What can we do to address the problem of drug abuse in America?

Answer 1

Our government should look at decriminalizing drugs. This program has been extremely successful in Western Europe and the UK and is now being adopted by Australia, Afghanistan, and numerous other countries.

Our government should legalize small amounts of drugs that have been proven to have no long term effects, such as marijuana. I see no need to legalize drugs like heroin, which is extremely addictive, has horrible withdrawal effects, and is very difficult to treat.

I wish people would stop labeling people as drug addicts. The whole label was created by our society in the early 20th century. Before then, people were using heroin, cocaine, and marijuana and no one used labels like "heroin addict" and "cocaine addict". Our society needs to stop creating the labels.

Our government needs to stop all those scare tactics in the anti-drug advertisements. Statistics show that policy does not work. Instead they need to accept the forms of harm reduction and accept that people will use drugs regardless of the impact. Instead, teach people techniques to reduce the harm associated with drug use (e.g. smoking weed and driving, sniffing paint cans with a plastic bag can cause suffocation so people recommend a paper bag, etc).

Answer 2

I agree 100 %.

The problem isn't the drugs per se, it's the money, and the attendant crime.

Prohibition in the 1920'seffectively gave birth to the 'Mob', and the explosion of drugs since the 60's has created an even uglier situation.

Holland has been one of the most progressive countries in this respect, and whilst legalisation isn't blanket, it has been relaxed enough to diminish enormously the criminality associated with this industry.

The hypocrisy of successive administrations, particularly in the USA, has been the most damaging element of this aspect of modern society.

I am not a drug 'fan', in fact I nearly lost a sibling to drugs back in the 70's, but I see no reason why people should not be able to choose their 'poisin'. Alcohol does far more damage than most drugs, yet is seen as socially acceptable.

Legalise, tax, and provide sensible facilities to help the ones who fall foul of the substance abuse.

Answer 3

The whole world has the same problem....as long as mankind has low moral predators amongst us there will be dealers.
A person cannot have an addiction or seek out stimulants to escape from life if they have a good SELF ESTEEM which starts in the home...we need to teach the little ones from a young age to appreciate themselves their bodies and their minds so they are strong enough not to be taken in by the sickos of the planet. Its making money of human misery...dob in a dealer.

Answer 4

just othe top of my head i would just legalize drugs and have the goverment tax drugs just like booze. then use the monies generated from the tax on educating and rehab always offer a way out. It is pretty self effident the war on drugs is not working didn't you hear preident bush say just use less drugs not to quit just use less . a little difference from nancy don't you think maybe i'm just high

Answer 5

The situation right now is similar to that of the Prohibition in the 1920s. We need to recognize that we're fighting a losing battle and legalize it. Then we tax it, and regulate it, and at least attempt to make them safer for consumers. We also need to legalize prostitution for the same reasons. The government needs to treat its citizens like adults, allowing them freedom to make their own decisions as well as making them responsible for the consequences of those decisions.

Answer 6

Well we can see drugs being illegal has not helped with situation think maybe need legalize them get better rehab programs better awareness and support for addicts because not just pysical addiction theres is emotional aspect they running from and they have want help themselves no one can do it for them

Answer 7

if drugs were legalized and regulated like perscription drugs they would be much harder to obtain and some drugs too expensive to buy.

after all...we have to sign for cold medicine these days and put your name on a registered list....god know what they would have us do if we attempted to buy any of our current illegal drugs.

Answer 8

Amen brother. Mr. ga dawg just spoke the gospel truth. Give him a best answer.

Answer 9

Do NOT blame drugs...americans are spoiled.....strengthen the drugs let em OD.

Americans are an insult to drugs

Answer 10

I agree. legalize and tax. WHy shouldn't someone be allowed to be in a stupor if that's what they choose?