Technological advancements in modern scientific research have helped scholars estimate the real scope of threat for each existing drug. Thus, nowadays, even people who are not related to medicine or science can briefly explain why others consume a certain drug and what the potential outcome may be. However, it is not the case with the ones already affected by the drug, as their minds are programmed at feeding their body with illegal substances. As drugs are primarily divided into licit and illicit according to their legalization and impact on the body, the latter group then consists of stimulants and opioids. The most typical representatives of stimulants are cocaine and amphetamine. Speaking of cocaine, over the centuries, this drug has come a long way from a magic cure to an illicit substance prohibited by law (Levinthal, 2014). Back in the 19th century, people believed cocaine to cure fatigue and kill the pain. The Coca-Cola manufacturers had used the coca leaves for about twenty years.
Modern society mostly treats cocaine only as a dangerous drug that kills a lot of people and destroys lives. However, the statistics show that people do not seem to reduce cocaine consumption in society. In 2014, for example, the number of cocaine abusers was approximately one and a half million people (“What is the scope of cocaine use in the United States?” 2016). Hence, although cocaine is now of prohibited use, there is an evident issue of cocaine abuse demanding immediate governmental and social interference. The question here is whether the government should be involved in the situation and, if yes, how the government should discourage the use of cocaine in society.
References
Levinthal, C. F. (2014). Drugs, behavior, and modern society. London, UK: Pearson Education.
What is the scope of cocaine use in the United States? (2016). Web.