seawind 31 catamaran

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Seawind 1170

The all new Seawind 1170 performance cruising catamaran is designed to take you further, faster, safer.

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Seawind 1600 Passagemaker

The superbly equipped flagship. Incredibly spacious and ideal for offshore cruising.

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A leap forward in lightweight construction. Quick, nimble, and built to welcome heavier loads.

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Seawind 1260

For serious blue-water cruisers. Strength, agility, and 360-degree views from twin helm stations.

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Seawind 1190 SPORT

Adventure unlocked. Speed, durability, and a larger sail make the 1190 Sport a serious companion for fast cruising.

• 39-foot performance vessel
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Seawind 1160 LITE

Getting your sea legs never felt so fun. The 1160 is easy to operate and maintain—and it’s ready for offshore sailing.

• 38-foot performance vessel
• 360-degree views and ample natural light
• Optional push-button outboard tilt erases prop and shaft dragging

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Info on Seawind 31' (extended to 35')

Discussion in ' Multihulls ' started by SeismicJoe , Jun 15, 2008 .

SeismicJoe Junior Member

Hi Everyone Great forum - a lot of interesting stuff being discussed, especially in the multihull section. An as a recent convert to twin hulls I was wondering if anyone has experience of the Seawind 31 1991 era. I've recently bought one and was wondering if any members have comment, criticism, advice or plans on the boat. I intend to use it to cruise the Philippines and SE Asia, some sea passages next year but mostly pottering along the coastlines with kids. The boat has been extended to 35' during construction (additional 4' behind the cockpits). Looking forward to your feedback. Cheers Joe  

Nordic Cat Senior Member

If it is the Australian built boats, you can see all you would ever nned to know here: http://www.katiekat.net/ Great site in general. regards Alan  

Cheers Alan - you are right - it is a great site!  

Bruce Woods Senior Member

seawind 31 Seismicjoe, they seem like a solid seaworthy boat. I've never sailed one, and understand not many 31's were built but they have always struck me as a good candidate for transom extensions and a bridge-deck cabin, with their generous free-board. Sounds like yours already has the extension. Was speaking to the owner of an unmodified one a couple of days ago, on his way from the east coast to the Kimberly. He seemed happy with it. Regards  

Cheers Bruce - I'll be using the boat in the tropics so a bridgehouse doesn't suit, especially with kids, dogs and BBQs in action - the open-deck concept is much more appealing. Would consider a large frame for a bimini or shade though. The boat does have sun tarps but they are pretty low. Regards Joe  

jaydh Junior Member

Shiralee?? Hey Joe, Going to cruise the PI? If you haven't been outta the cities yet there you'll think every local stranger already knows you. You're famous! - Hey Joe! That is if you a whitie.... Anyway, I think you bought our old boat..from HK? I know the thing inside and out. Cruised it up and down Oz east coast a few times, s/n Pacific, micronesia and the se Asia area over 5/6 years No dramas. PM me if you want to chat about anything. There are a few handy tricks with her... Best, Jason in QLD  

neville2006 Junior Member

Hi Joe, that was a stroke of luck catching up with Jason the previous owner!!! I remember having a look at that boat when it was for sale in Qld some years ago. Later I ended up with an unmodified Seawind 31 and wished I could have afforded the price asked for Shiralee with two motors and extra waterline length etc. Just in case you're interested, I have a couple of original articles from Cruising Helmsman from the mid '80s when the first one was launched, before it went over to NZ and up to the islands and back. You can see them on a website I set up to sell my boat last year here...if I'm allowed to post links on this forum... http://www.geocities.com/wheytofreedom Good luck, and have fun up there! Regards, Neville  

Maybe joe is already off in the PI sucking down cheap San Miguels & near free ciggies.... (Neville, thanks for that link...interesting and never saw it before) But, in case not, thought I'd post this history of Shiralee as I know it in case he checks in. (last names omitted on purpose) According to Richard ??/CEO of current Seawind Catamarans Australia as of 2001-ish.... Shiralee was built by Brett C. when they were operating as Mariglass. I was told he was a manager of some dept. and purposely built Shiralee on the side as his own boat. He did a nice job and the time and effort he took show in lots of little details. If you look on the alum tiller I think you'll see his initials inscribed. Launched sometime in 1991 and outfitted more on the water. Not sure when they extended the transom, but it needed it far as I can tell for how she sat. Brett put in little custom things that I believe were not standard on the Seawinds overall at the time. Nicer pods for the engines, hard dodger, heavy-duty rudder frame, hard timber deck, massive alum work on front beam for anchors, built in solar panels on the extension, etc. Rumor is after all the hard work was done the wife wanted a house......in comes John and Sarah H.... John and Sarah bought Shiralee for coastal cruising in Australia. Added the eutectic fridge (compressor kaput now?), Autohelm AP with custom linear drive (very strong considering horrible angle of the pushy bit on the rudder), and maybe a fishfinder over the sounder. Not sure where all they went, but don't think offshore. Enter fertility.....kiddies...more room needed....Crowther 40.... John and Sarah sold to me in 2000-2001 or so? Put in new Trojan batteries, Rutland 913 air-gen & reg, Spectra Watermaker, new rode, anchors, blocks, lines, ground out bottom blisters/re-epoxied/faired, etc, etc. Cruised up and down Oz east coast few times then n/s Pacific, SE Asia areas. Main/Genny were new few months before Peter & Cat bought it....from Martin & Ian at Hyde Sails, Cebu, PI. Screecher from Quantum Sails around 2002? Btw, that sail pushing too big for Shiralee...will buy it and the furler off you for our next boat. ;-) So she's been around the block, but none the worse for wear. Sailed much faster before all the crap crept on. 20's surfing east Oz, 13.7 flat and level in Port Stephens. Don't do that now if you're loaded as we were. All the stays have been replaced at least by me over the time owning it. Keep an eye on the mast-bottom compression stays. Get lots of saltwater. Rinse after trips nice....same for winches. Oh yeah, added those Barlows....wimpy-assed single speeds there are a joke! Good to tie the dink off on only when at anchor. Bunch of other little things to keep an eye on...if you email or make contact i'll let ya know. best guys - Jason  

Hope Joe got a contact with you Jason, the previous owner a valuable resource! FWIW Jim from multihulls.net.au told me that Brett had the molds extended for Shiralee's layup. I looked at the boat built previous which had been built to 10m giving nice balanced looking transoms, I guess Brett decided to go even longer to cope with the two motors and cutter rig as well as the solid dodgers and wooden decking! Saw some of your old posts floating around...did you ever get the rudder balance sorted? No probs on the standard boat with swing rudders, but they were built pretty heavy with the solid glass bottoms and lo tech layup so were down on their lines...I know with mine the transoms were well dug in at speed...at 13kn upwind there was some pretty impressive ditches and roostertails out back, and what a racket! I often wonder what happened to the molds for those boats...probably lost in one of the more recent bushfires down Sth NSW...but with modern layup and stiffer beams and with the longer waterline would be a great small cruiser...plenty of room inside...who needs a bridgedeck, plenty of people still cruise in monos...! Neville  

Hi Jay/Neville Thanks for the great feedback - just what I needed. I'm hoping to get down to Peter in HK and take over the boat in October. Then a trip over to PI if the weather is right and all other things come together. What a stroke of luck to find the previous owner! Will certainly let you know how things work out. Thanks again for all the help and support. Best Regards Joe  

Greg T Greg T

Hi Joe I built my Seawind 31, Pumpkin 3 adjacent to your catamaran, built by Brett Castle in Wyong, NSW on a vacant industrial block. There were 3 Seawind 31s and an aluminium cat built on this block at the same time. We all enjoyed the camaraderie and sharing of ideas. This was during the late eighties and early 90's. I think Brett launched his boat earlier in 1991 than mine. We all had varying modifications to our boats. Brett won the transom extension trophy, I extended my 31 to 33 feet. We all have varying amounts of elaborate aluminium fabricated parts because of Dave who made the aluminium cat and he was obliging when we wanted a fitting made.My sailing years were curtailed in the 31 because I got married and had kids. I,ve previously owned a Seawind 24 ( to PNG and Solomons and a Mottle 33 ( South Pacific); all my boats were called Pumpkin. It was great hearing about where some of those boats from that yard in Wyong ended up We jokingly referred to ourselves as the Wyong Yacht squadron - inland division for a number of years.  

boat fan Senior Member

http://www.katiekat.net/ Great site Alan !  

Pumpkin 3 Greg T said: ↑ Hi Joe I built my Seawind 31, Pumpkin 3 adjacent to your catamaran, built by Brett Castle in Wyong, NSW on a vacant industrial block. Click to expand...

Seawind Response Hi Jay / Nev Yeah, never did buy Shiralee. Went down to HK to look at her over a couple of days but she was a little neglected and it would have taken some work to get her out of the country and over the water. I think a chap from NZ did actually buy her but can't confirm that. However I did buy a Seawind 24 in Thailand and sailed her from Pattaya to Samui...still keep her there and sail a couple of times a year so all worked out in the end. Trust all is going well with you guys and you are both still sailing. Jay, you were building a 36ft alloy the last time we spoke - how did that work out?  

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Hi again, no sailing for me...sold my boat about 4 yrs ago when I became a dad. New owner unfortunately has not been able to use use the boat in all that time and it is now for sale on a mooring in St Kilda if anyone is interested... Will need some elbow grease to get her up to scratch again but still salvageable at this stage...I would suggest offers were invited. It is for sale thru Seawind Cats in NSW http://www.boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/boatdetails.aspx?R=10108649 Regards, Neville  

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Seawind 1170 first look: 39ft passagemaking catamaran

• Toby Hodges
• February 8, 2024

The newly launched Seawind 1170 is smaller than many new catamaran launches but should still prove a capable passagemaking multihull

Over the past few years Seawind has become increasingly well recognised for its quick cruising catamarans. This 39-foot Seawind 1170 retains key core elements, including relatively light displacement, plus twin aft helm stations with excellent protection and visibility.

There’s also a removable carbon sprit and a pair of windows in the hardtop to monitor sail trim. However, despite its potential to sail for extended periods at speeds above 10 knots, this is not intended as a boat that will be difficult or energetic to sail: a self-tacking jib is standard and the mainsheet traveller is mounted on the hard top, so doesn’t present a danger to anyone in the cockpit.

Despite being smaller than the existing 52ft Seawind 1600 Passagemaker and recent 45ft 1370 models, it’s still intended as a capable ocean cruising multihull , with bright and comfortable accommodation.

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The owner’s cabin in the port hull benefits from a queen size athwartships double berth that creates much more of a feeling of space than many catamarans of this size. Equally, the starboard forward guest cabin has a queen size bed, while there’s a smaller double to be found aft. Unusually, the galley is down in the starboard hull, leaving space for a full-width saloon with navstation.

A pair of big opening hatches in the front of the coachroof are supported on gas struts, while a tri-fold door that swings upwards to sit against the underside of the hard top creates a wide opening between cockpit and saloon.

A tri-fold door swings upwards out of the way to create a large opening between cockpit and saloon

Stowage on deck includes three large lockers at the front of the bridgedeck, plus further space under the seating in the aft cockpit.

Tankage is also generous at around 500lt for both fuel and water.

The first two prototype 1170s are already afloat, with one of them having been tested in 30-35 knots of head winds and waves of up to 4-5m waves. “Even though we were pushing it hard to test its limits,” designer and Seawind founder Richard Ward reported afterwards, “it felt strong and safe and very dry, even as we crashed off the back of the short, sharp waves.”

Production boats will be built at Seawind’s new factory in Izmir, Turkey, with the first expected to be afloat in mid 2024. This location, a modern city of five million people on the eastern shores of the Aegean, reflects the yard’s desire to capture more of the European market.

Seawind 1170 specifications

LOA: 11.90m 39ft 3in Beam: 6.50m 21ft 4in Draught: 1.20m 3ft 9in Displacement: 9,200kg 20,200lb Price: $US510,000 Builder: seawindcats.com

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SEAWIND 1160

The 1160 innovative design has gained worldwide acclaim for its clever layout, use of space and efficient short-handed sailing performance., performance through optimization, live, expore and discover with an 1160.

The Seawind 1160 Lite platform features timber laminates that reduce the boat weight by almost 1,000kg. The catamaran layout maximizes the space of this 38-footer and allows for open airflow from the fully-opening cockpit doors through the saloon, down into the cabins, and through the forward wet locker. With 360 degree views and plenty of natural light down below, you have a great view point from any angle on this catamaran design.

MORDERN CRUISING CATAMARAN ERGONOMICS

Live, explore and discover with an 1160.

The Seawind 1160 pioneered modern cruising catamaran ergonomics, including the transverse bed arrangement – one bed arranged fore-aft and the other arranged transverse, meaning you will always find a comfortable sleeping angle in the cabins. The broad saloon allows for a large double bed – so sleep under stars when anchored. While under way, have a comfortable nights sleep in the saloon, within easy reach of the captain on the helm. It’s these easy and natural ergonomics which meake the Seawind 1160 design the cruisers choice across the globe.

SLEEK INTERIOR DESIGN

The Seawind 1160 Lite has a sleek new interior design and fitout, with lightweight and stylish timber-effect laminate surfaces and a contemporary colour pallete. Upholstery is modern, angular, supportive and comfortable, with a range of premium interior fabrics to choose from.

LUXURIOUS INTERIOR DESIGN FOR DELUXE VERSION

The Seawind 1160 Deluxe has a sleek new interior design and fitout, with lightweight and stylish timber surfaces and a traditional yet modern contemporary colour pallete. Upholstery is modern, angular, supportive and comfortable, with a range of premium interior fabrics to choose from.

One of the most noticeable differences on board the Seawind 1160 catamaran is the new sleek interior design and fit out. The timber kit will be replaced with lightweight and stylish timber look laminate surfaces, with a new contemporary neutral colour palette as specified by Seawind’s interior stylist.

With well over 150 Seawind 1160 boats launched and sailing the world, the design has been well proven, from crossing the world’s largest oceans to chartering in the beautiful locations such as the Whitsundays, Thailand and Caribbean.

The Seawind 1160 platform enabels boat owners to choose between traditional Yanmar diesel sail drives or the significantly lighter 20hp Honda (or 25hp Yamaha) outboard engines with electric tilt, a simple push of a button tilts the engine up and out of the water so you have no prop and shaft dragging.

Full in-depth tour from Learning the Lines

"We're seriously considering the Seawind 1160 Lite for our next sailboat because of the long list of positives this catamaran has to offer. Here's just a few of the most important ones to us: Size - We don't want a huge catamaran. Seaworthiness - Plenty of Seawind catamarans have circumnavigated. Performance - The Seawind 1160 Lite is designed to sail well first and foremost. Livability - This catamaran has got a lot of accommodation and room for a 38' sailboat. All of that combined with the fact that we can set one up with electric outboards, daggerboards, and lifting rudders means we think that the Seawind 1160 Lite might be the best catamaran boat possible for our budget and lifestyle."

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length, 38' / 11.6 m, 21'4" / 6.5 m, 3'6" / 1.1 m, displacement, 14,300 lbs / 6,500 kgs, 2 x 20 hp petrol outboard, 71 us gallons / 269 litres, fresh water, 185 us gallons / 700 litres, 861 sq ft / 80 sq m, 15,400 lbs / 7,000 kgs, 2 x 29 hp diesel inboard, 95 us gallons / 360 litres, recommended options.

ANCHOR BRIDLE

One of the few shortcommings of a catamaran is its tendancy not to stay head to wind on anchor. As wind blows across the bows the boat will tend to twist from side to side around the anchor chain. This effect is combatted by the use of an anchor bridle.

MARINE VINYL COCKPIT FLOORING

This foam backed waterproof marine flooring by Infinity Luxury Woven Vinyl will help keep your cockpit clean and tidy, It reduces pressure on your heels when barefoot onboard and looks super classy!

SOLAR PANEL UPGRADE FROM 2X 125W TO 2X 210W RIGID AND 2X 320W FLUSH PANELS

In this configuration we installed 2x 320w flush panels on the hardtop and 2x 210w framed panels off the back of the targa arch giving a total of 1060W. The flush mount panels can contour to the shape of the roof and can therefore cover more surface area, their weakness however is reduced efficiency (our tests showed a 10% reduction compared to the framed panels of equivalent wattage).

UPGRADE TP 12" ZEUS3 CHARTPLOTTER

The Zeus³-12 is a complete chartplotter navigation system for blue water cruisers and regatta racers. This high-performance multi-function display features a 12″ diagonal widescreen display, incorporating SolarMAX™ HD technology for brilliant daytime visibility and ultra-wide viewing angles.

B&G FORWARD SCAN OPTION

Explore poorly-chartered or unfamiliar waters confidently, avoid upcoming dangers or obstructions and set custom shallow depth alarms with B&G’s forward-looking sensor. With an effective range eight times the actual depth, ForwardScan® helps you avoid groundings or damage to keels and rudders while pinpointing the ideal spot for anchoring.

SATALITE PHONE/DATA WIFI ROUTER IRIDIUM GO

The Iridium GO! is a satellite wifi router/phone. Once installed in the boat the boat will have a wifi hotspot the same as any office/home and all devices (phones, computers, chartplotters, c-zone etc) can then easily be connected to the internet.

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Essay on Drug Abuse

Here we have shared the Essay on Drug Abuse in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Drug Abuse in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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Say No To Drugs! Essay

Say No To Drugs! Few people deny the dangers of drug use, while many teens are curious about drugs. They should stay away from drugs because drugs affect our health, lead to academic failure, and jeopardizes safety. Drugs are used from a long period of time in many countries. The concentration of drugs has increased from late 1960’s and 1970’s. Drugs can quickly takeover our lives. Friends and acquaintance have the greatest influence of using drugs during adolescence. Drugs are chemicals that change the way a person's body or mind works. Drugs are not good for health as they have many side effects and damage our brain, heart and other important organs. Drug is a depressant that slows down the functions of the central nervous system …show more content…

Some of the illegal drugs are marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth and heroin. Drugs are consumed in different ways, by inhaling, taking by mouth, injecting, applying on skin, and smoking. When a person is addicted to a drug, the drug becomes so important that the person cannot manage without it. Drug use distracts attention leading to academic failure and poor social skills. Stress plays a major role in drug use and continuing drug abuse. It also creates problem in our family, school and with our friends. The person’s reflexes will become slower; they will have trouble working and doing things which require any physical any mental coordination. In spite of knowing the harmful effects of drugs, people spend lots of money and consume them to forget their worries and sorrows and to seek happiness. Once a person is addicted, it is very hard to stop taking drugs. Drugs get us involved in many illegal activities such as crime, theft, etc. It leads to sexual assault and accidents. Young people use drugs because of curiosity, peer pressure, boredom, finance problem and for pleasure. The person’s behaviors tend to self-destructive activities and are often harder to think clearly and make good decisions. Drug addiction is a complex but treatable disease. An effective way to get rid of drugs is to have good companions, involvement in games and social activities, reading books, etc. Many governments worldwide have restricted on drug

Why Do Teens Use Opiate-Based Prescription Drugs?

Drugs can result in teens not doing well in school, which can lead to lower academic opportunities and career options.

Why Kids Turn to Drugs

The teen years are also a time of making decisions and of discovering one's own values and beliefs around a variety of issues, including health and lifestyle choices. Friends and other outside sources can also influence decisions. The decision to use drugs is therefore influenced by the interaction of many different individual and environmental factors.

Drug Counselor Responsibilities

In the present times, drug abuse is a major cause for concern and has an adverse effect on society in general. Although students comprise of a large section of drug abusers, grown-ups also capitulate to drug abuse. In fact among the middle-aged people there is an inclination to abuse prescription drugs.

Satire On Drugs

People use drugs as a solution to reduce stress, to relieve the boredom, for enjoyment and also to forget all the dilemmas they have. Besides, drug also can act as an energy booster. For example, when students take drugs, they able to stay up all night to study and complete all of their assignments while for athletes they able to perform well during the competition and at the same time to stay fit. Sometimes, people use drugs as they are curious how the taste of drugs is and want to experiment the feeling of drugs. They think by taking drug only once will not give any bad consequence to them. It is true for some people, but others when they

The Teenage Brain : The Influence Of Teen Brains

Many teenagers between the ages of 12-18 are exposed or already on their way to addiction to substances that are not good for our mental or physical health. Many teens experiment with drugs but aren’t addicted. According to addictioncenters.com “teen drug abuse can have long term cognitive and behavioural effects since the teenage brain is still developing.” A study also shows that half of all new drug users are under 18. This is because our brains are still seeking the “thrill” and temptation of substances. Other common reasons are curiosity, peer pressure, stress, emotional struggles and wanting a escape. Thankfully drug use among teens, despite popular opinion are significantly decreasing. The teenage brain is very immature. By doing drugs as a teen you are at a greater risk for being an addicted adult.

The Detrimental Effects of Teenage Drug Abuse in the UK

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The use of drugs by teenagers today has caused a concern in the UK. Teenagers are unknown to the effects that drugs can cause physically and mentally. It is very important that there is awareness on drug abuse among young people. Since the usage of drugs not only affects the body, it also affects many aspects of a person’s daily life. Firstly, it affects the social life, causing isolation, which is one of the most common effects that happen due to drug usage. Secondly, it affects family and relationships. Due to the addiction of drugs, sometimes families abandon their children or lose their trust on them. Lastly, drug use affects people financially and professionally. Depending on drugs, causes the financial strain to be devastating, as

Substance Abuse Risk Factors, Mental, And Social Wellbeing

Adolescences and young adults begin using drugs including prescription drugs, illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. It’s hard to understand the reasons why adolescences and adults abuse drugs. New experiences are sought out by adults and adolescences and they will give and administrator many reasons for doing so to have that experience of new highs. It is so shocking to know that almost 3/4 of the seniors in high school have tried drugs, and have tried alcohol as well. Then almost 1/2 have tried illegal drugs and have smoked cigarettes, and about 1/3 have tried prescription drugs and it was not for medical reasons either. It is a risk factor that adolescences try drugs thinking

Drug Treatment For Adolescents And Adolescents

Drug abuse in children and adolescents has been a problem since the past when drugs were used for aliments and now because of the ever present drug problem in our country. There is no community or family that is not affected by the use of drugs in their children. Drug abuse in children and teenagers may pose a greater problem for our country since they have not completely developed their brains to an adult level, with this in thought it seems clear why adolescents can become addicted drugs.

Essay about Drugs Affect on Brain

Drugs some use them to escape pain, others use them for pleasure, and some use them to just fit in. Either way drugs are a harmful substance that may seriously affect the body. Drugs mess with the brain in ways that we couldn’t even imagine. From destroying brain cells that help with critical thinking to destroying cells that give us the ability to feel pleasure. Drugs take the place of our natural body functions of the body. They fool receptors of the body and make it to where our bodies produce less of what we need. Over a period of time this may produce very severe consequences on the body. With all the risks involved with drugs it’s a wonder why some people use them.

The Effects Of Addiction On Adolescent Development

Adolescence is a time where adolescents grow and mature at a rapid rate. It is also a time where adolescents are more vulnerable to taking risks, such as using and becoming addicted to illegal substances, due to raging hormones. Whether or not an adolescent chooses to engage in drug use and abuse depends on their home environment and those they choose to associate themselves with. Adolescents are confronted with an enormous amount of pressure to participate in risky behaviors by their peers. According to Broderick and Blewitt (2015), “risky behaviors are behaviors that constitute a departure from socially accepted norms or behaviors that pose a threat to the well-being of individuals or groups” (p. 389). One such risky behavior is drug use and addiction. Some adolescents use cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs in order to get “high”. Adolescents who engage in drug use are likely to become addicted, and thus, their addiction will negatively affect their brain development.

The Psychological Effects Of Adolescent Substance Abuse

Summary Response: The article titled the “Psychological Effects of Drug Use in Adolescents,” makes the argument that most adolescents who use drugs are unaware of the psychological effects that abuse of such substances cause. According to the article’s main source, not all depressed adolescents become drug abusers and not all drug abusing adolescents are depressed. The article then goes on to say that a adolescent’s brain can be more vulnerable to the effects of drugs, because chemical pathways are interrupted when a adolescent uses drugs. A adolescent on drugs has trouble thinking clearly. Their cognitive skills and behavior control is inhibited. The article argues that because of peer pressure an adolescent will try a drug and become addicted. It also says that adolescentss who “have family history of addiction, teens who have suffered abuse or neglect, teens who use drugs early and those with mental disorders such as depression and anxiety” (Schaffer) are more likely to become addicted to

Prescription Drugs In Schools

Throughout schools in the United States, there is a growing issue in our elementary through highschool aged students. Drugs and alcohol have begun to overtake childrens lives as young as twelve years old. There are many types of drugs involved from prescription drugs, which is the number one drug, to alcohol, marijuana, meth, cocaine, heroine, or inhalents.

Teenagers and Drug Abuse Essay

• 7 Works Cited

It has been discovered that most people who struggle with drug addiction began experimenting with drugs in their teens. Teenage drug abuse is one of the largest problems in society today and the problem grows and larger every year. Drugs are a pervasive force in our culture today. To expect kids not to be influenced by the culture of their time is as unrealistic as believing in the tooth fairy (Bauman 140). Teens may feel pressured by their friends to try drugs, they may have easy access to drugs, they may use drugs to rebel against their family or society, or they may take an illegal drug because they are curious about it or the pleasure that it gives them.

Teenagers, Drugs , and Peer Pressure Essay

Drug use is an increasing problem among teenagers in today's high schools. Most drug use begins in the teenage years, these years are the most crucial in the maturing process. During these years adolescents are faced with the difficult tasks of discovering their self identity, clarifying their sexual roles, assenting independence, learning to cope with authority figures and searching for goals that would give their lives meaning. Drugs are readily available, adolescents are curious and venerable, and there is peer pressure to experiment, and there is a temptation to escape from conflicts. The use of drugs by teenagers is the result of a combination of factors such as peer pressure, curiosity, and

Drugs, And Poverty In The United States

Drugs affect nearly everybody on this planet. Drugs increase the crime rate in almost any area once introduced and can lead to poverty for some individuals. Drugs can tear communities and families apart, which many of us are oblivious to. Drugs also have many dangerous health risks for users as well as people who indirectly come in contact some drugs.

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• Analysis & Opinion

Race, Mass Incarceration, and the Disastrous War on Drugs

Unravelling decades of racially biased anti-drug policies is a monumental project.

• Nkechi Taifa
• Cutting Jail & Prison Populations
• Social & Economic Harm

This essay is part of the  Brennan Center’s series  examining  the punitive excess that has come to define America’s criminal legal system .

I have a long view of the criminal punishment system, having been in the trenches for nearly 40 years as an activist, lobbyist, legislative counsel, legal scholar, and policy analyst. So I was hardly surprised when Richard Nixon’s domestic policy advisor  John Ehrlichman  revealed in a 1994 interview that the “War on Drugs” had begun as a racially motivated crusade to criminalize Blacks and the anti-war left.

“We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be either against the war or blacks, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin and then criminalizing them both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night in the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did,” Ehrlichman said.

Before the War on Drugs, explicit discrimination — and for decades, overtly racist lynching — were the primary weapons in the subjugation of Black people. Then mass incarceration, the gradual progeny of a number of congressional bills, made it so much easier. Most notably, the 1984  Comprehensive Crime Control and Safe Streets Act  eliminated parole in the federal system, resulting in an upsurge of  geriatric prisoners . Then the 1986  Anti-Drug Abuse Act  established mandatory minimum sentencing schemes, including the infamous 100-to-1 ratio between crack and powder cocaine sentences.  Its expansion  in 1988 added an overly broad definition of conspiracy to the mix. These laws flooded the federal system with people convicted of low-level and nonviolent drug offenses.

During the early 1990s, I walked the halls of Congress lobbying against various omnibus crime bills, which culminated in the granddaddy of them all — the  Violent Crime Control and Safe Streets Act  of 1994. This bill featured the largest expansion of the federal death penalty in modern times, the gutting of habeas corpus, the evisceration of the exclusionary rule, the trying of 13-year-olds as adults, and 100,000 new cops on the streets, which led to an explosion in racial profiling. It also included the elimination of Pell educational grants for prisoners, the implementation of the federal three strikes law, and monetary incentives to states to enact “truth-in-sentencing” laws, which subsidized an astronomical rise in prison construction across the country, lengthened the amount of time to be served, and solidified a mentality of meanness.

The prevailing narrative at the time was “tough on crime.” It was a narrative that caused then-candidate Bill Clinton to leave his presidential campaign trail to oversee the execution of a mentally challenged man in Arkansas. It was the same narrative that brought about the crack–powder cocaine disparity, supported the transfer of youth to adult courts, and popularized the myth of the Black child as “superpredator.”

With the proliferation of mandatory minimum sentences during the height of the War on Drugs, unnecessarily lengthy prison terms were robotically meted out with callous abandon. Shockingly severe sentences for drug offenses — 10, 20, 30 years, even life imprisonment — hardly raised an eyebrow. Traumatizing sentences that snatched parents from children and loved ones, destabilizing families and communities, became commonplace.

Such punishments should offend our society’s standard of decency. Why haven’t they? Most flabbergasting to me was the Supreme Court’s 1991  decision  asserting that mandatory life imprisonment for a first-time drug offense was not cruel and unusual punishment. The rationale was ludicrous. The Court actually held that although the punishment was cruel, it was not unusual.

The twisted logic reminded me of another Supreme Court  case  that had been decided a few years earlier. There, the Court allowed the execution of a man — despite overwhelming evidence of racial bias — because of fear that the floodgates would be opened to racial challenges in other aspects of criminal sentencing as well. Essentially, this ruling found that lengthy sentences in such cases are cruel, but they are usual. In other words, systemic racism exists, but because that is the norm, it is therefore constitutional.

In many instances, laws today are facially neutral and do not appear to discriminate intentionally. But the disparate treatment often built into our legal institutions allows discrimination to occur without the need of overt action. These laws look fair but nevertheless have a racially discriminatory impact that is structurally embedded in many police departments, prosecutor’s offices, and courtrooms.

Since the late 1980s, a combination of federal law enforcement policies, prosecutorial practices, and legislation resulted in Black people being disproportionately arrested, convicted, and imprisoned for possession and distribution of crack cocaine. Five grams of crack cocaine — the weight of a couple packs of sugar — was, for sentencing purposes, deemed the equivalent of 500 grams of powder cocaine; both resulted in the same five-year sentence. Although household surveys from the National Institute for Drug Abuse have revealed larger numbers of documented white crack cocaine users, the overwhelming number of arrests nonetheless came from Black communities who were disproportionately impacted by the facially neutral, yet illogically harsh, crack penalties.

For the system to be just, the public must be confident that at every stage of the process — from the initial investigation of crimes by police to the prosecution and punishment of those crimes — people in like circumstances are treated the same. Today, however, as yesterday, the criminal legal system strays far from that ideal, causing African Americans to often question, is it justice or “just-us?”

Fortunately, the tough-on-crime chorus that arose from the War on Drugs is disappearing and a new narrative is developing. I sensed the beginning of this with the 2008  Second Chance Reentry  bill and 2010  Fair Sentencing Act , which reduced the disparity between crack and powder cocaine. I smiled when the 2012 Supreme Court ruling in  Miller v. Alabama  came out, which held that mandatory life sentences without parole for children violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. In 2013, I was delighted when Attorney General Eric Holder announced his  Smart on Crime  policies, focusing federal prosecutions on large-scale drug traffickers rather than bit players. The following year, I applauded President Obama’s executive  clemency initiative  to provide relief for many people serving inordinately lengthy mandatory-minimum sentences. Despite its failure to become law, I celebrated the  Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act  of 2015, a carefully negotiated bipartisan bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2015; a few years later some of its provisions were incorporated as part of the 2018  First Step Act . All of these reforms would have been unthinkable when I first embarked on criminal legal system reform.

But all of this is not enough. We have experienced nearly five decades of destructive mass incarceration. There must be an end to the racist policies and severe sentences the War on Drugs brought us. We must not be content with piecemeal reform and baby-step progress.

Indeed, rather than steps, it is time for leaps and bounds. End all mandatory minimum sentences and invest in a health-centered approach to substance use disorders. Demand a second-look process with the presumption of release for those serving life-without-parole drug sentences. Make sentences retroactive where laws have changed. Support categorical clemencies to rectify past injustices.

It is time for bold action. We must not be satisfied with the norm, but work toward institutionalizing the demand for a standard of decency that values transformative change.

Nkechi Taifa is president of The Taifa Group LLC, convener of the Justice Roundtable, and author of the memoir,  Black Power, Black Lawyer: My Audacious Quest for Justice.

Related Issues:

• Cutting Jail & Prison Populations
• Social & Economic Harm

The American ‘Punisher’s Brain’

U.S. sentencing practices seem especially extreme when compared with countries like Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Treating All Kids as Kids

Persistent and longstanding racism has fueled harsher treatment of young Black people in the justice system.

What Did You Call Me?

An incarcerated person writes about how dehumanizing language like “inmate” is destructive.

Informed citizens are democracy’s best defense

Essays About Drugs: Top 5 Examples and 8 Prompts

Writing essays about drugs can be challenging; read our guide to find out how to tackle your next essay.

A sheriff once asked a teenager caught with drugs in his car to pen an essay about the substances’ effects . Instead of handcuffing the 17-year-old, the sheriff took into account the kid’s future and threw him a lifeline by giving him a second chance. The 500-word essay effectively made the teenager reflect on his wrongdoings. 

There’s still an ongoing debate on the recreational use of drugs. However, their harmful effects outweigh the positive as many fall victim to drug addiction. Drugs risk many lives and relationships, resulting in dangerous living environments, mental health disorders, and other trauma. As of last year, almost 32 million people actively participate in drug use. 

Because writing about drugs includes sensitive subjects, it’s critical to demonstrate your complete understanding of the topic and cite reliable sources. Consider the essay samples below to inspire your piece.

1. Long Essay on Drug Addiction by Veerendra

2. causes of drug use among young people by jill nicholson, 3. the failure of america’s war on drugs by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 4. drugs and alcohol abuse: reasons, effects and measures by anonymous on edubirdie.com, 5. social media impact on drug abuse by anonymous on ivypanda.com, 1. drug addiction: painkillers, 2. types of drugs, 3. causes and effects of drug abuse, 4. drug use vs. drug abuse, 5. drugs and destruction, 6. drugs as depicted in the movies, 7. depression and drug abuse, 8. a drug abuse journey.

“Drug addiction impacts millions and needs to be treated carefully to prevent further harm to the individual and letting them live a better life.”

Veerendra defines drug addiction as excessive substance intake leading to various behavioral and physical changes. First, he lists drugs that increase dopamine levels, including alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and painkillers. Then, after adding the early symptoms of drug addiction, he delves into how it impacts a person’s mental cognition, communication skills, and mental health.

When a person stops taking drugs, withdrawal symptoms follow. These signs (nausea, fatigue, and tremors) can lead to the more detrimental phase known as relapse. Ultimately, he believes that drug addiction treatments and the full support of family and friends greatly aid in overcoming addiction. You might also be interested in these articles about driving under the influence .

“Many curious teens have died the first time they tried certain drugs, like ecstasy. Others have found their temporary escape became a permanent addiction.”

Nicholson discusses the three leading causes of drug use: curiosity, escape, and peer pressure. Mainstream media like TV, movies and social networking sites drive curiosity. Family and friends can also precipitate interest by discussing drugs in front of youngsters.

In the next section, Nicholson explains that most young people who have problems and are unhappy with their lives use drugs to escape reality and hide behind the feel-good chemicals. The last reason young people use drugs is to look cool to impress their peers. Nicholson notes that in a circle of friends if one is using drugs, people assume everyone else is doing it. One way to help these young people is by detailing the health risks accompanying these materials, zeroing in on the chains of addiction.

“… the United States has spent a lot of years trying to wage war on drugs. The cost has been violence, crime, corruption, the devastation of social bonds as well as the destruction of inner-city communities and the exponential development of several minorities and women ending up in jail.”

The essay focuses on the fact that despite spending billions of dollars on resources, alternative treatments, and casualties, the illegal drug trade in America continues and grows stronger. Some reason for this failure includes the public’s perception influenced by media campaigns and ill-suited punishments for non-violent and victimless crimes. 

The piece concludes that society will not benefit from anti-drug efforts as long as the government’s solution focuses on criminalization and not treatment.

“… drug abuse means when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t.”

Drug abuse refers to using chemicals to stimulate areas in the brain responsible for immediate gratification. The writer also pins down different drug types and their effects. Further, the essay accounts for users’ reasons for engaging with substance abuse (relationship complications, work pressure, and loneliness.) 

These chemical reactions deteriorate a person mentally and physically, with brain function the most affected. Exercising, consulting a doctor, eating healthy, and venting are the four measures to overcome drug and alcohol abuse.

“…active social media uses, especially adolescents, are more likely to try drugs because of the influence they see on the platforms.”

The essay expounds on how social media contributes to drug abuse by romanticizing their consumption. Unfortunately, these idealized posts are so rampant that drug use is socially acceptable. The steady increase of this content on social media attests to this phenomenon. 

The main encouragers are celebrities and social media influencers who advertise their wild lifestyle without regard for their followers’ ages or naivete.

If you want to learn about more essay topics, check out the best essay topics about social media.

8 Easy Writing Prompts for Essays About Drugs

Opioid addiction stems from the need to relieve pain from injury and other accidents. Unfortunately, up to 19% of these patients abuse prescription painkillers . For this prompt, research the roots of how painkillers begin as a means to heal victims to being the reason individuals suffer. Identify and explain how narcotic ruins the body. Include how people who need to take these medications can avoid getting addicted. 

Briefly explain the different drug types to give your readers an overview of how they work. Next, discuss the most commonly abused drugs and how they affect a person. Finally, add research findings, reliable data, and news articles to strengthen your essay and make it credible. 

There are many pieces discussing the causes and effects of drug abuse. To make your essay stand out, compare two families with one parent addicted to illegal substances. The addict in the first family went to rehab and counseling, while the second one didn’t. List down the different futures of these families, such as how the experience resonated with the children. 

A person who takes drugs to treat ailments differs from an individual who uses drugs in search of satisfying an impulse craving. Use this prompt to compare and contrast drug use and abuse and why their similarities and differences matter. 

Improper use of drugs doesn’t only ruin an individual’s psychological and physical health. It also destroys relationships and families. This destruction can be passed from generation to generation, snowballing the problem and making it more challenging to find a solution. Present this issue to discourage your readers from trying drugs.

Leonardo De Caprio’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” is one of the most famous movies showing how people justify taking drugs. First, write a short review of this film or pick other drug-related flicks you want to review in your essay. Next, juxtapose things you notice in movies that also happen in an addict’s real life. Finally, finish your piece by sharing what you learned from the film and its main characters.

Another reason some turn to drugs is to run away from their mental illness, such as depression. Substance Use Disorder explains why an individual can’t control the urge to abuse drugs and alcohol. Delve more into this condition and how it rewires the brain. Include addicts’ grounds for self-medication and other risk factors that can trigger this disorder.

It’s not easy to share drug-related experiences. However, many get inspiration from these stories too. To connect with your readers, write about a drug abuse journey. It can be your own or from a close friend or relative. Share how it started, including the reasons and influence it left on the people involved. Conclude with the steps the person did to overcome their drug addiction and how they rebuild relationships. Finally, end your essay with how they are currently living.

Here’s a great tip: If writing an essay seems daunting, start by simplifying it to simple paragraphs first. Then, read our guide on how to write a 5 paragraph essay .

Understanding the Demand for Illegal Drugs (2010)

Chapter: 1 introduction, 1 introduction.

A merica’s problem with illegal drugs seems to be declining, and it is certainly less in the news than it was 20 years ago. Surveys have shown a decline in the number of users dependent on expensive drugs (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2001), an aging of the population in treatment (Trunzo and Henderson, 2007), and a decline in the violence related to drug markets (Pollack et al., 2010). Still, research indicates that illegal drugs remain a concern for the majority of Americans (Caulkins and Mennefee, 2009; Gallup Poll, 2009).

There is virtually no disagreement that the trafficking in and use of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine continue to cause great harm to the nation, particularly to vulnerable minority communities in the major cities. In contrast, there is disagreement about marijuana use, which remains a part of adolescent development for about half of the nation’s youth. The disagreement concerns the amount, source, and nature of the harms from marijuana. Some note, for example, that most of those who use marijuana use it only occasionally and neither incur nor cause harms and that marijuana dependence is a much less serious problem than dependence on alcohol or cocaine. Others emphasize the evidence of a potential for triggering psychosis (Arseneault et al., 2004) and the strengthening evidence for a gateway effect (i.e., an opening to the use of other drugs) (Fergusson et al., 2006). The uncertainty of the causal mechanism is reflected in the fact that the gateway studies cannot disentangle the effect of the drug itself from its status as an illegal good (Babor et al., 2010).

The federal government probably spends $20 billion per year on a wide array of interventions to try to reduce drug consumption in the United States, from crop eradication in Colombia to mass media prevention programs aimed at preteens and their parents. 1 State and local governments spend comparable amounts, mostly for law enforcement aimed at suppressing drug markets. 2 Yet the available evidence, reviewed in detail in this report, shows that drugs are just as cheap and available as they have ever been.

Though fewer young people are starting to use drugs than in some previous years, for each successive birth cohort that turns 21, approximately half have experimented with illegal drugs. The number of people who are dependent on cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine is probably declining modestly, 3 and drug-related violence has appears to have declined sharply. 4 At the same time, injecting drug use is still a major vector for HIV transmission, and drug markets blight parts of many U.S. cities.

The declines in drug use that have occurred in recent years are probably mostly the natural working out of old epidemics. Policy measures— whether they involve prevention, treatment, or enforcement—have met with little success at the population level (see Chapter 4 ). Moreover, research on prevention has produced little evidence of any targeted interventions that make a substantial difference in initiation to drugs when implemented on a large scale. For treatment programs, there is a large body of evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness (reviewed in Babor et al., 2010), but the supply of treatment facilities is inadequate and,

perversely, not enough of those who need treatment are persuaded to seek it (see Chapter 4 ). Efforts to raise the price of drugs through interdiction and other enforcement programs have not had the intended effects: the prices of cocaine and heroin have declined for more than 25 years, with only occasional upward blips that rarely last more than 9 months (Walsh, 2009).

STUDY PROJECT AND GOALS

Given the persistence of drug demand in the face of lengthy and expensive efforts to control the markets, the National Institute of Justice asked the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study of current research on the demand for drugs in order to help better focus national efforts to reduce that demand. In response to that request, the NRC formed the Committee on Understanding and Controlling the Demand for Illegal Drugs. The committee convened a workshop of leading researchers in October 2007 and held two follow-up meetings to prepare this report. The statement of task for this project is as follows:

An ad hoc committee will conduct a workshop-based study that will identify and describe what is known about the nature and scope of markets for illegal drugs and the characteristics of drug users. The study will include exploration of research issues associated with drug demand and what is needed to learn more about what drives demand in the United States. The committee will specifically address the following issues:

What is known about the nature and scope of illegal drug markets and differences in various markets for popular drugs?

What is known about the characteristics of consumers in different markets and why the market remains robust despite the risks associated with buying and selling?

What issues can be identified for future research? Possibilities include the respective roles of dependence, heavy use, and recreational use in fueling the market; responses that could be developed to address different types of users; the dynamics associated with the apparent failure of policy interventions to delay or inhibit the onset of illegal drug use for a large proportion of the population; and the effects of enforcement on demand reduction.

Drawing on commissioned papers and presentations and discussions at a public workshop that it will plan and hold, the committee will prepare a report on the nature and operations of the illegal drug market in the United States and the research issues identified as having potential for informing policies to reduce the demand for illegal drugs.

The committee drew on economic models and their supporting data, as well as other research, as one part of the evidentiary base for this

report. However, the context for and content of this report were informed as well by the general discussion and the presentations in the workshop. The committee was not able to fully address task 2 because research in that area is not strong enough to give an accurate description of consumers across different markets nor to address the questions about why markets remain robust despite the risks associated with buying and selling. The discussion at the workshop underscored the point that neither the available ethnographic research nor the limited longitudinal research on drug-seeking behavior is strong enough to inform these questions related to task 2. With regard to task 3, the committee benefitted considerably from the paper by Jody Sindelar that was presented at the workshop and its discussion by workshop participants.

This study was intended to complement Informing America’s Policy on Illegal Drugs: What We Don’t Know Keeps Hurting Us (National Research Council, 2001) by giving more attention to the sources of demand and assessing the potential of demand-side interventions to make a substantial difference to the nation’s drug problems. This report therefore refers to supply-side considerations only to the extent necessary to understand demand.

The charge to the committee was extremely broad. It could have included reviewing the literature on such topics as characteristics of substance users, etiology of initiation of use, etiology of dependence, drug use prevention programs, and drug treatments. Two considerations led to narrowing the focus of our work. The first was substantive. Each of the topics just noted involves a very large field of well-developed research, and each has been reviewed elsewhere. Moreover, each of these areas of inquiry is currently expanding as a result of new research initiatives 5 and new technologies (e.g., neuroimaging, genetics). The second consideration was practical: given the available resources, we could not undertake a complete review of the entire field.

Thus, we decided to focus our work and this report tightly on demand models in the field of economics and to evaluate the data needs for advancing this relatively undeveloped area of investigation. That is, this area has a relatively shorter history of accumulated findings than the more clinical, biological, and epidemiological areas of drug research. Yet it is arguably better situated to inform government policy at the national level. A report on economic models and supporting data seemed to us more timely than a report on drug consumers and drug interventions.

The rest of this chapter briefly lays out some concepts that provide a basis for understanding the committee’s work and the rest of the report.

Chapter 2 presents the economic framework that seems most useful for studying the phenomenon of drug demand. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the responsiveness of demand and supply to price, which is the intermediate variable targeted by the principal government programs in the United States, namely, drug law enforcement. Chapter 3 then examines changes in the consumption of drugs and assesses the various indicators that are available to measure that consumption. Chapter 4 turns to the program type that most focuses specifically on reducing drug demand, the treatment of dependent users. It considers how well these programs work and how the treatment system might be expanded to further reduce consumption. Finally, Chapter 5 presents our recommendations for how the data and research base might be built to improve understanding of the demand for drugs and policies to reduce it.

PROGRAM CONCEPTS

A standard approach to considering drug policy is to divide programs into supply side and demand side. This approach accepts that drugs, as commodities, albeit illegal ones, are sold in markets. Supply-side programs aim to reduce drug consumption by making it more expensive to purchase drugs through increasing costs to producers and distributors. Demand-side programs try to lower consumption by reducing the number of people who, at a given price, seek to buy drugs; the amount that the average user wishes to consume; or the nonmonetary costs of obtaining the drugs. This approach has value, but it also raises questions.

The value of this framework is that it allows systematic evaluation of programs. A successful supply-side program will raise the price of drugs, as well as reduce the quantity available, while a demand-side program will lower both the number of users and the quantity consumed, as well as eventually reducing the price. As noted above, this report is primarily focused on improving understanding of the sources of demand.

There are two basic objections to this approach. First, some programs have both demand- and supply-side effects. Since many dealers are themselves heavy users, drug treatment will reduce supply, just as incarceration of drug dealers lowers demand. Second, there is a collection of programs that do not attempt to reduce demand or supply; rather, their goal is to reduce the damage that drug use and drug markets cause society, which are generally referred to as “harm-reduction” programs (Iversen, 2005; National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2010). 6 Nonetheless, the classifi-

cation of interventions into demand reduction and supply reduction is a very helpful heuristic for policy purposes, as well as being written into the legislation under which the Office of National Drug Control Policy operates.

What determines the demand for drugs? Clearly, many different factors play a role: cultural, economic, and social influences are all important. At the individual level, a rich set of correlates have been explored, either in large-scale cross-sectional surveys (such as the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse) or in small-scale longitudinal studies (see, e.g., Wills et al., 2005). Below we briefly summarize the complex findings of those studies.

Less has been done at the population level. It is known that rich western countries differ substantially in the extent of drug use, in ways that do not seem to reflect policy differences. For example, despite the relatively easy access to marijuana in the Netherlands, that nation has a prevalence rate that is in the middle of the pack for Europe, while Britain, despite what may be characterized as a pragmatic and relatively evidence-oriented drug policy, has Europe’s highest rates of cocaine and heroin addiction (European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 2007). There is only minimal empirical research that has attempted to explain those differences. Similarly, there is very little known about why epidemics of drug use occur at specific times. In the United States, for example, there is no known reason for the sudden spread of methamphetamine from its long-term West Coast concentration to the Midwest that began in the early 1990s. There are only the most speculative conjectures as to the proximate causes.

A DYNAMIC AND HETEROGENEOUS PROCESS

The committee’s starting point is that drug use is a dynamic phenomenon, both at the individual and community levels. In the United States there is a well-established progression of use of substances for individuals, starting with alcohol or cigarettes (or both) and proceeding through marijuana (at least until recently) possibly to more dangerous and expensive drugs (see, e.g., Golub and Johnson, 2001). Such a progression seems to be a common feature of drug use, although the exact sequence might not apply in other countries and may change over time. For example, cigarettes may lose their status as a gateway drug because of new restrictions on their use. 7 Recently, abuse of prescription drugs has emerged as a possible gateway, with high prevalence rates reported for youth aged 18-25;

however, because of limited economic research on this phenomenon, this report’s focus is on completely illegal drugs.

At the population level, there are epidemics, in which, like a fashion good, a new drug becomes popular rapidly in part because of its novelty and then, often just as rapidly, loses its appeal to those who have not tried it. For addictive substances (including marijuana but not hallucinogens, such as LSD), that leaves behind a cohort of users who experimented with the drug and then became habituated to it.

An important and underappreciated element of the demand for illegal drugs is its variation in many dimensions. For example, the demand for marijuana may be much more responsive to price changes than the demand for heroin because fewer of those who use marijuana are drug dependent (Iversen, 2005; National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2010). Users who are employed, married, and not poor may be more likely to desist than users of the same drug who are unemployed, not part of an intact household, and poor. There may be differences in the characteristics of demand associated with when the specific drug first became available in a particular community, that is, whether it is early or late in a national drug “epidemic.”

There are also unexplained long-term differences in the drug patterns in cities that are close to each other. In Washington, DC, in 1987 half of all those arrested for a criminal offense (not just for drugs) tested positive for phencyclidine, while in Baltimore, 35 miles away, the drug was almost unknown. Although the Washington rate had fallen to approximately 10 percent in 2009 (District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency, 2009), it remains far higher than in other cities. More recently, the spread of methamphetamine has shown the same unevenness: in San Antonio only 2.3 percent of arrestees tested positive for methamphetamine in 2002; in Phoenix, the figure was 31.2 percent (National Institute of Justice, 2003). These differences had existed for more than 10 years.

The implication of this heterogeneity is that programs that work for a particular drug, user type, place, or period may be much less effective under other circumstances, which substantially complicates any research task. It is hard to know how general are findings on, say, the effectiveness of a prevention program aimed at methamphetamine use by adolescents in a city where the drug has no history. Will this program also be effective for trying to prevent cocaine use among young adults in cities that have long histories of that drug?

This report does not claim to provide the answers to such ambitious questions. It does intend, however, to equip policy officials and the public to understand what is known and what needs to be done to provide a more sound base for answering them.

Arseneault, L., M. Cannon, J. Witten, and R. Murray. (2004). Causal association between cannabis and psychosis: Examination of the evidence. British Journal of Psychiatry, 184 , 110-117.

Babor, T., J. Caulkins, G. Edwards, D. Foxcroft, K. Humphreys, M.M. Mora, I. Obot, J. Rehm, P. Reuter, R. Room, I. Rossow, and J. Strang. (2010). Drug Policy and the Public Good . New York: Oxford University Press.

Carnevale, J. (2009). Restoring the Integrity of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Testimony at the hearing on the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Fiscal Year 2010 National Drug Control Budget and the Policy Priorities of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Under the New Administration. The Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. May 19, 2009. Available: http://carnevaleassociates.com/Testimony%20of%20John%20Carnevale%20May%2019%20-%20FINAL.pdf [accessed August 2010].

Caulkins, J., and R. Mennefee. (2009). Is objective risk all that matters when it comes to drugs? Journal of Drug Policy Analysis , 2 (1), Art. 1. Available: http://www.bepress.com/jdpa/vol2/iss1/art1/ [accessed August 2010].

District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency. (2009). PSA’s Electronic Reading Room—FOIA. Available: http://www.dcpsa.gov/foia/foiaERRpsa.htm [accessed May 2009].

European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction. (2007). 2007 Annual Report: The State of the Drug Problem in Europe. Lisbon, Portugal. Available: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/annual-report/2007 [accessed May 2009].

Fergusson, D.M., J.M. Boden, and L.J. Horwood. (2006). Cannabis use and other illicit drug use: Testing the cannabis gateway hypothesis. Addiction, 6 (101), 556-569.

Gallup Poll. (2009). Illegal Drugs . Available: http://www.gallup.com/poll/1657/illegal-drugs.aspx [accessed April 2010].

Golub, A., and B. Johnson. (2001). Variation in youthful risks of progression from alcohol and tobacco to marijuana and to hard drugs across generations. American Journal of Public Health, 91 (2), 225-232.

Iversen, L. (2005). Long-term effects of exposure to cannabis. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 5 (1), 69-72. Available: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/long%20term%20cannabis%20effects.pdf [accessed July 2010].

National Institute of Justice. (2003). Preliminary Data on Drug Use & Related Matters Among Adult Arrestees & Juvenile Detainees 2002 . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2010). NIDA InfoFacts: Heroin . Available: http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/heroin.html [accessed August 2010].

National Research Council. (2001). Informing America’s Policy on Illegal Drugs: What We Don’t Know Keeps Hurting Us. Committee on Data and Research for Policy on Illegal Drugs, C.F. Manski, J.V. Pepper, and C.V. Petrie (Eds.). Committee on Law and Justice and Committee on National Statistics. Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

Office of National Drug Control Policy. (1993). State and Local Spending on Drug Control Activities . NCJ publication no. 146138. Washington, DC: Executive Office of the President.

Office of National Drug Control Policy. (2001). What America’s Users Spend on Illegal Drugs 1988–2000 . W. Rhodes, M. Layne, A.-M. Bruen, P. Johnston, and L. Bechetti. Washington, DC: Executive Office of the President.

Pollack, H., P. Reuter., and P. Sevigny. (2010). If Drug Treatment Works So Well, Why Are So Many Drug Users in Prison? Paper presented at the meeting of the National Bureau of Economic Research on Making Crime Control Pay: Cost-Effective Alternatives to Incarceration, July, Berkeley, CA. Available: http://www.nber.org/chapters/c12098.pdf [accessed August 2010].

Trunzo, D., and L. Henderson. (2007). Older Adult Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment: Findings from the Treatment Episode Data Set . Paper presented at the meeting of the American Public Health Association, November 6, Washington, DC. Available: http://apha.confex.com/apha/135am/techprogram/paper_160959.htm [accessed August 2010].

Walsh, J. (2009). Lowering Expectations: Supply Control and the Resilient Cocaine Market. Available: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/graficos/pdf09/wolareportcocaine.pdf [accessed August 2010].

Wills, T., C. Walker, and J. Resko. (2005). Longitudinal studies of drug use and abuse. In Z. Slobada (Ed.), Epidemiology of Drug Abuse (pp. 177-192). New York: Springer.

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Despite efforts to reduce drug consumption in the United States over the past 35 years, drugs are just as cheap and available as they have ever been. Cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines continue to cause great harm in the country, particularly in minority communities in the major cities. Marijuana use remains a part of adolescent development for about half of the country's young people, although there is controversy about the extent of its harm.

Given the persistence of drug demand in the face of lengthy and expensive efforts to control the markets, the National Institute of Justice asked the National Research Council to undertake a study of current research on the demand for drugs in order to help better focus national efforts to reduce that demand.

This study complements the 2003 book, Informing America's Policy on Illegal Drugs by giving more attention to the sources of demand and assessing the potential of demand-side interventions to make a substantial difference to the nation's drug problems. Understanding the Demand for Illegal Drugs therefore focuses tightly on demand models in the field of economics and evaluates the data needs for advancing this relatively undeveloped area of investigation.

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Human Rights and Duterte’s War on Drugs

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs has led to thousands of extrajudicial killings, raising human rights concerns, says expert John Gershman in this interview.

Interview by Michelle Xu , Interviewer John Gershman , Interviewee

December 16, 2016 3:56 pm (EST)

Since becoming president of the Philippines in June 2016, Rodrigo Duterte has launched a war on drugs that has resulted in the extrajudicial deaths of thousands of alleged drug dealers and users across the country. The Philippine president sees drug dealing and addiction as “major obstacles to the Philippines’ economic and social progress,” says John Gershman, an expert on Philippine politics. The drug war is a cornerstone of Duterte’s domestic policy and represents the extension of policies he’d implemented earlier in his political career as the mayor of the city of Davao. In December 2016, the United States withheld poverty aid to the Philippines after declaring concern over Duterte’s war on drugs.

How did the Philippines’ war on drugs start?  

When Rodrigo Duterte campaigned for president, he claimed that drug dealing and drug addiction were major obstacles to the Philippines’ economic and social progress. He promised a large-scale crackdown on dealers and addicts, similar to the crackdown that he engaged in when he was mayor of Davao, one of the Philippines’ largest cities on the southern island of Mindanao. When Duterte became president in June, he encouraged the public to “go ahead and kill” drug addicts. His rhetoric has been widely understood as an endorsement of extrajudicial killings, as it has created conditions for people to feel that it’s appropriate to kill drug users and dealers. What have followed seem to be vigilante attacks against alleged or suspected drug dealers and drug addicts. The police are engaged in large-scale sweeps. The Philippine National Police also revealed a list of high-level political officials and other influential people who were allegedly involved in the drug trade.

“When Rodrigo Duterte campaigned for president, he claimed that drug dealing and drug addiction were major obstacles to the Philippines’ economic and social progress.”

Philippines

Rodrigo Duterte

Drug Policy

The dominant drug in the Philippines is a variant of methamphetamine called shabu. According to a 2012 United Nations report , among all the countries in East Asia, the Philippines had the highest rate of methamphetamine abuse. Estimates showed that about 2.2 percent of Filipinos between the ages of sixteen and sixty-four were using methamphetamines, and that methamphetamines and marijuana were the primary drugs of choice. In 2015, the national drug enforcement agency reported that one fifth of the barangays, the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, had evidence of drug use, drug trafficking, or drug manufacturing; in Manila, the capital, 92 percent of the barangays had yielded such evidence.

How would you describe Duterte’s leadership as the mayor of Davao?

After the collapse of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship, there were high levels of crime in Davao and Duterte cracked down on crime associated with drugs and criminality more generally. There was early criticism of his time as mayor by Philippine and international human rights groups because of his de facto endorsement of extrajudicial killings, under the auspices of the “Davao Death Squad.”

Duterte was also successful at negotiating with the Philippine Communist Party. He was seen broadly as sympathetic to their concerns about poverty, inequality, and housing, and pursued a reasonably robust anti-poverty agenda while he was mayor. He was also interested in public health issues, launching the first legislation against public smoking in the Philippines, which he has claimed he will launch nationally.

What have been the outcomes of the drug war?

By early December , nearly 6,000 people had been killed: about 2,100 have died in police operations and the remainder in what are called “deaths under investigation,” which is shorthand for vigilante killings. There are also claims that half a million to seven hundred thousand people have surrendered themselves to the police. More than 40,000 people have been arrested.

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Although human rights organizations and political leaders have spoken out against the crackdown, Duterte has been relatively successful at not having the legislature engaged in any serious oversight of or investigation into this war. Philippine Senator Leila de Lima, former chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights and a former secretary of justice under the previous administration, had condemned the war on drugs and held hearings on human rights violations associated with these extrajudicial killings. However, in August, Duterte alleged that he had evidence of de Lima having an affair with her driver, who had been using drugs and collecting drug protection money when de Lima was the justice secretary. De Lima was later removed from her position chairing the investigative committee in a 16-4 vote by elected members of the Senate committee.

What is the public reaction to the drug war?

The war on drugs has received a high level of popular support from across the class spectrum in the Philippines. The most recent nationwide survey on presidential performance and trust ratings conducted from September 25 to October 1 by Pulse Asia Research showed that Duterte’s approval rating was around 86 percent. Even through some people are concerned about these deaths, they support him as a president for his position on other issues. For example, he has a relatively progressive economic agenda, with a focus on economic inequality.

Duterte is also supporting a range of anti-poverty programs and policies. The most recent World Bank quarterly report speaks positively about Duterte’s economic plans. The fact that he wants to work on issues of social inequality and economic inequality makes people not perceive the drug war as a war on the poor.

How is Duterte succeeding in carrying out this war on drugs?

The Philippine judicial system is very slow and perceived as corrupt, enabling Duterte to act proactively and address the issue of drugs in a non-constructive way with widespread violations of human rights. Moreover, in the face of a corrupt, elite-dominated political system and a slow, ineffective, and equally corrupt judicial system, people are willing to tolerate this politician who promised something and is now delivering.

“Drug dealers and drug addicts are a stigmatized group, and stigmatized groups always have difficulty gaining political support for the defense of their rights.”

There are no trials, so there is no evidence that the people being killed are in fact drug dealers or drug addicts. [This situation] shows the weakness of human rights institutions and discourse in the face of a popular and skilled populist leader. It is different from college students being arrested under the Marcos regime or activists being targeted under the first Aquino administration, when popular outcry was aroused. Drug dealers and drug addicts are a stigmatized group, and stigmatized groups always have difficulty gaining political support for the defense of their rights.

How has the United States reacted to the drug war and why is Duterte challenging U.S.-Philippines relations?

It’s never been a genuine partnership. It’s always been a relationship dominated by U.S. interests. Growing up in the 1960s, Duterte lived through a period when the United States firmly supported a regime that was even more brutal than this particular regime and was willing to not criticize that particular government. He noticed that the United States was willing to overlook human rights violations when these violations served their geopolitical interests. He was unhappy about the double standards. [Editor’s Note: The Obama administration has expressed concern over reports of extrajudicial killings and encouraged Manila to abide by its international human rights obligations.] For the first time, the United States is facing someone who is willing to challenge this historically imbalanced relationship. It is unclear what might happen to the relationship under the administration of Donald J. Trump, but initial indications are that it may not focus on human rights in the Philippines. President-Elect Trump has reportedly endorsed the Philippine president’s effort, allegedly saying that the country is going about the drug war "the right way," according to Duterte .

The interview has been edited and condensed.

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• Illegal Drugs Essays

Illegal Drugs Essays (Examples)

Filter by keywords:(add comma between each), example essays.

Illegal Drugs Workplace Why Bad Business

Illegal drugs workplace. hy bad business'. Illegal drugs in the workplace Illegal drug use can have a particularly damaging effect on a company when it is being performed by an employee. In addition to affecting their health and their families, drugs can also affect the companies individuals work in and for the industry as a whole. Drug use, abuse, or dependence can make people be less productive, spend less time at work, physically harm themselves or others, steal, and have a low self-esteem that can influence other colleagues. Health care is likely to increase in such situations and the company might face…...

mla Works cited: "ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE," retrieved April 21, 2013, from the New South Wales Government Website: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx "Drugs and the Workplace," Retrieved April 21, 2013, from the NCADD Website: http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/learn-about-drugs/workplace/242-drugs-and-the-workplace

Illegal Drugs as Wmds the

, 1995). Some of laws and restrictions imposed by USA between 1960 and 1997 are as follows: 1) "Drug Abuse Control Amendments-- referred to amphetamines, barbiturates and LSD as dangerous drugs and allowed for FDA to recommend to Department of Health Education and Welfare to control them and other drugs that may later be deemed a problem. (1965)" (History of Drug Laws and estrictions in the U.S., reference 4) 2) "Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Controlled Substance Act of 1970) 3) Drug Analogue and Anti-Drug Abuse Acts-- the Drug Analogue act was enacted to deal with "designer" drugs, allowing…...

mla References Harrison, Lana D., Michael Backenheimer and James a. Inciardi (1995), Cannabis use in the United States: Implications for policy. in: Peter Cohen & Arjan Sas (Eds) (1996), Centrum voor Drugsonderzoek, Universiteit van Amsterdam. pp. 237-247. Russell Fox and Ian Matthews, Drug policy: Fact, Fiction and the future, the Federation Press 1992

Illegal Drugs in U S Annotated Bibliography Annotate

Illegal Drugs in U.S. Annotated Bibliography Annotate Bibliography on Illegal Drug Laws and Issues in the U.S. Annotate Bibliography on Illegal Drug Laws and Issues in the U.S. This work will develop a concept that is associated with the history of illegal drugs in the United States and briefly touches on the issue of how the laws surrounding illegal drugs have changed in the United States over the years. The work will be comprised of a brief annotated bibliography which will explore through credible sources, books and journal articles the issue of illegal drugs and their evolution as the impetus for the so…...

Illegal Drugs and Why They Should Be

illegal drugs and why they should be legalized. It is not that Block and Steinbeck disagree about making drugs legal, but that they disagree about why that should be done. Block's argument is mostly economic in nature, while Steinbeck's argument is much more geared toward the reduction of overcrowding in prisons. She argues that much of the crime that is related to drugs is because those drugs are illegal and people are committing crimes to get them. If they were legal, she believes, much of the criminal activity that takes place in order to get them would go away.…...

Should Illegal Drugs Be Legalized

Drug Legalization LEGALIZATION OF ECEATIONAL DUG USE In 1920 the sale and consumption of alcohol was criminalized across the United States pursuant to the 18th Amendment. Consumer demand nevertheless presented a ripe opportunity for criminal usurpation of the illicit production and distribution of alcohol. Consequently, by the time Prohibition was subsequently repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933, the criminal enterprises that it had spawned were so firmly entrenched into the landscape of the American economy that most of them still retain considerable power even today (Dershowitz, 2002). Modern proponents of decriminalizing illicit drugs point to the complete failure of Prohibition to achieve its goals,…...

mla References Brecher, E.M. (1972) Licit and Illicit Drugs: The Consumers Union Report. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.

Collecting Illegal Drugs as Crime

When identifying, collecting, and preserving loose material that can leak and spill like marijuana, the substances should be properly sealed. Some examples of illegal drugs should be taken to the laboratory in a sealed package for examination ("Evidence Collection Guidelines," n.d.). Sealing: The other major issue in identifying, collecting, and preserving illegal drugs for evidence in criminal investigations is sealing. There is need for the evidence to be sealed properly to ensure that it has not been compromised, altered, or lost during preservation. In most cases, the individual packaging the evidence is required to initial and date across the seal as…...

mla References: "Evidence Collection Guidelines." Crime Scene Investigator Network. Retrieved May 18, 2012, from   http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/collect.html 

Substance Abuse Inside the Prison Wall's Controlling Illegal Drugs in Prison

Substance Abuse Inside the Prison alls: Controlling Illegal Drugs in Prison It is most often within the prison milieu that dependence and an addiction to drugs and other substances takes place. This is attributed to the various stress factors that an individual within the four walls of the prison is generally subjected to, and studies have shown that the risk of a person developing substance dependence, and an over representation of the number of people with a drug problem increases significantly within the prison. (Drug Prevention Outside and Inside Prison alls) In a report complied by CBC New Online Staff, on April…...

mla Works Cited Blanchfield, Mike; Bronskill, Jim. (October 13, 1998) "Prisoner Experiments Haunt Inmates" Retrieved From   http://www.aches-mc.org/prison.html 

Illegal Drug Use Implications

Drugs and Behavior What are drugs exactly and what are some ways drug users get away with illegal usage? Defining drugs use is a surprisingly difficult proposition. The definition as stated in the session II review is as follows: "any substance taken into the body that alters the function or structure of the body organs ... that changes body state or mental function." But this definition might not only apply to the substances that we would normally consider to be a "drug," but also to substances like chocolate. For example, chocolate has properties that have been shown to change body state and…...

mla References OHSINC. (N.d.). How to Beat a Drug Test. Retrieved from OHSINC:   http://www.ohsinc.com/info/how-to-cheat-a-drug-test/  The Economist. (2015, July 16). President Obama for the prisoners. Retrieved from The Economist:   http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2015/07/criminal-justice-reform 

Illegal Drug Use Among Military

The first method, therefore, of curtailing use relates to the development of tougher measures for soldiers once they have failed a drug test. Prevention programs should be given a higher priority than is currently the case. ith stronger prevention programs, and if commanding officers are more willing to put troops who have failed drug tests into those programs, more soldiers can see their drug use curtailed. The second method is related to the first -- prevention programs. If stress in its various forms is a major cause of illegal drug use among soldiers, then there needs to be more awareness of…...

mla Works Cited: Gilmore, G. (2011). DoD urinalysis test (drug test). About.com. Retrieved September 7, 2011 from   http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/l/bldrugtests2.htm  Jacobson, I.; Ryan, M.; Hooper, T.; Smith, T.; Amoroso, P.; Boyko, E.; Gackstetter, G.; Wells, T. & Bell, N. (2008). Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems before and after military combat deployment. Journal of the American Medical Association. Vol. 300 (6) 663-675.

Drug Legalization as the Country

"As a case in point we may take the known fact of the prevalence of reefer and dope addiction in Negro areas. This is essentially explained in terms of poverty, slum living, and broken families, yet it would be easy to show the lack of drug addiction among other ethnic groups where the same conditions apply." Inciardi 248() Socio-economic effects Legalizing drugs has been deemed to have many socio-economic effects. A study that was conducted by Jeffrey a. Miron, who was a Harvard economist estimated that by legalizing drugs, this would inject about $76.8 billion in to the U.S. every year. 44.1…...

mla References Blumenson, Eric, and Eva S. Nilsen. How to Construct an Underclass, or How the War on Drugs Became a War on Education. Massachusetts: Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts, 2002. Print. Campos, Isaac. "Degeneration and the Origins of Mexico's War on Drugs." Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos 26.2 (2010): 379-408. Print.

Drug Profile

Drug Profile Drug addiction is a human issue that cultivates biological, psychological, and social consequences, among others. The manifestation of addiction itself is characterized by physical dependence, and is defined by the uncontrollable, compulsive urge to seek and use drugs despite harmful repercussions (Fernandez, odriguez & Villa, 2011). Philologically, drug use affects the reward center, where dopamine receptors are over-stimulated. Ultimately, the repetition of drug use is encouraged to achieve the same, heightened, pleasure response (U.S. DHHS, 2007). Psychological responses to drug use may reflect motivations caused by positive pleasure, anxiety, or protection. The bodily effects of drugs often reflect the…...

mla References Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (CDMHAS). (n.d.). Drugs with addictive potential. Retrieved 08 March 2012 from:   http://www.ctclearinghouse.org/topics/customer-files/Drugs-with-Addictive-Potential-071105.pdf  Coon, D., & Mitterer, J. (2009). Psychology: A journey. (1st ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Drug Tests and Government Benefits Recently There

Drug Tests and Government Benefits Recently, there has been discussion regarding government benefits, such as unemployment. This discussion has focused on a new, potential requirement to receive benefits such as welfare: drug testing. People who are applying for benefits like welfare or unemployment would have to be tested for illegal drugs (Alcindor, 2012). If they were found to use drugs, they could be denied benefits. This would seen to make sense, because those who are out of work and needing government assistance should not be spending the money they do receive on illegal drugs or other nefarious activities. However, the American…...

mla Works Cited Adams, Brooke. (26 March 2012). Guv signs off on welfare recipient drug-screening program. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved from   http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/53795131-90/cash-continue-drug-guv.html.csp  Alcindor, Yamiche (29 February 2012). States consider drug testing welfare recipients. USA Today. Retrieved from   http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-02-17/welfare-food-stamps-drug-testing-laws/53306804/1 

Drug Law Reform Pro According to the

Drug Law Reform (Pro) According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the United States' policy on illegal drugs is threefold: stopping drug use before it starts, healing the country's drug users, and disrupting the market. The United States' war on drugs has been going on for at least the last three decades. Given the duration of this war, some have questioned the effectiveness of it, wondering if the money spent is really making a difference and bringing about results. Actually, the effects of this policy on illegal drugs have been mixed. According to a study conducted by the National…...

mla Bibliography InfoFacts Nationwide Trends. The National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2003.   http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/nationtrends.html . The Office of National Drug Control Policy. 2003.   http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/index.html .

Drug Crime Does Research Evidence Suggest That

Drug Crime Does research evidence suggest that current policies on drugs and crime are still appropriate? While "tough" policies designed to curb drug use and distribution are attractive politically, and look good on paper, research shows that such policies are no longer appropriate. Instead of responding to drug use as a public health problem, governments like that of the United States and the United Kingdom still regards criminalization as "the sine qua non-of responsible policy-making," (Downes and Morgan, 2007, p. 212). Unfortunately, the criminalization approach happens to also be irresponsible policy making based on emotion rather than fact. Governments with criminalization policies…...

mla References Downes, D. And Morgan, R. (1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007) in M. Maguire, M. Morgan and R. Reiner (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology. Oxford: Clarendon Press. South, N. (2007) 'Drugs, Alcohol and Crime' in M. Maguire, R. Morgan, and R. Reiner (eds) The Oxford Handbook of Criminology (4th edn). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Drug Legalization of Drugs Legalization

Economists are concerned with the impact that the sale of drugs has on both individual and economic freedoms and frame their argument from this perspective. Others argue that reliance on the criminal justice system has not produced significant results and that it is time to reframe the argument to focus on the education, prevention, and treatment of drugs. From the economic perspective, there are apparent differences between government prohibition and legalization of drugs. It has been estimated that total government expenditures devoted to the enforcement of drug laws is well in excess of $26 billion. These figures are also significant…...

mla References Millhorn, M., Monoghan, M., Montero, D., Reyes, M., Roman, T., Tollasken, R., & Walls, B. (2009). North Americans' attitudes toward illegal drugs. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(2), 125-141. Miron, J.A. (2001). The economics of drug prohibition and drug legalization. Social Research, 68(3), 835-855.

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Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects Essay

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Introduction

Works cited.

One of the consequences of using drugs is, eventually, an individual becoming addicted. Addiction refers to a neuropsychological disorder that involves persistently feeling an urge to engage in particular behaviors despite the significant harm or negative effects. The psychology that explains addiction covers many areas, such as an illness or personal problem, an effect of someone’s lifestyle, family history, or socioeconomic demographics. This paper aims to highlight what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences.

Using drugs once does not necessarily mean someone will never consume them again. In most cases, the drugs contain elements that can cause a person to become addicted. From a psychological perspective, it is important to understand how people enter into addiction. At the root of addictive behavior is a level of emotional stress deeply hidden within someone’s subconscious mind, and addressing it becomes a challenge. To relieve stress, pleasure is discovered in excess (Bechara 100). An example is when people choose to drink alcohol to ease their pain and ultimately find fun.

Stopping the behavior is a danger to someone’s mental state as they fear returning thoughts of the initial source of emotional stress. When a person is addicted, it suggests they lack healthy coping methods for the problem. The only mechanisms are distracting as well as unhealthy such as substance usage. Individuals dealing with addiction do not care about what matters since what is important to them is the desire to do something when that stress appears (Bechara 101). Some can stop their behaviors as their emotional stress does not manifest as among the addictive behaviors. Meanwhile, for others, their drug usage indicates an issue they may not have known and needs treatment. This leads to associative learning, which refers to learning to do something according to a novel stimulus.

Associative Learning

It is regarded as associative learning when an individual finds and takes drugs and ultimately gets high. The concept can be further explained using Ivan Pavlov’s experiment, where he rang a bell to call a dog and then rewarded it with food (Fouyssac and David 3015). A specific part of the brain controls associative learning, which it does via a neurotransmitter named dopamine. Dopamine is produced naturally by the brain when an individual does something rewarding or pleasurable.

The dopamine effect is a survival mechanism whereby eating or drinking feels good. It ensures continuity of life, family, and species in general. The element’s production is among the key drivers behind sex since, as much as the act is rewarding and pleasurable simultaneously, it is needed for survival (Fouyssac and David 3015). The main effect is that it creates a memory of the experience, which pushes people to seek the feeling again. People forget about the negative effects of drugs due to the moments of pleasure. As mentioned earlier, it is most likely that someone who uses the drug once will consume it again. The feeling established, regardless of how long, is enough to convince a person to forget everything they know concerning the negative effects and pursue a minute or two of a great time.

The paper has highlighted what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences. It has been established that, in most cases, individuals experience addiction due to the pursuit of stress relief. Using the logic of the dopamine effect, once someone experiences something pleasurable or rewarding to them, they are most likely to pursue that feeling again. Eventually, it becomes impossible to convince them against the drugs as their desire to end their problem is more than the need to remain healthy.

Bechara, Antoine, et al. “A Neurobehavioral Approach to Addiction: Implications for the Opioid Epidemic and the Psychology of Addiction.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 20, no. 2, 2019, p. 96–127.

Fouyssac, Maxime, and David Belin. “Beyond Drug‐Induced Alteration of Glutamate Homeostasis, Astrocytes May Contribute to Dopamine‐Dependent Intrastriatal Functional Shifts That Underlie the Development of Drug Addiction: A Working Hypothesis.” European Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 50, no. 6, 2019, p. 3014-3027.

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Illegal Drugs Essay

Show More What You Need To Know About Illegal Drug Use and Dependence, Youth Illegal drugs are chemicals and substances that are illegal to use, sell, and possess. Health care providers and pharmacies typically do not use or carry these types of drugs to treat medical problems because they can cause serious side effects, including death. Examples of illegal drugs include: • Cocaine or crack. • Heroin. • LSD or acid. • PCP • Ecstasy. • Methamphetamine. WHAT IS DRUG DEPENDENCE? Using illegal drugs often leads to dependence or addiction . When you use certain drugs multiple times, your brain chemistry changes and your brain can no longer function normally without that drug. This is called dependence. Drug dependence can cause you to: • Have …show more content… This is called addiction. People who are addicted tend to seek out the drug over and over so that they can get the feelings they want from it. Addiction and dependence can be difficult to overcome. HOW DOES ILLEGAL DRUG USE AND DEPENDENCE AFFECT ME? Using an illegal drug only once can have a major impact on your life. It is possible to die from drug side effects after using it just once. If you use an illegal drug repeatedly, you can become dependent or addicted. Drug dependence or addiction may: • Negatively affect your performance in sports, school, and hobbies. • Cause withdrawal if you stop using the drug. • Cause you to avoid or neglect relationships. • Cause your friends and family to mistrust you. • Lead to lying and crime, such as stealing to get money for drugs. If you become addicted to an illegal drug, you may need to take larger and larger doses of the drug to experience the feelings you want, which can lead to an overdose. A drug overdose is a dangerous situation that requires hospitalization, and often leads to death. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AVOIDING ILLEGAL DRUG USE? Avoiding illegal drug use …show more content… Find activities that you can do with friends instead of using illegal drugs. • Do not be afraid to say no if someone offers you an illegal drug. Speak up about why you do not want to use drugs. You can be a positive role model for your friends, and set a good example for those around you. • Get help if you or someone you know is using or addicted to an illegal drug. Talk with a trusted adult, such as a counselor, teacher, coach, or health care provider. WHERE CAN I GET SUPPORT? If you or someone you know has a problem with using illegal drugs, get help from a trusted adult such as a parent, school teacher or counselor, coach, or health care provider. Drug dependence is often associated with mental illness and may increase the risk of suicide. If you or someone you know is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? • National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens: http://www.teens.drugabuse.gov • Office of National Drug Control Policy’s “Above the Influence” campaign: http://www.abovetheinfluence.com WHEN SHOULD I SEEK MEDICAL

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Essay on Harmful Effects of Drugs

Students are often asked to write an essay on Harmful Effects of Drugs in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Drugs

Introduction.

Drugs are substances that can alter the way our body functions. While some are beneficial, many have harmful effects.

Physical Harm

Mental impact.

They can also affect our brain, causing memory loss, anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, even psychosis.

Social Consequences

Drug abuse can lead to broken relationships, poor performance in school, and legal troubles.

250 Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Drugs

Drugs, both legal and illegal, have been a part of human societies for centuries. While they can have medicinal and recreational benefits, the misuse and abuse of drugs can lead to harmful consequences, affecting the individual, their families, and society at large.

Physical Health Implications

The misuse of drugs can lead to a multitude of physical health problems. These range from short-term effects such as impaired judgment, nausea, and increased heart rate to long-term complications like liver damage, heart disease, and cancer. Intravenous drug use can also lead to infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.

Mental Health Consequences

Drugs can have a profound impact on mental health. They can induce psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Additionally, the dependency created by drug abuse can lead to a cycle of addiction, causing significant psychological distress.

Societal Impact

The societal impact of drug abuse is vast. It can lead to increased crime rates, as individuals may resort to illegal activities to fund their addiction. The cost of healthcare, law enforcement, and lost productivity due to drug abuse places a significant financial burden on society.

Understanding the harmful effects of drugs is crucial in promoting healthier choices. Education, prevention, and treatment programs are key to mitigating these effects and fostering a healthier society. The misuse of drugs is not just an individual problem; it is a societal issue that requires collective action.

500 Words Essay on Harmful Effects of Drugs

Physical health effects.

Drugs affect almost every organ in the human body. They interfere with the body’s ability to function normally and can lead to severe health complications. For instance, the use of opioids can lead to respiratory depression, while stimulants like cocaine can cause heart attacks. Long-term drug use can also lead to chronic diseases such as liver cirrhosis, lung cancer, and HIV/AIDS due to shared needles among drug users.

Psychological Health Effects

The mental health impact of drugs is equally devastating. Many drugs alter the brain’s structure and function, leading to changes in perception, mood, and behavior. They can lead to mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Furthermore, drug dependency can result in addiction, a chronic disease characterized by uncontrollable drug-seeking behavior despite harmful consequences.

Societal Impacts

Economic consequences.

In conclusion, the harmful effects of drugs are multifaceted, affecting individuals’ physical and mental health and rippling out to impact families, communities, and society at large. The economic toll is also substantial. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate these effects. The battle against drug abuse is not just a personal struggle; it is a societal challenge that requires a collective response.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Drugs — Drugs: Effects and Solutions Explored in Research

Drugs: Effects and Solutions Explored in Research

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Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 1959 | Pages: 4 | 10 min read

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Introduction, drugs in general, drugs and society, drug abuse solutions.

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Crime and Public Safety | While investigating fatal overdose, police raid…

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Crime and public safety | how will chevron’s move to texas affect the east bay, crime and public safety, crime and public safety | while investigating fatal overdose, police raid fremont home that was used as a ‘store’ for illegal drugs, two caught cooking marijuana edibles in the kitchen.

The July 10 raids resulted in the seizure of a quarter-pound of pills containing fentanyl, seven pounds of MDMA, 2.2 pounds of cocaine, roughly 2,400 Xanax pills, 150 grams of ketamine, and 1.7 pounds of cutting agent, as well as smaller quantities of methamphetamine, LSD, and various hallucinogens, police said in court papers.

The main target of the investigation was 33-year-old Hanibal Ocampo, who is a suspect in a fatal fentanyl overdose investigation in Concord, according to court records. No charges have been filed in the overdose case, but Ocampo has been charged in Alameda County with drug and gun possession, including a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Police say the residence and storage unit both belonged to Ocampo, and that the home contained a room that had been converted into an unofficial “store” for drugs, complete with a menu, stocked shelves, and pricing information, authorities said. Police also seized an undisclosed amount of cash from the home.

Ocampo’s girlfriend was on federal probation at the time of the raid, and the two men who were “cooking” marijuana in the kitchen attempted to flee over a backyard fence, police said.

One of the 11 guns, a shotgun, had been reported stolen, and another, a pistol, had been reported missing, police said. They also reportedly seized a silencer, and noted that one gun had been modified to meet the definition of an assault weapon, and did not contain a serial number, according to court records.

Authorities haven’t disclosed the name of the overdose victim.

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Illegal drugs are chemicals and substances that are illegal to use, sell, and possess. Health care providers and pharmacies typically do not use or carry these types of drugs to treat medical problems because they can cause serious side effects, including death. Examples of illegal drugs include: • Cocaine or crack. • Heroin.

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