The major threat to countries globally is not so much that a military conflict will destroy their basic way of life, or that nature will unleash some event with the power to cause a disaster with heavy loss of life and property. While such scenarios are always possible, much of the world is growing increasingly concerned about an enemy that is almost invisible; except the effects are far from hidden.

Countless families around the world, and indeed right here in Bermuda, have experienced the dark world of illegal drug activity in its many forms, with a devastating impact on family life, which puts an entire community in a constant struggle to save itself from an enemy that thrives on addiction and is capable of operating well beneath the radar of authorities.

Although millions of pounds of illegal drugs have been confiscated by police forces internationally, the trade continues to flourish with no let-up in methods to keep the sordid business alive.

The multibillion-dollar business of illegal drugs in some countries is so entrenched that even the military who are assisting police have failed to disrupt a trade driven by demand in just about every country on the planet. Over the years, thousands of lives have been lost in what appears to be a never-ending battle to halt the illicit trade of substances that have left a trail of broken lives and vicious criminal activity to support habits with no regard for others. It really is a nightmare that most people would rather not think about, much less talk about.

In the United States, where authorities have been engaged in trying to combat illegal substances for many years, the death toll continues to climb. Young people are falling prey to new and more lethal substances, and addiction is not easily detected by people who are able to perform day-to-day tasks, with even family members unaware that there is a problem.

There are many tragic stories throughout that nation about parents who thought their child was studying in their room, only to later discover the body of a son or daughter lifeless from a drug overdose. According to statistics in America, before you finish reading this column, a number of people would have died from overdosing with either heroin, cocaine or some other substance in seeking the ultimate high. It is not even a question of status in life — the very wealthy and those at the lower level of the economic ladder have been caught in the same web of addiction. Some victims with considerable help have managed to claw their way out of the jungle of drug addiction, but most indicate that the real battle is trying to avoid slipping back.

Some may argue that alcohol, which is legal, can also damage the mind and create health issues, and that marijuana should be placed in the same category. Many health officials worldwide are reluctant to go that far, although most agree that marijuana, strictly processed for medicinal purposes, could benefit patients with certain conditions.

The important factor here is that substances that have been proven to affect not only the mind, but other parts of the body, should be discouraged to avoid that potential of addiction.

There will always be those who say they have a right to put whatever they wish into their bodies.

There may be some who would like to drive or ride on the right side of the road in Bermuda. Apart from overtaking, most know that would be senseless, with dire consequences. In addition to many challenges facing Bermuda, it would be unwise to ignore an issue that few families can say they have not been touched by in some form.

The almost invisible enemy that lurks in the shadows throughout our communities is also a threat to children. That should be a wake-up call to all of Bermuda.

A number of youngsters in America admitted they started out with marijuana, also referred to as weed, before moving on to harder drugs such as heroin or cocaine. While everyone who experiments with marijuana does not necessarily become involved with hard drugs, avoiding any illegal substance is always a plus.

Bermuda should never become complacent and accept the almost invisible enemy as a part of modern-day lifestyles. Our children now playing in nursery schools deserve an environment without that enemy in the shadows, waiting for new victims. That would be a chapter we hope no one has to write about.