requisite against drug abuse

Every year, people, cities, and various organisations throughout the world support this global observance, which attempts to raise awareness of the huge threat that illegal drugs pose to society.

The Government of India, through its zero-tolerance policy, active enforcement measures, and people-centric programs such as Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, is making significant progress towards a safer, healthier, and drug-free future for Indians.

#WATCH | Delhi: As Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) organises the Program Of Cyclothon on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit, Director General of NCB, Anurag Garg says, “26 June is celebrated as International Anti-Drug day and the way it is emerging in… pic.twitter.com/uJQmIliouF

— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2025