By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged law enforcement agencies on Friday to tackle the issue of illegal drug trade and dependency using an "integrated and holistic approach" as the world celebrated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Commission on Human Rights (MANILA BULLETIN) "As drug dependency is a multi-faceted problem caused by a number of issues, we urge law enforcers to adopt an integrated and holistic approach together with social workers and doctors to implement community-based programs and educate individuals on the health dangers of substance abuse," the Commission tweeted. The CHR shared that there are an estimated 1.8 million drug users in the Philippines, while 4.8 million individuals have used illegal drugs at least once in their lifetime. The use of illegal drugs has been viewed primarily as a law enforcement problem rather than a health issue in the Philippines. This is evidenced by the government's campaign and crackdown against illegal drugs. However, the CHR said that many individuals who develop substance abuse disorders are also diagnosed with mental disorders. By changing people's views that drug use and dependency are not just law enforcement and criminality issues but also a health issue, the CHR believes that the government will be better equipped to deal with the drug menace. "Understanding better the socio-economic and mental causes of substance abuse can help authorities better formulate a rehabilitative approach to help those suffering from substance addiction while ensuring that the laws against drug trafficking are upheld," the CHR said.