SOCIETY’S RESPONSE TO DRUG USE

During the last 25 years, society has responded to illegal drug use with growing concern.  Most adults see drug abuse as a clear danger to society.  This position has been supported by the development of community, school, state, and national organizations directed toward the reduction of illegal drug use.  These organizations have included such diverse groups as Parents Against Drugs, Partnership for a Drug-Free America, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Narcotics Anonymous, and the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration.  Certain groups have concentrated their efforts on education, others on enforcement, and still others on the development of laws and public policy.  Famous people, such as athletes, are also speaking out against drug use.

The personal and social issues related to drug abuse are very complex.  Innovative solutions continue to be devised.  Some believe that only through early childhood education will people learn alternatives to drug use.  Starting drug education in the preschool years may have a more positive effect than waiting until the upper elementary or junior high school years.  Recently, the focus on reducing young people’s exposure to gateway drugs (especially tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) may help slow down the move to other addictive drugs.  Some people advocate harsher penalties for drug use and drug trafficking, including heavier fines and longer prison terms.

Others support legalizing all drugs and making governmental agencies responsible for drug regulation and control, as is the case with alcohol.  Advocates of this position believe that drug-related crime and violence would virtually cease once the demand for illegal products is reduced.  Sound arguments can be made on both sides of this issue.  What’s your opinion?

In comparison with other federally funded programs, the “war on drugs” is less expensive than farm support, food stamps, Medicare, and national defense.  However, it remains to be seen whether any amount of money spent on enforcement, without adequate support for education, treatment, and poverty reduction, can reduce the illegal drug demand and supply.  The United States now spends nearly $18 billion annually to fight the drug war.  About $11 billion is spent on law enforcement (supply reduction) and $6 billion on education, prevention, and treatment (demand reduction).