Drug Abuse

Tristen Dudley        

508 Odea St. Kewanee, IL 61443

June 6th, 2016

53149087

0237A03S

Drug abuse is a major problem in many countries. Millions of dollars are spent in America preventing drug use, treating addicts, and fighting drug-related crime. Drug related crimes take many lives of teenagers, everyday you can turn on the news and see teens and adults dead due to taking the drug or gang related actions. This paper looks at some of the effects of drug use on society, and suggests some solutions to the problem.

Drug abuse causes multiple problems for our country. The medical and psychological effects are very obvious. Addicts cannot function as normal members of society. They neglect or abuse their families, and eventually require expensive treatment or hospitalization (rehabilitation). The second effect is on crime. Huge police resources are needed to fight smuggling and dealing. Criminal gangs and mafia underworlds develop with the money from drugs. The Mexican cartel keep improvising and are constantly changing their ways of how the smuggle drugs into the United States. When they are successful drugs become cheaper and easier for people to get them.

However, the problem with drugs can be fought. Education is the first step in informing their students about drugs and drug related problems. Children need to be told/taught at home and in school about drugs. If a child doesn't have someone in their life to teach them right from wrong, than that's when programs like D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) can help teach them the harmful effects of drugs. People need to be aware of the effects so that they can avoid this problem. A second approach is to increase police/DEAs manpower and create effective laws to stop dealers and suppliers. When you stop the suppliers than the dealers can't get the product. If the dealers can't get the product than the drugs are off the street and out of the hands of kids and adults. However the first solution to a addiction is realizing you have one, than you need to reach out to your parents, a counselor, or someone that can help you. If you don't have the courage to reach out to one of them than there is a hotline you can call to receive help 1800622HELP (4357).

In conclusion, although the problem of drugs may seem impossible to eliminate due to suppliers/dealers evolving and beating the law, there are many steps that can be taken to weaken the hold of drugs on society. The danger from drugs is too great to ignore for us and our children. We need to start taking action before it's too late.