BUILD RESILIENCE AGAINST DRUGS FOR GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: KEY STRATEGIES TO BREAK THE DRUG ABUSE—SMUGGLING— TRAFFICKING DEPENDENCY CYCLE

• Published in: Journal of Lifestyle and SDG'S Review
• Main Author: Mazalan A.B.M.; Mustapha S.Z.; Ahmad Y.; Aziz N.A.; Ayob N.A.; Johari N.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editora Alumni In 2025
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85214361523&doi=10.47172%2f2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n01.pe02872&partnerID=40&md5=74aa0604605a0bc83b8702fb3ca7ae6e

Objective: The objective of this paper is to critically examine the essential tactics for ending the drug abuse—smuggling—trafficking dependency cycle that threatens national harmony and peace. Drugs are the number one enemy, and they continue to be the biggest obstacle to all governments worldwide. Despite many efforts, initiatives, and approaches undertaken to combat the issues, the complexity of drug-related problems is becoming more challenging due to the negative effects of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the pandemic COVID-19, cross-border crime, demand and supply dynamics, and others. Method: The methodology adopted for this study comprises a critical review of secondary data to discuss the issues. The relevant secondary data, including journals, articles, books, reports, news, websites, and others were reviewed to discuss drug-related issues, resilience, and key strategies to build resilience against drugs. Findings and Discussion: There are four (4) key strategies identified to build resilience against drug-related problems, which are comprised of: (1) strengthening policies and acts related to drugs; (2) enhancing inter-agency cooperation (policy implementation and enforcement); (3) educating and raising awareness of societies; and (4) empowering the community (enhancing community participation and engagement). The key strategies suggested will require the involvement and participation of the responsible parties, which begin with the policymaker, the change agent, and the target groups. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on drug abuse—smuggling— trafficking and dependency by suggesting a continuous and sustained strategies and efforts to create a resilient population towards drug issues; good health and well-being. Thus, this will require the support of all stakeholders in the country to fight the war on drugs. © 2025, Editora Alumni In. All rights reserved.