Cost of Drug Abuse on Society Essay - 923 Words

Drug abuse is a rampant problem in the United States. Drugs can be abused in a variety of different ways by people from every walk of life. Most of us have been affected by drug abuse either directly or indirectly. Drug abusers harm themselves, as well as their families and communities. Drug abuse takes an enormous toll on our society at many levels. The cost of drug abuse on our society is astronomical, not only financially but also personally, emotionally, socially and professionally. Drug abuse is the misuse or overdose of any medication or drug, including alcohol. Many people abuse drugs to deal with everyday life. â€Å"Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the†¦show more content†¦Illicit drug abuse causes higher crime rates; abuse, rape, robbery and murder. In 2004 32% of state prisoners and 26% of federal prisoners said they committed their current offense while under the influence of drugs (Shannon 102). Society is forced to pay for incarceration for these prisoners as well as the agencies involved in investigating and trying these inmates in court. Government agencies such as DEA, FBI, and Drug Enforcement agencies just to name a few, are at the forefront on the fight against illegal manufacturing, soliciting and consumption of illegal drugs. The abuse of legal over-the-counter and prescription drugs found in everyone’s medicine cabinet is more difficult to pursue. Anyone around us could potentially be abusing drugs. Parents, neighbors, teacher’s, politicians, no one is exempt from drug abuse. From birth to death, the opportunity to abuse drugs presents itself throughout life. â€Å"What do a six-week-old infant, her 19-year-old mother, an 83-year-old nursing home resident, a 47-year-old landscape designer, and a high school sophomore have in common? The thread that ties- - or the hope that binds- -is frequently the pervasive challenge of substance misuse †(Abbott). People can be prescribed mind altering medication for daily living, but the misuse can be unintentional. â€Å"According the National Library of Medicine, an estimated 20% of Americans have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons† (Grohsman) Whether aShow MoreRelatedDrug Testing for TANF Recipients1020 Words   |  4 PagesDrug Testing for TANF Recipients Drug problems costs the US billions of dollars every year from disease, crime, accidents, child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and lost wages that causes deaths and other serious economic and social consequences (Hunter). The crimes include stealing, drug trafficking, murder, robbery, domestic violence, breaking and entering, child abuse and neglect, and assault. 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