Introduction
The drug problem is a problem that the Americans are facing. Those taking drugs have affected the lives of their loved ones and have affected themselves. The problem of drugs affects the society and thus it is considered a social problem. The drug addicts cause various social problems that are not desirable. This essay will discuss the drug problem as a major social problem in the United States.
Discussion on the problem of drugs as a social problem in the United States
Awareness of the drug use as a social problem was the major concern of many Americans in the 1980’s. Since then, the drug problem has been considered an illness that needs to be treated. The health of those taking drugs is poor and they need to restore their health. Some body organs like the lungs of those who take drugs by smoking become ail and need medical intervention. The other challenge of the drug problem is that it can be inherited and that one can become an addict just like their kinsmen.
Alcohol Drug Abuse Resource Centre (2010, p. 4) argues that drug abuse affects the person taking the drugs as well as those closest to the person. The person with the drug problem becomes prone to family disagreements as the family is not in agreement with the habit. Thus the relationship between the family and the person is destroyed. The person begins to experience health problems and the family is expected to offer assistance. Therefore, the drug problem destroys family relations.
Persons taking drugs may suffer from heart or liver problems which are a major risk to their health problems. Drug taking gives no benefit in terms of health. People with substance abuse neglect their responsibilities and their children may end up neglected. Those who end up dying leave behind orphaned children.
People with the drug problem engage in criminal activities. They can cause injuries and death to people under the influence of drugs. The communities incur large amounts of money to maintain security. On the other hand the drugs they use are expensive. Since they are addicted and need to buy the drugs they use the money they have. After they use all they engage in acts that will cause them have money to access the drugs like stealing.
Drugs cause major concerns and danger to the public. Accidents caused by drivers who are drunk are common and are expensive since the victims need surgery or lose their lives. Individuals who end up in the streets being insane are people who have become ill due to substance abuse. President Bush fought the shipping in of illegal drugs in America during his tenure. This was to protect stop the spread of the drugs that were becoming an evil to the society. In the year 2006, a war was declared on drugs where thousands died related incidents of drugs in Mexico as the authorities discouraged drugs.
The drug problem is a social problem because as manifested in children. Gestating mothers who smoke are likely to deliver under weight infants and may develop other deformities. In some cases, mother deliver before due date due to substance abuse. While they grow up, parents abuse children while under the influence of the drugs (Alcohol Drug Abuse Resource Centre, 2010, p. 4).
Another social problem in America is that those who use drugs are largely homeless. The same fail to attend educational institutions and later become criminal since they have to sustain themselves. In career people with drug problem are known for absenteeism. A research done in 1997 revealed that those with drug problems tended to miss work when compared to other workers.
Conclusion
The social problem caused by drugs cannot be underestimated. The problem causes illness, health problems, poor family relations and child abuse. It also leads to crime as well as homelessness, poor education, and career problems. The social problem should therefore be dealt with collectively by the society.
Reference List
Alcohol Drug Abuse Resource Centre. (2010). Drug addiction and Drug abuse: Drug Use and Drug Abuse is and epidemic in the US. Web.