Drug addition is on a rise in Moldova, reaching 216 cases per 100,000 people last year, compared with 205 in 2006. Earlier this month, 9,500 drug addicts were medically supervised, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from the Republican Narcology Dispensary. The World Anti-Drugs Day is marked on June 26. According to international statistics, some 200 million people in the world take drugs. Specialists define the drug as any substance, which, after being introduced into one's live body, can change one's perception, behavior or cognitive functions and can cause addiction. The alcohol, the opiates, the derivatives of cannabis, the sedatives and hypnotics, the cocaine, the hallucinogens, the tobacco, the volatile solvents and other psychoactive substances are considered to be drugs. A communique issued by the Health Ministry reads the young people are mostly vulnerable to drugs since they are open for new experiences. According to statistics, 95% of the people taking drugs are up to 30 years of age. Most often the youths start to take drugs because of curiosity, of will to try new sensations, or because they want to reach certain happy state, attempting to run from problems. A frequent motive is the fear they can be rejected by the group is they refuse to take drugs. An important negative role in consuming drugs is played by the family relationships and the inadequate involvement of parents in the education and life of adolescents, as well as by inadequate friendships. At the same time, the risk is enhanced by the access to toxic substances and by alcohol and tobacco advertising, which creates the impression that using those is fashionable and insure success. In case the family members notice unusual behavior in adolescents they can help them, by setting positive examples, by encouraging stimulating activities and by telling them the necessary information concerning the risks related to taking drugs, the communique reads.