It is not a secret that drugs abuse is to an extent a globally recognized problem on many levels. In this context, the US gets its fair share of this problem through drug smuggling through borders and the spreading of illegal and addictive drugs in American society. Nowadays, it is rather a complicated matter that American authorities have to deal with.
Being a major market for illegal and addictive drugs makes the US very attractive for drug dealers, cartels, and smugglers to sell their products. Justin McCarthy states in his article Drugs Have Been a Problem in Family for 32% of Americans that the percentage is so high that 32% of American families struggle with drug-related problems (McCarthy, 2021). Of course, this is interesting for the illegal drug industry as it indicates a flourishing market to sell and market such addictive products.
This is neither a new phenomenon nor is unknown to government officials or the American people. The concerns about this problem are expressed almost on daily basis due to its serious consequences. Interestingly, the problem is not limited to poverty and youth there but rather is a general problem on all social levels. That is, people from different patterns in society abuse different drugs in different ways, according to John Gramlich in his article As fatal overdoses rise, many Americans see drug addiction as a major problem in their community.
These aspects make the problem a multidimensional and national matter in the US. There are ongoing attempts by the civic community and authorities to deal with this problem on a national level. Yet, the increase in the seriousity of the problem still is obvious which raises serious concerns in this context. That is, the fatal consequences of addiction and abuse of drugs in American society and thus, the negative impact that this matter leaves on the US on all levels such as public health, economy, and other areas of interest there.
The issue of drug abuse and addiction in the US is neither new nor unknown. The most problematic part of it is about the increase and the widespread effects, and consequently, the fatal and dangerous outcome of this increase in the issue. Therefore, the US should work on a strategy to tackle the matter with long-term planning that aims to eliminate the problem from its roots.
Sources:
McCarthy, Justin. 2021. Drugs Have Been a Problem in Family for 32% of Americans. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/357134/drugs-problem-family-americans.aspx
Gramlich, John. 2018. As fatal overdoses rise, many Americans see drug addiction as a major problem in their community. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/05/30/as-fatal-overdoses-rise-many-americans-see-drug-addiction-as-a-major-problem-in-their-community/