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Drug Addiction – A community problem Chad L. Salyer

In this paper I will be discussing the growing drug problem in our communities and the approach that will be used to alleviate the problem. Drug abuse has been a continuing problem in our communities and is rising at an alarming rate. It has been spreading at such a rate that it is no longer isolated in poor, middle class or upper class areas. Prescription drug abuse and heroine has become the most common forms of drugs being used by addicts and is not only a serious health problem, but is also a problem that effects the entire community. For this study I will be focusing on the individual addict and then the environment in which they live.
Though there are many prevention programs that exist, it seems that prevention and Law
Enforcement are not able to slow or stop the problem. Drug abuse is rising at an alarming rate and is certainly not prejudice as to who becomes a drug addict. So how can we possibly combat a problem that seems immune to all the efforts that has been brought fourth? I believe the approach should begin with the individual and changing one’s habitual thinking. Education is key to not only prevention but to those already addicted to drugs.
The main research question I am exploring is if the environment plays a significant role in the cause of drug addiction. It seems that not only prescription drugs, but also illegal drugs have become more readily accessible to anyone that chooses to want them. Though there are very tough laws against illegal drugs and programs already in place to help with the problem, the drug problem is still on the rise. Nearly all drug programs focus on either the addiction itself or focus on the prevention of drug abuse. It seems that all of the programs and the law are all

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