...February, 2014 The Social Problem of Drugs and Alcohol The most serious social problem in chapter 1-5 is the war on drugs and alcohol. This social problem has been in American society since 1971 when President Nixon declared the war on drugs and said drug abuse as “public enemy number one in the United States.” Drugs and alcohol creates many negative effects on society, creates other social problems, and is difficult if not impossible to stop. There are many negative effects on society caused by drugs and alcohol. In the United States they spend more than $51,000,000,000 annually on the war on drugs and alcohol, this is a long term problem, because we are wasting money trying to catch criminals, and drug addiction has stayed almost the same since the 1970’s, so all this spending is obviously not doing anything to stop the war on drugs. 60 % of people federally imprisoned in the United States were convicted of drug charges. Society is paying a huge price on keeping these people convicted in prison, when most of them were convicted of non-violent drugs charges. The government should have rehabilitation programs were people convicted of non-violent drug charges could go, it would save a ton of money because the rehabilitation programs would be shorter and cheaper than keeping people locked up for years and years. All this money is being wasted on trying to win a war you just cannot win, ones desire to escape reality with drugs and alcohol, is stronger then the will to stop it...
Words: 586 - Pages: 3
...Name Course Tutor Date Drug, Alcohol, and Crime Introduction Alcohol refers to an intoxication ingredient that’s found in wine, beer, and liquor while a drug relates to any substance apart from food that if smoked, inhaled, injected, consumed or is dissolved under the tongue it results in a physiological change of the body. The combination of the two might lead in a crime which is can be denoted as unlawful practices that are punishable by the law. Alcohol and drugs contribute much to the high rate of the offence in most societies though considering other risk factors such as child exposure to violence and mental or biological health. The risk factors aside research have examined alcohol and drug abuse to be the major contributor to crime. The relationship of narcotics to crime is quite complex and yet controversial; the puzzling question is whether people who use drugs are already crime oriented or is there a direct connection between drugs and alcohol consumption to criminal activities. Taking a case study of the Australian community it has been documented that the estimated cost of alcohol and drug-related crime range from $1.96 billion to over $4 billion. The statistics are quite the same to every as alcohol and drugs prove to be the biggest ingredient to spark up the crime. Through observational study, it has been identified that illegal drug users who engage in intensive drug use are bound to amplify and take part in pre-existing criminal activities. This has sensitized...
Words: 1416 - Pages: 6
...Legal and Illegal Drugs Gladys Vazquez Rasmussen College The war on drugs started in 1971 by President Nixon, but the fight didn’t start there (NPR, 2012). In 1914 the US enacted the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, which was the starting point to make drugs illegal, but the classification of drugs was more of a social problem rather than a social issue (Brecher, 2006). Drugs can be defined as ANY substance other than food or water that when taken into the body alters its functioning in some way (College, 2011). Cocaine, Heroin, Crack, and Alcohol are not the only drugs that alter the body that can be considered a drug. Caffeinated soda, coffee, diet pills, tobacco, prescription medication, and more all affect the body and alter the mind in a negative way. Going back in time when Christopher Columbus founded America, we wer e introduced to our very first drug known as tobacco (Cushman, 2011). That’s 520 years ago and still an issue in society. Smoking is set to kill 6.5 million people in 2015 and 8.3 million humans in 2030, with the biggest rise in low-and middle-income countries (National Cancer Institute at the National Institues of Health). Each day about 13,500 people worldwide die from smoking-related diseases (National Cancer Institute at the National Institues of Health). Yet it is a legal substance that alters the mind and body, amazing how that works. Alcohol is another substance that is very harmful and alters the mind and body. Some will argue that used as a...
Words: 1184 - Pages: 5
...Recreational Drugs Tiwander Aleck COMM/156 March 4, 2012 Instructor: Cheryl Mason Recreational Drugs We are risking our lives without knowing it! Any substance with pharmacologic effects used for satisfaction or personal pleasure rather than for medicinal purposes, is called recreational drug use. Examine this, individuals young and old have answered the question whether, recreation drugs are good for you. They have answered this question by suffering the consequences of misusing recreational drug. Society needs to be aware that recreational drugs such as Cocaine, Alcohol, and marijuana have contributed to health problems, criminal activity and addiction. Awareness of the effects of these drugs, without a doubt needs to be addressed in the United States, to help lower the negative statistics recreational drugs have caused, which will give individuals a chance before they decide to participate or misuse recreational drugs. Alcohol is one of the most used recreational drugs today. Alcohol can cause a variety of feelings such as relaxation, happiness, drunkenness and sleepiness. Any consumption of alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream and physically affects are body and mind. Alcohol is mainly used for sociability; it is very common for binge drinkers to abuse alcohol, and result with the disease of alcoholism. It is estimated by (National Institution of Justice U.S. Department of Justice, 2007) that more than half the people that...
Words: 1480 - Pages: 6
...is a synthesis on the ideas brought out on the debate of whether the drinking age should be lowered from 21 to a younger age. The position that I hold on the topic is that lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 would not make a difference or have a major impact on the society. I disagree with the law on lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 years due to some of the premises that have been brought forward to support the law. The Procong.org website explores the pros and cons of controversial issues such as whether the drinking age should be lowered from 21 to a younger age. I will examine three premises from the Procon.org website that support my position on this topic. One of these premises is that lowering the MLDA 21 would be medically irresponsible (Dejong, & Blanchette, 2014).I do not think that lowering the age from 21 years to 18 years should be considered as medically irresponsible. I agree that consuming alcohol below 18 years is harmful to the mental health of an individual. The consumption of alcohol affects the development of the brains of young adults at the frontal lobes which is crucial for the functions like planning, emotional regulation and organization. When the consumption of alcohol interferes with the development of the adult brain, it brings about potential chronic problems like dangerous risk-taking behavior, vulnerability to...
Words: 965 - Pages: 4
...04, 2011 Abstract Drug trends have been a huge part of the American society. Manipulations of drugs have been traced back as far as 4000 B.C. American society has become familiar with drugs since the 1700s. These drugs were mainly used for medical and therapeutic purposes however without any knowledge of their addictive characteristics. Trends of these drugs have drastically changed throughout the years as a result of influences it has on the American society. During the Civil War injured soldiers were given morphine as an anesthetic to ease the pain without knowing the addiction it brings. A man by the name of John Pemberton was the founder of Coca-Cola, this drink contained cocaine and caffeine. Sometime after this the Pure Food and Drug act came into play in 1906; this required that a list of ingredients be visible on packaging which led to the removal of cocaine in Coca-Cola and many more products. Throughout the years drugs and alcohol are not only used for medical purposes but are used inappropriately. In the 70’s drugs were very common amongst the American society. The 70’s was a time period of love, drugs, and rebellion. During this period there was a wide spread of AIDS and HIV. Some of the contributing factors to this spread were the use of dirty needles being used to inject drugs into the blood stream and unprotected sex influenced by the drugs people were on. The American Culture encourages the use and abuse of drugs in many ways. Alcohol has been around for...
Words: 783 - Pages: 4
...decades society has known about psychoactive substances and many are presented through media as a norm. Throughout, the American popular culture, the media frequently documented these substances through movies, songs, TV shows, TV commercials, etc. Both society and the media have implemented good and bad stereotypes of drug use. On one side, they indicate that media cannot portray more than it is actually shown in the media. On the other hand, longitudinal studies support a connection between media portrayals of drug use and other drugs among children, adolescents and young adults. For this said, I decided to choose one of America’s popular movies, Scarface,...
Words: 1107 - Pages: 5
...of Abuse on Society Family and Community Drug abuse is common in all societies. Families and communities are becoming less happy and rarely yet torn by death, or a serious injury due to drug abuse. Unfortunately, around the world and throughout time, drug abuse has shown to be common among families. Abuse of any kind takes over everything in the abusers life. Drug and alcohol abuse can affect a person’s capability to keep a job. Drug and alcohol not only affects the person itself but everyone around him or her especial their families and the community. People around the world believe that drugs or alcohol are the solution to their problems, not knowing the problem becomes worst and a nightmare is about to begin. Drug abuse negatively affects family’s communication and interaction. Whether the abuser is the parent or a child, communication and interaction maybe a major motive to lead a family member into abusing drugs as well as abusing drugs eventually will cause lack of communication and interaction within a family because the abuser is focused on the drug and his or her next high, rather than thinking about spending time with family. If drugs are involved in a family the communication is negative and the mood within siblings is often depressing (livestrong.com, 2011). Families, who live under this type of home environment, tend to pass the same lifestyle to the next generation, and it is prone for the children to repeat the same cycle of drug abuse, lack...
Words: 1177 - Pages: 5
...Recreational Drugs We are risking our lives without knowing it! Any substance with pharmacologic effects used for satisfaction or personal pleasure rather than for medicinal purposes, is called recreational drug use. Examine this, individuals young and old have answered the question whether, recreation drugs are good for you. They have answered this question by suffering the consequences of misusing recreational drug. Society needs to be aware that recreational drugs such as Cocaine, Alcohol, and marijuana have contributed to health problems, criminal activity and addiction. Awareness of the effects of these drugs, without a doubt needs to be addressed in the United States, to help lower the negative statistics recreational drugs have caused, which will give individuals a chance before they decide to participate or misuse recreational drugs. Alcohol is one of the most used recreational drugs today. Alcohol can cause a variety of feelings such as relaxation, happiness, drunkenness and sleepiness. Any consumption of alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream and physically affects are body and mind. Alcohol is mainly used for sociability; it is very common for binge drinkers to abuse alcohol, and result with the disease of alcoholism. It is estimated by (National Institution of Justice U.S. Department of Justice, 2007) that more than half the people that are arrested in the U.S. test positive for alcohol. When alcohol is misused, it can lead to addiction. When an individual...
Words: 1466 - Pages: 6
...Name Name of Professor Course Date DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN TEXAS The Menace of Drug Abuse in Texas Drug and substance abuse has been a problem in our society for over twenty years now. Here in Texas Alcohol has been the primary drug of abuse till lately when other substance abuse have begun to infiltrate the society especially among the youth in society. Studies have been carried out within the cities and towns of Texas and tangible evidence can be found on the possibilities of a real problem in our society. Many may ignore but the truth beckons in the various research institute findings. “Today majority of the youth in university level of education may end up using or being part of a group that uses hard drugs.” This is according to the founder of Drug Care Centre Texas, (John Mark Sheddle, May 2015.) Drugs have grown among the youth to a level that the number of students at rescue and rehabilitation centers in the past decade have rose by over 30% an increase that is indeed disturbing. Many have left schools and began street life. We can note that this is a problem that requires urgent attention from all departments of society especially the media as I believe that media is accessible to everyone in society. Media can influence how a society trends. When an issue is voiced by the media many people will have knowledge of that substance and thus will have created awareness. I would like you as the editor to consider my application urgent which requires quick and...
Words: 896 - Pages: 4
...The Types And Process of Drug Rehab Alcohol Drug Drugs and alcohol can destroy not only the life of addicted people, but also their family and loved one’s life. Drug rehab alcohol drug is the new hope for both of all. Drug and alcohol center will help the addicted person to be more sober and clean quickly. Moreover, Treatment is not only the main target of these rehab centers. They always try to make sure that the recovered person never goes back into his past additions. There are different drug and alcohol rehab center are existed in our society. Their working process and formula may vary from other rehab center. For an example-in a Christian rehab center as they give much importance on spiritual faith. They choose faith on God as the best...
Words: 566 - Pages: 3
...EMERGING TREND OF DRUG ABUSE AND PEDDLING IN EGERTON UNIVERSITY SUBMITED TO: DR. KAMURU MAKAL DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STUDIES. DATE OF SUBMISSION ABSTRACT Drug abuse is one of the top problems confronting the nation today especially among the youth. Incidences of drug and alcohol abuse and related antisocial behavior have tremendously increased in the resent years this has become matter of concern to the government, parents, NGOs and other relevant agencies. The need of drugs and alcohol in universities has birthed entrepreneurs in drug peddling. As a result many of these students want money badly and they are ready to venture in whatever business just so they can make ends meet. Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug followed by bang’ Miraa, tobacco and shisha. Egerton University In access to alcoholic drinks has been made easy due to the close proximity of bars and entertainment joints to the university gates. The factors that contribute to drug abuse and drug peddling include; the gap, association with drug using peers, source of quick cash, parental drug abuse, and antisocial behavior among others. Disadvantages of drug abuse and peddling include; imprisonment, addiction, lack of concentration, death, violence among others. TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents ABSTRACT ii TABLE OF CONTENTS iii 1.0INTRODUCTION 1 Background information 1 Trends 2 Statement of the problem 2 Significance of the problem to the contemporary society. 3 2.0 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING...
Words: 2533 - Pages: 11
...addiction as a disease (Patterson.) Addiction causes people around the world to suffer from the loss of the ability to resist craving despite the negative consequences of the craving (Addiction.) Two basic types of addiction are highlighted: behavioral addiction and drug or alcohol addiction. Both behavioral and drug or alcohol addiction come from changes in the make up of the brain. This factor essentially makes it a brain disease (Leshner.) Leading factors of addiction are very important to look at as well as how to diminish the addiction population in the context of society. Addiction is important to look at from a sociological perspective, seeing how it affects the everyday interactions within a society. Behavioral...
Words: 2280 - Pages: 10
...Repeated use of a drug or alcohol to the point of periodic or chronic intoxication that is detrimental to the user or society is called ________. 3. Question : The 1973 Supreme Court decision of ___________ reaffirmed the position that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment. 4. Question : Prostitutes’ Education Network claims that there are more than _______ American women who have worked as prostitutes. 5. Question : Attorney General ___________ ordered the bare breast of the statue Spirit of Justice in the Justice Department’s Great Hall to be covered. 6. Question : What percentage of college students are binge drinkers? 7. Question : Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to ______________. 8. Question : A tactic among debaters is to attack the opponent personally when they can’t support their position by reason, logic, or facts. This is called _______. 9. Question : The idea of the globalization of the economy would be measured at what level of social life? 10. Question : Addiction has been called a ______ because continued abuse of a drug causes changes in brain function that drives the addict to compulsive seeking and use of the drug. SOC 402 Week 1 Quiz Purchase here http://chosecourses.com/soc-402-week-1-quiz Description Grade Details 1. Question : The nation’s most serious health problem is ________. 2. Question : Repeated use of a drug or alcohol to the point of...
Words: 1506 - Pages: 7
...to this vast increase? The effects of drugs and alcohol on our society are becoming more and more evident as the years pass. Even though drugs and alcohol have been around for centuries, they are becoming more popular. Along with the major drugs like cocaine, crack, and heroin, the alternative or "designer drugs like ecstasy, and GHB are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generations. Drugs and alcohol can have major effects on a person's life and of those that are involved with him/her. Today drugs are becoming more like everything else in our society, popular and expensive, which usually instigates criminal activity. When it comes to drugs and alcohol there are many different crimes that are associated with them. Whether it's selling drugs, stealing to get money for drugs, or committing a crime while on drugs, they are all drug related crimes. As you will see in this paper drugs and alcohol play a major role in crime world. In the United States the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs have had dramatic effects on the number of crimes that are committed. According to Joseph Califano Jr., President of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), as he states in his article, "Most Crimes Linked to Drugs and Alcohol, eighty percent of crimes committed in the United States are alcohol or drug related. Of the 1.7 million people that are being held in prison today, 1.4 million of them have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, committed a crime while under...
Words: 329 - Pages: 2
