Substance Abuse and Addiciton: A Very Brief History Essay example

Drugs and alcohol is a major social issue (J. David Hawkins, Richard F. Catalano, and Janet Y. Miller, 1992). It is not something that can be solved by the law (Lee P. Brown, 2008). Throughout history, many attempts have been made to try and legalize and control alcohol and drug addiction but has failed.

Currently, America incarcerate a higher percentage of its citizens than any other industrialized nation in the world. The negative impact of addiction to alcohol and drugs on American culture and society is inescapable. Although various treatment models have been developed and implemented over the years, a monumental number of people struggling with substance dependence continue to be under treated. Whereas, many people are questioning the criminalization people face because they ingest or consume drugs, for the most part, the criminal justice system focus more on incarceration instead of rehabilitation for the offenders and addicts.

The absence of alcohol left a void in different aspects of civilized life. For some this was a past time activity that filled free time. For others this was considered a necessity of life that required constant attention. Prohibition laws were meant to apply social pressure that carried out a smaller groups agenda on a larger groups. The reaction was a mere causality of reciprocation for the limitation. So the plunge into depravity became acceptance of certain selfish actions that benefited the desire.

The history of Americans and alcohol began with the Mayflower. Most long term ships during the 1600’s included a large amount of alcohol because it was more sanitary than water and being on a boat for weeks and also helped pass time (143). During the time of settlement in the Newly discovered America, drinking was connected to religion. “Drink is in itself a good Creature of God, and to be received with thankfulness,” wrote Increase Mather, the famed Puritan preacher, “But the abuse of drinking is from Satan.” (144). Arguably after three centuries of differing opinions, this is how alcohol is perceived today.

To summarize, America is in the midst of a drug epidemic. An epidemic that we have been combating, but unfortunately we have not been wining. However, with public opinion shifting regarding punishment, new treatment options available and the medical community recognizing addiction for the disease it is, we are following a path to effectively dealing with this epidemic. Addiction

Alcohol has been an insatiable drug and temptation for Americans since the beginning of our nation. However, specifically during the Antebellum Era (19th century), drinking was all too common to the people especially the men. Alan Brinkley said in his America History a Survey Volume 1 on page 327 that the major problem of alcohol during this era had larger effects on the society as a whole then it does even today…which is very shocking! (Brinkley, 327). This argument would lead to major reforms on alcohol. With the enhancing of religious freedoms among the citizens of the United States, came stronger opinions and ideals, especially rooted out of the Evangelical Protestants. These Protestants only furthered and strengthen the importance of

America’s drug problem has increasingly become an epidemic. In a 2013 study done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 24.6 million Americans, 9.4% of the population,

Alcohol is a legalized drug that clouds judgment and reduces inhibition, making it a common factor in automobile accidents, violent crimes (including child abuse) and the spread of sexually transmitted disease.

With the 1950s coming to a close we see a transition and change in how addiction and treatments are seen. Drug culture had been hidden away from view during the 1950s, and only once again came into the view of the American people with the rise of the left counterculture which would seek out new experiences through the use of substances such as marijuana and LSD. Fortunately various doctors and psychologist had been honing their skills and learning new techniques for treatments. Great strides had been taken in reducing the number of addicts and treating those who are addicted through the use of treatments, such as medication and counseling, therapy and detox both at home and in state run institutions.

The debate over the legalization of drugs continues to disturb the American public. Such an issue stirs up moral and religious beliefs, beliefs that are contrary to what Americans should believe. I ask all of you to please keep an open mind and hear me out on this very controversial subject. All of us have in some way or another been affected by drug, whether it is a family member or the economic burden on society. Americans often take at face value the assumptions that drugs cause addiction, which leads to crime. This is true but abundant evidence exists to support the view that legalizing illicit drugs can help solve the drug problem in America.

It goes without saying that America faces a drug addiction that is beyond anything we could have ever anticipated. It is reported that an estimated 22.5 million Americans suffer from a dependency from a drug of some sort, whether it may be stimulants, depressants or hallucinogens (NIDA 2). However these victims of addiction are often demonized for their condition and are treated as criminals by the infallible U.S. Government. As a result there is a trend of 1 in every 100 adults will end up incarcerated for a drug related offense such as possession (Drug Policy Alliance 1). So instead of treating addiction itself, many politicians decide that

Individuals used to exaggerate drinking, and drink any sorts of alcohol, notwithstanding to its awful ramification.

Alcohol has been Americans’ drug of choice since before the founding of our nation. This is due in large part to early settlers’ necessity for a “safe” drink. While the Americans of today have an almost endless supply of safe beverages, in colonial times, alcohol was often the only safe drink because of the conditions of the drinking water. For this reason, alcohol was able to establish itself early in American society and maintain its hold through its addictive properties.

Recreational drugs are a relevant part of modern culture and society. Alcohol is by far the most common in America. With majority of the country claiming to drink, alcohol abuse occurs often. The continual use of alcohol has led to the end of careers and personal relationships, domestic abuse, billions of dollars in healthcare and medical expenses, and the death of millions. Although the effects of alcohol are destructive, the causes such as social pressure and coping with pain are just as detrimental to the lives of many Americans.

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 “third way” in drug policy, which rejects taking extreme measures on drug addicts and in criminalizing them, also minimizing the United States participation in the “war on drugs” (National Drug Control Strategy, 2013). This policy hopes to take a nuance approach on drug policy as it aims to balance public health programs, effective law enforcement, and international partnerships. After all we are in the twenty first century, where forward thinking is highly commendable and very much needed. The “third way” is rooted in the belief that drug addiction is a disease and causes grave damage to the brain (National Drug Control Strategy, 2013). Therefore it is true that one can seek treatment in hopes of recovery for his/her disease or one has the ability to completely prevent them from acquiring the disease of addiction. This policy is believed to represent the future of drug policy not only nationally, but globally as well (National Drug Control Strategy, 2013).