Introduction
The use of drugs has always been a controversial topic. Some believe drug use is a victimless crime and that people should be able to use whatever substances they want as long as they are not hurting anyone else. On the other hand, some believe drug use is a significant problem in society and leads to crime, violence, and other problems. The effects of drugs on society are far-reaching. Drug use can lead to crime, violence, and other problems. It can also lead to addiction, a significant problem for the individual and society. Drug use can also lead to health problems, which can burden the individual and society. Drug use is a significant societal problem and needs to be addressed. Drug use leads to crime, violence, and other problems. It also leads to addiction, which can be a significant problem for the individual and society. Therefore, this essay will explore the effects of drugs in society, both positive and negative.
One of the most significant effects of drugs on society is how they impact the economy. The economy is one of the most critical aspects of society, and drugs significantly impact it. Drugs can positively or negatively impact the economy, depending on their legal status and how they are used. According to Aeknarajindawat (2020), legal drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco, are taxed by the government and generate significant revenue. This revenue can be used to fund public services, such as education and healthcare, generate revenue for the government, and cost the government money to enforce the law and provide treatment for addicts. On the other hand, Korai & Ghaffar (2018) stated that when drugs are illegal, there is a black market for them. This means that people who want to buy drugs must go through dealers who sell them at a higher price than they would be if they were legal (Korai & Ghaffar, 2018). This creates much revenue for the dealers, which they often use to buy more drugs or other illegal things.
Additionally, drugs can also have positive effects on society. In the medical field, drugs are necessary to save lives and treat illnesses. For example, a study by Gao et al. (2020) alluded that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, and cancer patients receive chemotherapy from killing cancer cells. In the recreational setting, drugs can be used to enhance experiences. For example, people may use marijuana to relax or LSD to experience intense hallucinations. Additionally, without drugs, many people would die from diseases that can now be easily treated. Davies (2019) added that drugs have also been responsible for prolonging life expectancy and improving the quality of life for many people. For example, insulin and cholesterol-lowering medications have allowed people with diabetes and high cholesterol to live long and healthy lives. Drugs have also helped to advance medical research. For example, new drugs are constantly being developed to treat cancer and other diseases. In addition, clinical trials are used to test new drugs and to determine their safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, new cancer drugs are constantly being developed, and many show promise in treating various types of cancer.
The final effect of drugs on society is how they impact crime. People who use drugs often commit crimes to get money to buy drugs. They may also commit crimes to get the drugs themselves. This can lead to much violence and can make neighborhoods unsafe. A survey by O’Malley (2019) suggested that drug users may turn to crime to support their habit, and criminal activity may lead to more drug use. This can create a spiral that is difficult to escape. Drug use can also lead to other problems in society. For example, people under the influence of drugs may be more likely to be involved in accidents. This can lead to higher insurance rates and other costs for society. Drug use can also lead to health problems, which can strain the healthcare system (Pansters, 2018). In addition, drug use can lead to lost productivity and decreased job performance. The impact of drugs on society is evident in many ways. It is essential to address this problem to protect the public and reduce societal costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drugs have been shown to have both positive and negative effects on society. On the one hand, drugs can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions and can help people live longer healthier lives. On the other hand, drugs can be abused and lead to addiction, which can cause several social problems, including crime. Therefore, there is no easy answer when it comes to the question of whether drugs should be legalized or not. However, it is essential to consider both sides’ pros and cons before deciding. The adverse effects of drug use are far-reaching and can profoundly impact society as a whole. It is essential to address the problem of drug use comprehensively and effectively. Prevention, treatment, and law enforcement all play a role in addressing the problem of drug use.
Reference
Aeknarajindawat, N., Aeknarajindawat, N., & Aswasuntrangkul, D. (2020). How do Legal Drugs Affect the Society? Empirical Evidence from Thailand. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, 11(4), 111-118.
Davies, A. H. (2019). The seriousness of chronic venous disease: a review of real-world evidence. Advances in therapy, 36(1), 5–12.
Gao, Y., Shang, Q., Li, W., Guo, W., Stojadinovic, A., Mannion, C., … & Chen, T. (2020). Antibiotics for cancer treatment: A double-edged sword. Journal of Cancer, 11(17), 5135.
Korai, A. G., & Ghaffar, A. (2018). Effects Of Drugs On Society: Laws And History Of Drugs. Webology (ISSN: 1735-188X), 15(1).
O’Malley, P. (2019). Consuming risks: Harm minimization and the government of ‘drug-users.’ In Governable places (pp. 191–214). Routledge.
Pansters, W. G. (2018). Drug trafficking, the informal order, and caciques. Reflections on the crime-governance nexus in Mexico. Global Crime, 19(3-4), 315-338.
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