Drug Abuse In The United States

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Drug abuse has been a major issue in the United States. It has dated back to the 1800’s. Drug abuse has also been strongly influenced on our youth. Drug addiction has resulted from drug abuse. Drug addiction leads to an increase in crimes due to the cost of many drugs sold on the streets. Drug addiction is a disease which needs medical attention to overcome. There are different types of drugs that are classified in different categories, which will be discussed below. The United States is constantly fighting to control drug abuse. First, let’s talk about the history of drug abuse. Drug abuse has been a major issue in the United States. Drug abuse is directly linked to crime. Many drug abusers commit crimes to feed their addiction. The relationship between drug abuse and crime is a very important policy issue. In the 1800’s to early 1900’s drug abuse was not widespread. It was associated with small groups, such as, musicians, artists, and very imaginative people. Opium dens developed in the west coast cities. It then spread throughout the country, resulting in an increase of Asian immigrants. The Chinese immigrants had brought over their opium products, which further spread opium use in America. Psychoactive substances became wide spread in the late 1960’s to early 1970’s. Timothy Leary was a professor at Harvard University. He was also a very influential figure during this movement. People began seeing drugs as a recreational substance. Many young individuals then began abusing drugs. Drugs have impacted our youth immensely throughout the years. Children are being exposed to drugs at a younger age each year. Marijuana use is one of the most abused drugs by Teens in the United States. MTF studies have been conducted to gather in... ... middle of paper ... ...tice Populations- A Research-Based Guide. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse: www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-abuse-treatment-criminal-justice-populations/introduction Asia, D. T. (n.d.). Risk Of Disease With Drug Use. Retrieved from Alcohol Rehab: www.alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/risk-of-disease-with-drug-use/ Gaiter, D. J. (1982, February 14). Study Says Drugs Influence Criminal Behavior. Retrieved from New York Times: www.nytimes.com/1982/02/14/nyregion/study-says-drugs-influence-criminal-behavior.html Schmalleger, F. (2012). Criminolgoy Today: an integrative introduction. In F. Schmalleger, Criminolgoy Today: an integrative introduction (pp. 230-350). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall. Treatment, A. R. (n.d.). Drug Addiction Diseases. Retrieved from Axis Residential Treatment: www.axisresidentialtreatment.com/drug-addiction/disease/

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