...Legal and Illegal Drugs Gladys Vazquez Rasmussen College The war on drugs started in 1971 by President Nixon, but the fight didn’t start there (NPR, 2012). In 1914 the US enacted the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act, which was the starting point to make drugs illegal, but the classification of drugs was more of a social problem rather than a social issue (Brecher, 2006). Drugs can be defined as ANY substance other than food or water that when taken into the body alters its functioning in some way (College, 2011). Cocaine, Heroin, Crack, and Alcohol are not the only drugs that alter the body that can be considered a drug. Caffeinated soda, coffee, diet pills, tobacco, prescription medication, and more all affect the body and alter the mind in a negative way. Going back in time when Christopher Columbus founded America, we wer e introduced to our very first drug known as tobacco (Cushman, 2011). That’s 520 years ago and still an issue in society. Smoking is set to kill 6.5 million people in 2015 and 8.3 million humans in 2030, with the biggest rise in low-and middle-income countries (National Cancer Institute at the National Institues of Health). Each day about 13,500 people worldwide die from smoking-related diseases (National Cancer Institute at the National Institues of Health). Yet it is a legal substance that alters the mind and body, amazing how that works. Alcohol is another substance that is very harmful and alters the mind and body. Some will argue that used as a...
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...Running Head: EFFECTS OF ILLEGAL DRUGS Effects of Illegal Drugs Tina Bolon Com/156 January 19, 2014 Instructor: Christy Spindler EFFECTS OF ILLEGAL DRUGS The Effects of Illegal Drugs “When you hear the word drugs, what do you think of first?” Majority of people would consider hardcore drugs first LSD, heroin, cocaine or weed. Most people would not associate alcohol as means of a drug. A lot of individuals in society may even dispute alcohol being a drug, when in fact, it is. According to Kleiman (2013) “Alcohol is not just a drug, but the archetypal drug: the drug most widely used and the drug that causes the most addiction, disease, and violence” (p. 1). Long-term drug use starts with alcohol. Alcohol is the gateway drug that leads adolescents down the road to more serious drugs. The chemical make-up of these illegal drugs and the stimulation that they offer contribute to the desire for more, leading to addiction and eventually death if the addict is not willing to undergo rehabilitation. There are numerous types of drugs that both old and young people are becoming addicted to, many are already addicts. Many young teens are starting off small in the beginning with cigarettes and alcohol. This leads them to experiment with harder street drugs to get a better high, eventually leading them down a path of destruction. Addicts are always chasing the high they received the first time this is what causes them to continually yearn for me. People of all ages are experimenting...
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...Final Paper – Illegal Drug Use ITT Technical Institute - Boise Introduction My position is that illegal drug use is harmful and dangerous. I hope to show in this paper some of the many physical effects illegal drug use can have on the human body. Second, I will show how the use of illegal drugs impacts families in general. Lastly, I will cover the effects of illegal drug use on society as a whole. Background I understand the counter position; others would say that the three most dangerous drugs are drugs that are currently legal. I agree with this statement somewhat, but it is actually the illegal use of the legal drug that is so harmful in this case. So many people and the media focus on illegal drug use and the effects of them that they totally ignore the problems associated with the illegal use of legal drugs and the many problems associated with this type of drug abuse. I believe that the illegal use of prescription drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol, are just as harmful as the drugs that the Federal Government has deemed to be an “illegal drug”. "The misuse of pain medication is probably one of our greatest drug addictions in America right now," Mike Gimbel, a drug expert from St. Joseph Medical Center, said in 2011 (Gimbel, 2011). Another drug that is sometimes used illegally or abused has been around for decades. "Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in our country. I mean, we have over half a million people a year that die as a result of smoking...
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...For this analysis, the topic of illegal drugs will be traced across three different television serials that vary in genre. In each programme illegal drugs are a pivotal element to the storyline, with close reference to youth involvement. This analysis will investigate how different televisual forms shape the way illegal drug use is understood and made visible across three different genres of television with reference to youth involvement. In addition, this analysis will discuss to what extent this representation of illegal drugs assists in legitimating themes of drug use and how these representations have shifted throughout history. This analysis will explore the representation of illegal drug in Workaholics, 90210 and Arrow. The mass media are commonly seen to reflect and shape social attitudes and behaviours; therefore it is likely that representations of teen characters in film and television will assist in defining what normative behaviours and actions are for teen viewers (Stern 331). This contributes to the argument that television can influence and young viewers are using these representations to authenticate their behaviours according to the dominant values represented on television. The repetitive portrayal of drug use on television can be seen to glamorise drug use and provide an overabundance, and inaccurate representation of drugs (Long et al. 96). As it is more commonly discussed and glamorised, it becomes more likely that young people will associate substance use...
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...The Drug Business Tawni Masters CJA 384 January 30, 2012 Sherryl Roten-West The Drug Business The illegal drug business in the United States is not a new business. This business has been around for quite some time. In this paper I will discuss the history of illegal drug business in the United States including the types of drugs that involved in the illegal drug business. I will also be discussing illegal drug syndicates and cartels a long with their structures and operational methods. Also I will be talking about some of the modern trends of organized drug trafficking. Finally I will answer, explain, and provide recommendations to the question, is there is a better solution to the ways in which we combat the drug business in the United States. The illegal drug business in the United States consists of all different types of activities from drug use to drug sales to producing and manufacturing to trafficking. Until the 1940’s most Italian Mafia leaders were strict with their rules telling their outfits that they were to avoid dealing drugs. A few leaders, notably Charles “Lucky” Luciano, broke that rule and used their organizations to push other gangs out of the drug trade and developed sophisticated networks for importing and selling illegal drugs in the United States (Mazzeno, 2011). During World War II illegal drugs were becoming less available in the U.S. because traffickers had a difficult time importing the drugs from overseas areas that were already in a conflict...
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...Illegal Drugs Informative Speech Introduction: Marijuana, cocaine, heroin, PCP, speed, shrooms, crystal meth, and angel dust are all types of illegal drugs. What is an illegal drug? An illegal drug is something and often a substance that causes addiction, habituation, or a marked change in consciousness. Body: I. Illegal Drugs The use of illegal drugs in the United States is considered by some to be the biggest problem in our society. Over 40% of high school seniors use some kind of illegal drug, and in a recent 1999 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse showed that the three most common drugs are Marijuana used by 11,100,000 people, Cocaine used by 1,500,000 people, and inhalants that is used by 991,000 people nationwide. A. Marijuana 1. Marijuana is commonly referred to as Pot, Mary Jane, Chronic, Weed, and Reefer. 2. Marijuana is a product of the hemp plant and contains the chemical THC that is the most potent of over 400 chemicals found in marijuana and mainly affects the brain. a. Marijuana is a greenish-gray substance consisting of dried-shredded leaves and flowers from the hemp plant. 3. Most users roll it into a cigarette called a "joint", or into a cigar called a "blunt". Users may also smoke it in a water pipe referred to as a "bong" or they can eat it by mixing it into different foods called "special food". 4. Some short-term effects of marijuana include distorted perception, increased heart rate, and a loss of motor coordination...
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...Throughout history humans have used substances to leave reality, soul search, get high and forget their problems, today we call these substances drugs. In the United States, millions of people, ranging from teenagers, adults, and elderlies, practice the infamous habit of smoking and drinking alcohol. Researches states that cannabis is the most consumed illegal drugs used today, while alcohol is the number one drug used and abused. Whether the vice is habitually puffing marijuana or consuming alcohol, smokers and drunkards are seen undoubtedly in every neighborhood in small towns and large cities. Although a great controversial issue for decades, the legalization of marijuana for the past recent years has soared to new heights of popularity...
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...Illegal Drug Use in Sports Drug testing in professional sports should be at random times and professional sports leagues should have stricter policies on drug testing. Performance enhancing drugs give professional athletes unfair advantages that are unfair to the athletes who do not use performance enhancing drugs. When athletes use performance enhancing drugs it affects their health and if they are caught when drug tested the athlete can face severe punishments. Consequently, if an athlete is caught using performance enhancing drugs it sends a negative message to young people that often look up to professional athletes. If drug testing was not required in professional sports, some athletes would gain an unfair advantage. Performance enhancing drugs have been used from all the way back to the Greek Olympics through present day. The first drug tests began in February 1968 at the Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France. "The IOC instituted its first compulsory doping controls at the Winter Olympic Games in Grenoble, France in 1968 and again at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City in the same year. At that time the list of banned substances issued in 1967 included narcotic analgesics and stimulants, which comprised sympathomimetic amines, psychomotor stimulants and miscellaneous central nervous system stimulants [including alcohol]. Although it was suspected that androgenic anabolic steroids were being used at this time, testing methods were insufficiently developed to...
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...away from home or drug addicts looking to make quick money to feed their drug addiction. Most work for pimps who have taken them in. these prostitutes will reap little to no monetary gain for the service they provide because the pimp takes majority of it. Hotel prostitutes usually deal with a higher end clientele. Men who are away from home on business trips or for conventions. The risk of harm or being arrested is low as long as the prostitute’s relationship with the manager is upheld (Schmalleger, 2012). Escort services are viewed as “legal” prostitution to some. Call girls can be found in newspaper ads, the internet, and television. They only advertise their services as providing companionship or courtship. However, many of these dates turn sexually explicit. Call girls are usually seen as the highest paid prostitutes. There is usually little to no risk of being hurt by the client or arrested. The last type of prostitute is the house prostitute. These types of prostitutes are not normally found in the United States since prostitution is illegal but in countries where it is legal, prostitutes are licensed and pay taxes (Schmalleger, 2012). Reference Schmalleger, F. (2012). Juvenile justice in America. (6th ed., pp. 361-363). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, INC. There are a number of direct and indirect costs of using illegal drugs. About $65 billion is spent annually on illegal drugs (Schmalleger, 2012). Support services, drug prevention, short-stay...
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...Social Problems and the Free Market: A Brief Look at Illegal Drugs and Its Market Nicola Jones Baker Kaplan University Professor T. Ayanou, PhD February 17, 2015 The present research report seeks to show the relationship between a “free market” economy and the acquisition and dispensing of illegal drugs. This report will begin with a general look at what constitutes a “free market” economy and how its aspects of supply and demand are the very cornerstones of its existence. After discussing the concepts of supply and demand, the author will then address how the tenants of supply and demand relate to individual freedoms and individual competitions. Following this section of the present report, the author will seek to discuss illegal drug markets. In the final and closing section of this research report, the author will argue that the social problems created by illegal drug addiction could be managed in a “free market” economy that views addiction as a treatable disease rather than a criminal offense. The fundamental underpinning of a free market system is the competition it generates among those who are vying for the consumers’ dollars. The goal of the free market is for person (A) to provide a good or service that is wanted by customer (B). Person (A) and customer (B) then negotiate a price for that particular good or service. If person (A)’s price is too high or the good or service is inadequate, customer (B) then has the right and freedom to go to person...
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...ILLEGAL DRUGS FOR THE UNBORN 2Imagine being the unborn fetus living inside a womb that is supposed to protect you, witha mother who is consuming illegal drugs which are harmful to you? You can’t speak, or tell her to stop. You can’t prevent her from consuming things that harm you because you are living inside of her womb, so her decisions are what affect you. A mother should not be allowed to use any form of illegal drugs while she is pregnant as this can cause severe problems for the child developing inside of her. Any woman, who consumes illegal drugs while pregnant, should be charged with child neglect and abuse; preventing the woman from being the mother to that child she doesn’t care for. A mother is supposed to protect her child, not harm...
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...Non Technical Executive Summary: Police Drug Seizures Effects on Admission into Drug Treatment Facilities The United States executes yearly reports on illegal drug activity. These reports contain statistical information on supply estimates of four major illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine). The data retrieved from police seizures on illegal drugs constitute important information to formulate policy, execution, and monitoring. Estimations have been difficult to develop due to unreliability of the nature of drug production and trafficking. Credibility has been sustained due to new approaches developed within the last decade. Evolution of methodologies due to the inadequacy of methods in the past which produced contradiction based upon supported evidence presented in the United States. Methodologies have been confirmed as more useful for long term changes as year to year variation have made conclusions inadequate (Cala, 2012). The Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored research to update previously published estimates of illegal drug availability on the streets based on both demand and supply data. The demand-based methodology estimates the magnitude of drugs by calculating consumption based on surveys of drug use and frequency. Drug Availability Estimates in the United States (DAEUS), estimates the magnitude of drugs based on supply indicators such as potential production estimates and seizures (Cala, 2012). The studies contribute to prevention...
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...Drug Activity and Rehabilitation in Texas Prisons Amy Garza COM/172 June 30, 2014 Carrie Kendall Drug Activity and Rehabilitation in Texas Prisons The state of Texas has over 40 state prisons, and over 15 state jails. Among these facilities 30% of incoming inmates in 2011 were sentenced for drug offenses. While serving time in Texas prisons, some inmates resume their illegal drug activity for many reasons and refuse rehabilitation. Oddly enough, “the state of Texas has one of the lowest drug treatment admission rates, but one of the highest incarceration rates in the country” (Dunklee, Leete, J.D., & Renaud, M.S.S.W, 2013). These facts express how drug activity, both in and out of prison, is an ongoing dilemma. Rehabilitation programs are offered but inmates cannot be forced to open up to such teachings. The system serves as a revolving door for illegal drug use and trade. There are many reasons why people become involved with illegal drug activity behind bars. One of the most popular reasons why inmates continue to break the law is because of money. Statistics show that over 58% of men incarcerated in Texas are fathers. Assuming that most inmates lie about such facts on government surveys, it is estimated that the true number of incarcerated men who have children is much higher. “These men are used to selling drugs, or other such fast money schemes. To think that they will be satisfied with a high school diploma and the financial security it offers is ludicrous”...
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...also: Capital punishment for drug trafficking Drug trafficking is widely regarded by lawmakers as a serious offense around the world. Penalties often depend on the type of drug (and its classification in the country into which it is being trafficked), the quantity trafficked, where the drugs are sold and how they are distributed. If the drugs are sold to underage people, then the penalties for trafficking may be harsher than in other circumstances. Drug smuggling carries severe penalties in many countries. Sentencing may include lengthy periods of incarceration, flogging and even the death penalty (in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and elsewhere). In December 2005, Van Tuong Nguyen, a 25 year old Australian drug smuggler, was hanged in Singapore after being convicted in March 2004. In 2010, two people were sentenced to death in Malaysia for trafficking 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of cannabis into the country.[19] Execution is mostly used as a deterrent, and many have called upon much more effective measures to be taken by countries to tackle drug trafficking,[20] such as for example targeting specific criminal organisations (which are often also active in the smuggling of other goods (i.e. wildlife) and even people. In some cases, even links between politicians and the criminal organisations have been proven to exist. Effects of the illegal drug trade on societies The countries of drug production and transit are some of the most affected by the drug trade, though countries receiving...
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...Cocaine Cowboys is a film that shows us an inside look into how the illegal drug trade not only started in the south Florida area but a deeper look on what it was like to be a part of it. South Florida at the time was a quiet, almost off the radar type area that most people went to retire in a quiet area, unlike the south Florida of today where it’s a more active and livelier area. Due to the large area that surrounded south Florida and how much shoreline it had drug smuggling was a huge problem. At the time Marijuana was the big drug was constantly being smuggled in by boats and later on a combination of planes and boats. It was a way for people to make a lot of money in a short amount of time due to how easy it was to smuggle in the drugs. The Columbians realizing how easy it was to smuggle drugs in through south Florida started to bring in cocaine. In the beginning it wasn’t a lot due to how expensive it was and only people who made a lot of money were able to buy it. The rise in illegal drug trade, especially cocaine led to a major changes in the area. Over time more and more cocaine was entering the country the demand started to increase. The rise in cocaine in the south Florida area, especially Miami started to effect the economy in a way that began the reconstruction of sorts to Miami from a quiet retirement area to a booming, popular go to location that it is now. The cocaine business went from a couple of hundred thousand dollar industry to...
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