The War On Drugs In The United States

America has been experienced drug abuse for a long time. Drug abuse is still a rising concern among the young, as there are many effects that come with it. There is an increase in crime rate in society. It is a continuous struggle, ‘the war on drugs’, having its serious side effects: addictiveness, dreaded diseases in society, destruction of families and their lives. However a fundamental question may arise: Is this a war that America can win?

Side Effects of Taking Drugs

We all agree that drugs are harmful, addictive, ruining someone’s life, but we cannot just fight against it. This battle may be both costly and ineffective, and drugs will not be entirely eradicated. Drugs have many negative side effects causing more harm than good. There exist drugs which are considered more serious than others. For instance, both cocaine and crack can be very addictive, killing you the moment you try them. Moreover, heroine is also very addictive giving its users a feeling of emptiness while the spread of AIDS may be proliferated by the use of this drug.

Nevertheless, is there any drug with positive effects? A study conducted by the White House strongly disagrees with the statement that using drugs may have positive effects. This study has shown that the active ingredients of marijuana may have medical benefits such as appetite stimulation, pain relief and nausea control. The study has also rejected the idea that marijuana has always been a ‘gateway drug’. Experts believe that marijuana is a step towards taking more serious drugs. The study does not prove that the gateway phenomenon really exists whereas the proposition of legalizing this drug should be reconsidered.

Steps towards a Fair Battle

Important steps should be considered. The first step is to acknowledge that the current system in USA does not work. The next step should be to find out people’s opinion in schools, institutions and on the streets. There are several questions to be addressed. Are people aware of what taking drugs mean? What makes people take drugs? Are young people influenced to take drugs? These issues are still not referred to as we have been expecting. However, the war on drugs seem to have failed. In order to succeed in this battle, USA have fought against:

• crime and drug abuse by putting half a million of people in prison;
• criminal organizations;
• violence and death;
• serious side-effects of drugs.