The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Human Race
Running head: THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON
The Effects of Drug Abuse
On the Human Race
Donnetia L. Simmons
Springfield College, Charleston
The Effects of Drug Abuse
On the Human Race Although, the economy is bad and most Americans are not financially stable, the drug industry continues to thrive. It also contributes to some of the country’s problems. Illegal and legal drug abuse play vital roles in child abuse cases, homelessness, unemployment, suicide, and even long term medical issues. Drug abuses effects Americans as young as twelve years old. It has also been associated with unexpected deaths for adults and the elderly. Drug abuse is steadily increasing throughout the country. Its expected to grow as the country face more economic issues. There are several programs in place nationwide to help solve this problem. By informing and educating both the youth and adults in America about drug abuse and its effects, it may be a thing of the past. What is a drug? A drug or narcotic is anything that a person uses to heal its body of illness or disease. There are legal narcotics such as morphine, opium, oxycontin, and steroids. They are used to treat heart and lung disease, cancers, etc. Street or illegal drugs are cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. They make a person feel high or place them in another state of mind. Both types of narcotics if used incorrectly can and will become a problem. This is drug or substance abuse. In the 1970’s, marijuana was an enormous problem especially for teens and college students. Some states protested trying to legalize the drug without a clear understanding of the effect. In the 1980’s, the trend reversed, and more dangerous drugs appeared on the scene. Cocaine was the leading drug for the middle class. In the mid 1980’s, crack cocaine surfaced. Crack cocaine is made from pure cocaine. It became so popular because cocaine was a more expensive drug used by celebrities and the middle class such as Len
The Effects of Drug Abuse
On the Human Race
Donnetia L. Simmons
Springfield College, Charleston
The Effects of Drug Abuse
On the Human Race Although, the economy is bad and most Americans are not financially stable, the drug industry continues to thrive. It also contributes to some of the country’s problems. Illegal and legal drug abuse play vital roles in child abuse cases, homelessness, unemployment, suicide, and even long term medical issues. Drug abuses effects Americans as young as twelve years old. It has also been associated with unexpected deaths for adults and the elderly. Drug abuse is steadily increasing throughout the country. Its expected to grow as the country face more economic issues. There are several programs in place nationwide to help solve this problem. By informing and educating both the youth and adults in America about drug abuse and its effects, it may be a thing of the past. What is a drug? A drug or narcotic is anything that a person uses to heal its body of illness or disease. There are legal narcotics such as morphine, opium, oxycontin, and steroids. They are used to treat heart and lung disease, cancers, etc. Street or illegal drugs are cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. They make a person feel high or place them in another state of mind. Both types of narcotics if used incorrectly can and will become a problem. This is drug or substance abuse. In the 1970’s, marijuana was an enormous problem especially for teens and college students. Some states protested trying to legalize the drug without a clear understanding of the effect. In the 1980’s, the trend reversed, and more dangerous drugs appeared on the scene. Cocaine was the leading drug for the middle class. In the mid 1980’s, crack cocaine surfaced. Crack cocaine is made from pure cocaine. It became so popular because cocaine was a more expensive drug used by celebrities and the middle class such as Len
References: Muhuri, P.K., & Gfroerer, J. C. (2011). Morality associated with illegal drug use among adults in the United States. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 37, 155-164. The Effects of Drug