The Truth Uncovered

Substance Abuse within our communities pose a severe threat to society. The United States is consumed with dissatisfied people who are unable to cope with the struggles in their life, so they coat their problems with powder . They consider drugs to be a victimless crime, and argue that it should be their choice in what they do with their body, and life. As true as this may be, sometimes people need to be protected from themselves, and their irrational, uneducated decisions. People often become victims to their own crimes, and in the end they pay the ultimate price.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, and roughly 6.3 million report they …show more content…
FDA approved narcotics are not just a threat in themselves, they also pave the way for the use of street drugs. Street drugs are a problem, but the bigger one is lying in our own homes.
Among persons aged 12 and older in 2010-2011 who used pain relievers non medically in the past year, a survey indicated that they obtained the drugs from a friend or relative for free. 81.6 percent of those friends or relatives acquired the drugs from just one doctor. Every day 2,500 people abuse a pain reliever for the first time (Drug abuse).
In the U.S alone, more than 15 million people abuse prescription drugs, which is more than the combined number who reported abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants and heroin. On the same not, depressants, opioids and anti-depressants are responsible for more overdose deaths (45%) than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and amphetamines (39%) combined (Drug free …show more content…
Everyone at some point has suffered at the unmerciful hands of life. People relentlessly search for a quick fix to solve their issues, but drugs are not the answer. They do not fix anything; instead they destroy everything in their way. People need to be fully prepared for the consequences when making the choice to experiment with drugs. Nobody expects to lose their friends, family, money, or house, but the fact is, more times than not, this is what happens.
Neither medical doctors nor the government can completely stop illicit street drug abuse, but they can administer stricter policies when distributing prescription medication, which, consequently, may lower the use of street drugs. To do this, instead of patients getting their prescription from one doctor, two doctors need to sign an acceptance of the diagnosis and the treatment. Then, to get a refill, the patient must have his or her blood taken to ensure the medication is in fact being taken (rather than being sold), and to see if the patient is taking the proper amount. The government also needs to make a requirement in medical school for longer, more intensive training on the effects of medications and the signs of drug abuse. Drugs are not a joke, and they are not to be taken lightly. Here are some quotes from