Society is largely affected by the powder form of cocaine, which is inhaled. This type of cocaine is more expensive and glamorous, so a lot of famous people have used it. Individuals become dependent mentally and physically and so continue the use, as it gives confidence and the feeling of glamour. Other reasons suggest that people want to avoid the negative symptoms of withdrawal and, thus, are somewhat forced to engage in drug use (Spillane 6).
Self-control theories have been proposed to explain the usage. People lack the ability to force themselves to refuse the drugs and, because of this, engage in cocaine abuse. This might be caused by problems in the family, developmental problems, or social settings. Another theory is that the increase in drug use comes merely from the increase in people’s awareness and the number of people having access. People’s views are becoming more liberal through media portrayal as rock stars and hip-hop celebrities are sometimes involved.
The influence of friends and fellow users does not have to be forceful or physical; it happens on a subconscious level when a person believes that they must engage in similar behavior. Often, this is not the case, but the message is clear that the more people use drugs, the more influence there is on those who are in close proximity to people and drugs themselves. In contrast, it has been shown that developmental and psychological disorders lead to higher drug abuse. People with high anxiety and depression are more likely to use cocaine and abuse prescription medication and alcohol (McFarland 30).
Because powder cocaine is so easy to use and it does not have to be “cooked,” people can use it anywhere. This leads to a dangerous mix of several drugs, together with alcohol, which has proven to be extremely harmful to the person. Many young adults get involved in the dealing of drugs, as it is a relatively safe and fast way to make money. One of the dangers is that it is sometimes “cut” with harmful substances to increase the volume and make more profit (Bowden 363).
Because of the high percentage of people using cocaine, a person can very effectively stay in one place, and the demand will be rather high. Social media and culture itself are part of the inclination to become involved in the sharing and usage of drugs. It is evident that drug use and the spread over the population is a growing problem and must be addressed with special attention. As has been shown, people resort to drugs for many reasons, but the absence of significant immediate effects and the large number of people involved in the usage are some of the major determinants.
Usually, people tend to think that the effects are not significant, as already a vast amount of individuals are using cocaine. The danger of an overdose or long term effects is not feared, as people believe that they will not be affected (McFarland 43). Even though cocaine is illegal in the United States, a great portion of the population is involved in the use, and thus, it is a growing problem.
Generally, recreational drug use has been around for a long time.
Modern times have seen an increase in usage by the population. This leads to the belief that people are more acclimated to the drugs, and there has been an increase in access to the said substances. Drug use and distribution must be strictly regulated and controlled by law in order to prevent any harmful consequences.
Works Cited
Bowden, Mark. Road Work: Among Tyrants, Heroes, Rogues, and Beasts. New York: Grove Press, 2004. Print.
McFarland, Rhoda. Cocaine. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2000. Print.
Spillane, Joseph. Cocaine: From Medical Marvel to Modern Menace in the United States, 1884-1920. Baltimore: J.H.U. Press, 2000. Print.