Substance abuse trends US Essay Example for Free

Substance abuse trends US Essay Drug trends have changed over many years and new drugs are always evolving. It is difficult for enforcement agencies to keep up with the new drugs and the form they are used. Drugs include methqualonein the 1970’s then in the 1980’s fluniyrazepam and more recently oxycodone hydrochloride. (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) The use of cannabis, methamphetamine and heroin has observed an upward trend. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) One of the new methods of delivery was by filling cigars with cannabis were observed by African American teenagers in the 1990’s and its use has spread. It was usual to have a malt liquor with them and it was called a blunt and is observed in many movies as well. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 2003) Columbian heroin was gaining popularity as it was stronger then that from Asia and could be snorted. Marijuana was the most popular by far and crack cocaine became popular because it doesn’t require to be injected and so less risk of acquiring HIV. (CBS news 2007) However injecting crack cocaine by mixing it with vinegar or lemon juice was observed. . (Kozel, N. Sloboda, Z. 003) In 2007 Cocaine and methamphetamine use among young adults declined significantly last year as supplies dried up, leading to higher prices and reduced purity, and the government reports. Overall use of illicit drugs showed little change. (Freking, K. 2008) The higher user of drugs in Hispanics and Poet Ricans. (Valdez, A. 2005) It is also more common amongst males in these groups who see it as macho or manly amongst Hispanics and a part of their identity . Also these groups face a lot of problems and poverty. There is higher unemployment and low emphasis on education. Access to health is limited. Hispanics have a cholo identity which is street based identity with a street based social network. This is often through generations and the most common drug abused is Heroin. (Valdez, A. 2005) Cholo Identity which was an oppositional culture in these communities that developed a distinct language patterns, style of dress, tattoos, car culture, music. Sometimes referred to as a pachuco lifestyle (e. g. oot suit 1940’s) (Valdez, A. 2005) Drug use is a means to act out macho values or risk taking, excess, to demonstrate socially valued toughness and craziness. Hypermasculinity in its exaggerated form includes fighting, daring deeds, seducing women, asserting independence from women, etc. (Valdez, A. 2005) there has been a victimisation of these groups and arrests due to drug laws have targeted Hispanics making a lot of them beyond the reach of organisations willing to help. About one in five adults in the U.  S acknowledge the use of drugs Drug use in the 50-59 age group increased as more baby boomers join the category . (CBS,2007) In Mexican culture, men often feel honour and pride when they are the protectors of their families. These traditional attitudes are influenced by the Catholic faith and the importance of family in the Mexican culture. Yet, embracing these traditional attitudes may lead to a greater risk for problems such as depression, substance abuse, violence and reluctance to seek psychological assistance. (Nauert, R. 2008) The use of drugs in school age children is an increasing problem . here is it leading to serious damage. (Califano, J. 2007) According to the National Institute on Drug Abuses 2002 monitoring the Future Study, 53% of high school seniors reported using an illicit drug at least once in their lives, 41% within the past year, and 25. 4% within the past month (Drug data summary 2003) . A lot of criminals are on drugs and acquiring in 2000, Americans spent an estimated $36 billion on cocaine, $11 billion on marijuana, $10 billion on heroin, $5. billion on methamphetamine, and $2. 4 billion on other illegal substances (Drug data summary 2003) Drug related crime can be due to its use or selling and acquiring drugs. Drugs modify individual behaviour and can generate violence and illegal activity. In 2006 5. 3percent of homicides were drug related. In the 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 32% of state prisoners and 26% of federal prisoners said they had committed their current offence while under the influence of drugs. Among state prisoners, drug offenders (44%) and property offenders (39%) reported the highest incidence of drug use at the time of the offence. Among federal prisoners, drug offenders (32%) and violent offenders (24%) were the most likely to report drug use at the time of their crimes. (BJS, 2006) It can be seen that the cost to the society can be immense. From small robberies to the fear of gangs and gun crime to murders. It is hard to say the total impact to a society in the form of lost labour . there is the spread of HIV, HBV and HCV which are hard to cure and can be transferred to families. The costs in terms of health and financing healthcare for these diseases can be extremely expensive and emotionally difficult as often these diseases are terminal. It is a high price to pay for the occasional thrill that some drug abusers seek. Dealing with the problem has always been difficult as new drugs emerge and drugs become cheaper to have wider appeal. Also the culture of night clubs and alcohol has seen a college and university students embrace drugs without much thought as to the consequences. Drinks get spiked in clubs and often result in sexual exploitation of young women . Arrests and drug laws to prevent drugs being freely available may increase the availability on the black market but this results in supplies being unsafe and even further danger to drug users. Education in schools and at risk communities doesn’t often create the impact it should. For example in the Hispanic groups where a lot of arrests on drug laws were targeted often don’t want to trust authorities who are trying to tackle this problem. In conclusion the costs to any society are high and drug use is increasingly a problem of developed countries according to the WHO. Legal and illegal use of drugs was most strongly associated with age, sex, and income. Higher income was associated with a greater likelihood of drug use for all drug types examined, which is perhaps not surprising given that drug use requires disposable income. Relationship status was linked to illegal (but not legal) drug use: both cocaine and cannabis use were more likely among persons who had never been married or previously been married. These associations remained statistically robust after adjustment for age, sex, and the other variables considered here. The US, which has been driving much of the worlds drug research and drug policy agenda, stands out with higher levels of use of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis, despite punitive illegal drug policies, as well as (in many US states), a higher minimum legal alcohol drinking age than many comparable developed countries. The Netherlands, with a less criminally punitive approach to cannabis use than the US, has experienced lower levels of use, particularly among younger adults.