-
Essay / Impact of drug addiction on society
Drug addiction has been a significant problem worldwide for many decades, affecting not only people addicted to illegal substances, but also the society around them. This essay aims to explore the influence of drug addiction on society on a local, national and global scale. It will examine the causes and reasons for addiction and suggest ways to prevent it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Addiction often begins within the local community and has a profound impact on families. When a family member becomes addicted, it sets off a chain reaction that affects various aspects of the individual's life. For example, if parents face addiction, they may neglect their children, leading to a decline in their physical and mental well-being. In some cases, children may even end up in orphanages. When younger family members are affected by substance abuse, parents struggle to regain their trust and guide them toward recognizing and resolving their problems. Children raised in such environments often develop codependent relationships, which can lead to destructive relationships as adults. As a result, addicted individuals risk sacrificing close relationships, experiencing the loss of family members, and diminishing their chances of academic and professional success (Alexis). Nationally, the overuse of opium in the United States serves as a demonstrative example of the consequences of drug addiction. The financial costs of opium overuse reached $78.5 billion in 2013, but the impact goes beyond monetary expenditures (Umhau). Substance abuse contributes to an increase in crime, various forms of abuse, deaths and the spread of infections such as HIV/AIDS (Umhau). It also hurts productivity in the workplace because people struggling with addiction are unable to perform their job duties effectively. This lack of workforce engagement results in economic setbacks for the nation. The national consequences of drug addiction are far-reaching and affect multiple aspects of society. When looking at the global impact of drug addiction, we cannot ignore the staggering number of deaths it causes. In 2019 alone, drug use led to the deaths of approximately half a million people, as well as significant social, health and financial losses (World Drug Report 3). Additionally, drug addiction contributes to the spread and progression of dangerous diseases, such as hepatitis C. This problem affects populations around the world, leading to similar consequences and outcomes. The economic development of nations is hampered by individuals neglecting their education and employment due to dependency. Governments also devote substantial funds to combating drug supply and drug addiction among their populations. Despite the dangers inherent in illegal substances, public perception is changing, particularly with the legalization of cannabis. As a result, other drugs may seem less threatening and more socially acceptable. To address the economic consequences of drug addiction, the case of heroin serves as an example. Over the past few decades, the number of young adults using heroin has doubled in the United States, with approximately one million users (Umhau). Heroin addiction causes significant costs to the government, amounting to approximately $44,950 per person if.