President Ram Nath Kovind has said drug addiction spurs poverty and poses a challenge to the national security as well as development and public welfare goals. <br />''<br />''Presenting the National Awards for outstanding services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in New Delhi, Mr Kovind said, alcohol consumption is the door towards destruction. <br />''<br />''He said, illicit drug use is a serious concern as it poses significant health challenges. He said, problem of drugs addiction and alcoholism negatively impact the individual, family and society in multiple domains such as health, culture, development and politics. <br />''<br />''The President said, misuse of illegal drugs is creating health challenges especially for the young generation and school going children. He stated that the problem of drug abuse can be solved by awareness, prevention, incentives, and support efforts. <br />''<br />''Mr Kovind said, Parents, teachers, doctors, voluntary organizations should be associated in the medical and rehabilitation efforts. <br />''<br />''The President said that increase in drug trafficking and drug abuse in the border areas is associated with issues of terrorism and political unrest. He said, there is a need to be more vigilant in border States like Punjab and Manipur.<br />''<br />''Speaking on the occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot said, in the last four years four lakh 50 thousand people across the country have been deaddicted from drugs.