Problem Solution Essay
Drug abuse is widespread throughout the world. Every society, age, social class, and family has been affected by drug addiction. The government spends billions of dollars trying to regulate drug use, treat addicts, and battle drug-related crime. Drugs affect nearly everyone and need to be fought better.
Drug abuse causes many struggles for families and communities. Addicts are often too sick, to function as normal, liable members of a family or of society (“Addiction Science”). For instance, they ruin their relationships with their families and drain resources; especially if they require costly treatment or hospitalization (“Addiction Science”). Addicts can lose their jobs and, have no income to support themselves or anyone depending on them. Children and teens who abuse drugs become more distant from their families and do not have a healthy relationship with them. A second problem of drug abuse is the crimes committed by addicts. Increased police time and effort are needed to fight smuggling and dealing illicit drugs.
Communities continue to fight to find ways to prevent drug abuse and to help rehabilitate addicts. Dealing with drug problems takes up the police departments resources as well as the communities’. Because many cities and communities are struggling financially, adding more police protection, puts a strain on the citizens through taxes. Despite these difficulties, drugs can be fought.
Education is our best hope and effort. Children need to be taught at home and in school about the menace of drug abuse. For example, discussions around the dinner table, family events, and school programs and activities in health classes can give children information to help them stay away from drug use. Families and counselors need to talk to the kids at risk of drug abuse, or any path or decisions that could lead to drug abuse. Another approach to the problem of drug abuse is to increase police resources enforce the law and stop dealers. Statistics show the bigger the drug problem in a community, the bigger its crime rate (“International Statistics”). Even though the cost of adding more police may hurt a community and its citizens financially, protecting its children from drug abuse and cutting down on drug-related crimes is worth it.
Although the problems of drug abuse may seem difficult to eliminate or control, there are steps that can be taken to weaken the effects of drugs on families and on society. Parents, teachers, and communities must take steps to educate children about the harmfulness of drug abuse and need to offer safe, fun activities for children at risk to do to keep them healthy. Also, police departments must be provided with more resources and community support to fight drug-related crimes. If we are to win the war on drugs, everyone must understand that they have a role in the battle and in its success.
Works Cited
“Addiction Science.” National Institute On Drug Abuse. NIH. December 2012. Web. 12 April 2013. “International Statistics.” Foundation For A Drug Free World. 2008. Web. 12 April 2013.
