Drugs and Substance Abuse in America - Essay Example

Drugs and Substance Abuse in America In doing this, the paper will highlight the drug situation in America, deduce its effects, and state the government’s commitment to address this social issue. I will equally give my recommendation to curbing this societal problem. Although America stands out as the most prosperous and democratic nation in the world, drugs and substance abuse is a big social problem in America. In this context, about 22 million Americans were struggling with drug or alcohol problems in 2005 where most of them were unaware of this social issue.

Additionally, a significant number of these victims do not succeed in getting relevant treatment. Indeed, in relation to prevalence, consumption, and adverse effects, United States has the largest drug and substance issue among the western nations. Drug and substance abuse relates to the consumption of brain- and behavior-altering substances that have adverse behavioral and health effects. In America, drugs and substance use refer to uptake of ecstasy, heroin, alcohol, cocaine, tobacco, cannabis, methamphetamine among other illegal drugs.

However, marijuana is the most dominant drug abused in America.Whether substance abuse is a genetic disease or a reflection of one’s personality is a subject of debate in America. However, of much concern are the causes of drug and substance abuse in America. Social inequalities, family strains, unfavorable environment, peer pressure, stress, and unemployment are some of the causes of substance use in America. Additionally, weak legal framework, social and political attitudes towards substance use makes it hard to contain this social issue and its consequences in America.

As such, subject to its preference and consequences substance abuse is a fundamental point of consideration in US. Indeed, the use of drugs and substances has been on the rise among young Americans for the last five years. Actually, the 2007 MTF survey established the rise of Vicodin and OxyContin usage for nonmedical use (Shah). The rise in substance use in America emanates from the availability of such drugs in the Internet, from doctors, at home, in the streets, and even at school. Sadly, drug barons are equally making business in America through drug trafficking at the expense of the government and drug users.

However, in America, the government regulates the consumption of tobacco and alcohol though its effects are still rampant and dire. Indeed, despite the legalization of alcohol and tobacco, these substances are still addictive, mind boggling, and have adverse effects to the users and general society. Assuredly, many Americans are more enlightened on drug use, drug trafficking, US drug policy and the consequences of drug and substance abuse. However, translating this awareness to effective drug control measures is a huge challenge in America.

Most conspicuous are the effects of drugs and substance abuse on individuals, families, and the American society. Indeed, this social issue attracts health problems, economic problems, criminal activities, social conflicts, and family disintegration, poor education performance among other adverse effects. In fact, the consumption of tobacco and alcohol leads to more than 5 million global deaths annually. In addition, this social issue