Substance Abuse And The Law - 2257 Words

Substance abuse is an issue that touches every American, whether it is yourself, a friend or loved one or the tax paying citizen paying for an incarcerated individual’s stay in the state prison, it effects us all. Recently the conversation of legalizing marijuana has been a topic that has been addressed in a hand-full of states, however, some are still not so ready to embrace that path. Putting people in prison for the non-violent crime of drug use that costs taxpayers biennially $600.2 million does not benefit society or solve the drug use or abuse issue the individual is suffering with (drugabuse.gov). With that said, this is not a research paper on legalizing anything, but rather an alternative approach to dealing with drug abuse and the law. This approach sees substance abuse as both a crime and a medical and social issue. In this paper this paper will be discussing the history of drug prohibition. Along with why it is still considered an issue today as well as why we need to address substance abuse again, and the need for an alternative method of addressing addiction. Finally, I will explain why drug courts are the better option for the offender and society at large. The history of the regulation of drugs in America can be traced back to the 1800s. The first drug prohibition began with opium sales between China and the US. Some trace the prohibitions to racism while others argue that it is a moral issue that effects society negatively (drugpolicy.org). The second majorShow MoreRelatedSubstance Abuse Counseling Laws And The Aca Ethics Code1465 Words   |  6 Pages Substance abuse counseling can be a rewarding career for anyone who has a desire to help people who are battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol. A substance abuse counselor can work in hospitals, prisons, therapeutic facilities, and halfway houses. The purpose of a substance abuse counselor is to help those who have an addiction manage it. In this paper I will be discussing Texas state counseling laws and the ACA ethics code and how these two can guide my work as a substance abuse counselorRead MoreSubstance Abuse And The United States1210 Words   |  5 PagesSubstance abuse is a very current problem in the United States. Opiate addiction is a particularly difficult problem in the State of Vermont where the abuse of prescription opioids has created addictions for many individuals. The problem of substance abuse has severe repercussions that may encompass sever e dependence and overdose.1 Substance abuse is an epidemic that cannot be ignored. However, the combined forces of over-prescription, addiction and subsequent unemployment may mean that coverageRead MorePreventing Substance Abuse940 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿ Preventing substance abuse involves developing numerous strategic partnerships. Substance abuse is a multidisciplinary issue, and requires a correspondingly multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach. The strategy for drug abuse prevention must begin with segmenting the market, or analyzing the needs of the community. Is the greatest proportion of abusers in the community youth? If so, what kinds of drugs are most commonly used in the community? Are seniors in the community abusing prescriptionRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Binge Drinking Essay1206 Words   |  5 PagesEnglish 1301 December 1, 2016 Substance Abuse and Binge Drinking in Bryan College Station Substance abuse is a major problem that takes place on college campuses across the nation in today’s society. According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse half of all full-time college students binge drink, abuse prescription drugs and/ or abuse illegal drugs. This amounts to 3.8 million students. This research essay will be focusing on substance abuse in the Bryan College Station areaRead MoreEssay on Adolescent Substance Abuse1656 Words   |  7 PagesRunning Header: Substance Abuse Adolescent Substance Abuse Dana Sweitzer Liberty University Abstract Adolescent substance abuse is a major problem in society. There are many risk factors that can contribute to adolescent substance abuse. One of the main risk factors is peer pressure. When adolescents start at a young age there is an increase in health problems, addiction, and over all poor social outcomes. Parental influence has substantial effect on adolescents because the adolescent seesRead MoreDrug Policy And Funding Has Not Changed Much Over The Past Two Decades1505 Words   |  7 Pagesallotting billions of dollars to the Federal Drug Control Budget. As of 2014, the majority of funding for this budget went into supply reduction (59.9%), demand reduction (40.1%), and domestic law enforcement (36.8%). Only 35 percent of the funding was provided for treatment of drug abuse, and 5.1 percent for drug abuse prevention (Sacco, 2014, p.16). These numbers have not changed since 2005, when they were within a 5 percent difference (Sacco, 2014, p.16). These figures are a representation of why drugRead MoreThe Effects Of Drug Overdose Deaths1493 Words   |  6 PagesThe crisis of drug addiction in teens and young adults has increased from 2012. According to a 2014 drug report, there has been an increase of 200% over the past five years in substance abuse mainly due to prescription medications (New Jersey Task Force). Furthermore, prescription medications may lead to other substance abuse problems. For instance, many youths turn to opiates and heroin which are less expensive than prescription medications to satisfy their addiction. In addition, opium is obtainedRead MoreThe State Of West Virginia ( Wv ) Passed House Bill 20211366 Words   |  6 Pagesuse. At this time, the state of WV is working to develop policy to match the requirements of the new law. Introduction Substance abuse is a serious problem in the Appalachian area of WV. In an attempt to gain control of this problem within the poverty level population, WV has searched for a way to bring about change for those who utilize public assistance. Foster (2012) found the substance abuse problem within WV has grown exponentially over the last several years leading to serious problems withinRead MoreDrug Testing Welfare Recipients1395 Words   |  6 Pagesdrugs had prior illegal drug abuse problems and some of these people believe that since they are given this â€Å"free† money, they can continue on with these addictions instead of finding the help they need to get back onto their own two feet. Many employers ask all of their job applicants for a drug test to even be considered for the job, so why shouldn’t the government ask the same for people looking for assistance? There are many kinds of substances that people abuse. Alcohol many people use as aRead MoreIllegal Substance Abuse And Addiction1196 Words   |  5 PagesIllegal substance abuse and addiction can have far-reaching negative impacts that affect not only the people who abuse drugs but also their friends, family members, the community, and government resources. Substance abuse can lead to domestic violence, child abuse, suicide, crime, automobile accidents, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancy. A particular area of concern of drug use and abuse is the impact of methamphetamine (meth) labs on public safety and the environment