United States Drug Policy - 1302 Words

US Drug Policy Introduction Drug policy is a crucial topic in the country today. Substance abuse, as well as drug-related crime rates, are a huge problem. This is a fact. The way to fix the problem of substance abuse, however, is widely disagreed upon. Some think that stricter laws regarding drug possession and use would solve the problem, while others believe that loosening the restrictions would be a better option. The issue of legalizing drugs, especially marijuana, is one that is debated all the time. In fact, in 1995, a survey was conducted on the most important policy issues and eighty five percent of the country placed drugs at the top of the list (Falco 1996). Many states are actually beginning to decriminalize, and even†¦show more content†¦(Boyum and Reuter 2005) Many people do not know that so much government money is going to this, and everybody should be aware of what their government is spending their money on. Inciardi says that this issue may be so important to people becau se of the media. He says that the media portraying so much drug use brings this type of behavior to the attention of people including law officials as well as civilians. It is sort of glamorized on television, with stories of celebrities being sent to rehabilitation centers. (Inciardi 1999) Besides this, many people are concerned because of the influx of hard drugs, especially heroin, to the mainstream rather than being hidden in the poverty-stricken inner cities. In recent years, crack, cocaine, and heroin have been more prevelant than ever, especially among the wealthy. Drugs are no longer something that only gang members and bad guys do, everybody is doing them. (Inciardi 1999) Because it is so prevalent in pop culture and in the news, everybody should be up to date and aware of the current drug policy in their area. America’s â€Å"War on Drugs† The term â€Å"War on Drugs† was first used by the Nixon administration in the 1970’s, but the country has been enforcing policies against drug use, possession, and distribution since 1914, with the passing of the Harrison Act. They do this mainly through deterrence. The government makes laws and regulations against this kind of behavior andShow MoreRelatedDrug Policy, Prescription Drugs, And The United States1393 Words   |  6 PagesOne of the greatest problems we face in America today is the use and abuse of drugs in our country. It is important to find a solution that works within our country to combat the growing populations of our nation’s prisons, keep the supply of drugs under control, and have adequate prevention programs in place to help people who need treatment. Throughout reading the material for this course and the research conducted on the topics described in this paper, it is clear that the methods use d in earlierRead MoreThe United States Current Drug Policy882 Words   |  4 Pagesdeveloped nations, the United States is known for its stringent illegal drug use policy and the high percentages of its population that have consumed illegal substances. The United States has issued a drug war against millions of Americans who use and sell illegal substances. This war has cost taxpayers billions annually and continues to contribute to an incarceration rate that surpasses any other country (Walmsley 2009). 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This has led the federal government to take measures to restrain the problem of addiction in the United States. However, after observing these measures, such as the ‘War on Drugs’ and its consequences, scholars now question the effectiveness of the drug policy implemented. Some scholars even argue that the War on Drugs has been more harmful to American citizens than helpful. AlsoRead MorePolicy And Implications Of The President s Inaugural National Drug Control Strategy Essay1727 Words   |  7 PagesAssignment #1: Policy and Implications Paper Mary Marrone USC School of Social Work January 29, 2016 Section One: Choose and Research a Policy Introduction At the president’s inaugural, the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy presented an evidence-based practice that addressed reducing drug use and eliminating its consequences in the United States (National Drug Control Strategy, 2013). The president responded by having his administration draft the â€Å"third way† in drug policy, which rejectsRead MoreIllegal Drugs And The United States1589 Words   |  7 PagesJune 18, 1971, United States President Richard Nixon declared a war on drugs. Since then the United States has focused their efforts on the criminalization and prohibition of drug use, possession, trafficking, sale, and the production of it. The issues pertaining to the War on Drugs has become a bigger issue throughout the years due to the United States being the largest market place for illegal drugs and substances. The United States has spent billions a year on drug war policies to help and tryRead MoreU.s. Drug Policy Critique Essay1708 Words   |  7 Pages U.S. Drug Policy Critique Drug Policy in the United States began under the Presidency of Richard M. Nixon, who launched the â€Å"War on Drugs† and oversaw the creation of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The sole purpose of both initiatives was to combat the copious amounts of drugs flowing out of our borders. Then First Lady Nancy Reagan, who will go down in history as the greatest First Lady of All Time, launched â€Å"Just Say No†. A campaign aimed towards the youth to refuse the vices of drug and alcohol