Essay
The War on Drugs Must Continue
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This is an essay in which I had to present and defend reasons for the continuation of the war against the illicit drug culture.
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Kelly 1Considering the risk associated with the war on drugs, is there a justifiable reason to continue
this war?
Drug abuse is a universal problem and dates back to ancient times. Therefore, various
communities have had their issues with drugs and drug abuse down through the ages, and it is no
different in today’s world and communities. The United States has had its fair share of drug-
related problems, and with several countries around the world, has declared “war” on the illicit
drug trade, and the illicit use of drugs. Among the drugs which have been wreaking havoc in our
communities are: heroin, cocaine, marijuana, angel dust (PCP), LSD and joining these are some
prescription drugs such morphine and codeine. Several of these drugs are illegal and because of
the extent of drug-abuse, a thriving business exists between users and suppliers. To date the
“Actual cost of drug abuse in the U.S. tops $1 trillion annually,” (Adambi). This cost includes
the “war on drugs” and as well as the illicit drug business. So should this “war” be continued
considering the high cost? In my opinion, the “war on drugs should be continued since stopping
it does not mean that the unlawful drug trade and the abuse of drugs will come to an end. On the
contrary, there is a great possibility that this illegal drug business might just get out of hand. To
further understand why the “war on drugs” must be continued, unless there is some guarantee
that stopping it will bring an end to the social problems associated with that business, we must
take a look at some of the social issues related to the whole problem of drug abuse.
First, the effect these substances have on the mind and behavior of those who constantly use
them, tells us that the “war” has to continue. According to Liakoni, Et Al, “Alcohol, and to a
lesser extent, illicit drugs are present in both offenders and victims in many violent events and
, Kelly 2
prevalence of violence is higher among persons who abuse psychoactive substances.” In this
statement, Liakoni, et al,underscored one of the major problems which is characteristic of some
drugs, and that is, they are powerful behavior-altering substances, and this is in a negative way.
Apart from causing a person to display violent or irrational behavior, drugs can also have serious
mind-altering effects, to the extent that they impair the ability of the user to think rationally and
make proper judgement, and they can also inhibit learning. The negative social impact of a free
license to use drugs at will therefore, is somewhat frightening. Consider classrooms where
students come to engage their minds academically, but who cannot effectively do so because
their minds are busy with the hallucinating effects of psychoactive drugs. Let us give serious
thought to the workforce also. How will people discipline themselves where the daily grind of
the work world is concerned, if their drug appetite is always beckoning them, and they can freely
attend to its desires? If the answers to these questions are not worrisome enough, let us consider
again how violence could easily get out of hand if the “war on drugs” were to cease and drug
users and traders given a free reign. “Nearly 80% of criminal offenders are involved with illicit
drug and alcohol,” (Festinger, Et Al, 85). The part which drugs play in driving up the statistics in
any society is clearly not debatable. Since studies have linked many violent behaviors to drug
abuse, it is safe to say that stopping any programs designed to inhibit the illicit drug business,
will result in an increase in domestic violence and criminal activities. So, are we still supposed to
believe that the more drugs that are available to people, the less addiction, crime and violent
behavior will become? If you believe this somewhat ridiculous idea, consider this, in an article
in the PR News Wire about the former White House national drug policy spokesman, Robert
Weiner, and the senior policy analyst, Ben Lasky the writer said, “The two assert, ‘Drug abuse
and crime have increased since Federal advertising funding has been cut and now zeroed out…’
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