FREE ESSAY ON THE WAR ON DRUGS

THE WAR ON DRUGS

War On Drugs
In today's society, the war on drugs has become a major issue in our cities and the
business community. Many cities have started programs to make the situation better, but
some have failed and the situation has become worse. The root of all the problems
discussed in this case study, can be linked to drugs. There are many organizations and
volunteer community groups as well as law enforcement, that are continuously trying to
make our cities safe. This struggle is know globally as the "War on Drugs". 
Drugs and Children
The war on drugs is a very big part of our society. We face difficult decisions everyday
dealing with drugs and how they affect our cities. Our children play a big role in that
society, and they are a major factor on the war against drugs. We try to keep children
away from the drug situation, but you cannot isolate them forever. Children will have to
face the issue as they get older, or even while they are young. We must teach our
children about the issues on drugs and make sure they are aware of the dealings that go
on. Most children cannot speak to their parents about drugs, and those are the children
who are usually doing drugs. If children cannot be open with their parents, they will
find some other means of dealing with drug issues.
History
Nearly thirty years ago, the Nixon administration was the first administration to declare
the "war" on drugs. President Nixon is credited with setting up the first methadone
centers and abstinence programs cross the country. At the time these programs received
two-thirds of the federal drug budget and the results were: crime rates fell and fewer
people died of overdose. The "Just Say No" movement (led by first lady Nancy Reagan) was
coupled with rigorous law enforcement and produced solid results. By 1992, for example,
marijuana use by high school students had dropped significantly
(http://ehostvgw15.epnet.com).
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention
and Control Act of 1970, is the legal foundation of the government's fight against the
abuse of drugs and other substances. This law is a consolidation of numerous laws
regulating the manufacture and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants,
hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of
controlled substances. (http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/briefingbook/page9.htm) 
Drug Enforcement Agency
The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the controlled
substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil
justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those
organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing,
manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for
illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement
programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the
domestic and international markets. (http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/briefingbook/page2.htm). 
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was formed as a specialized branch of the
justice department in 1973. This specialized bureau is on the front lines of the "War on
Drugs" every day. The DEA is not only concerned with assisting local law enforcement, but
a global policing as well. 
Drugs in the Workplace
Many chambers of commerce throughout the nation have put Drug-Free Workplace programs
into effect. The drug-free workplace program addresses not only issues in the business
community, but the society as well. Statistics show that 70 percent of illegal drug users
are employed, and 44 percent of drug users sell drugs to co-workers
(http://ehostvgw6.epnet.com). The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that drug use in the
workplace costs employers $75 billion to $100 billion annually in lost time. Sixty-five
percent of all accidents on the job are directly related to drugs. Substance abusers are
absent three times more often and use 16 times as many health care benefits as
non-abusers (http://ehastvgw6.epnet.com). 
Many companies are aware of the drug problems within the office and are taking action to
fix the situation. There are companies that have drug-screening test to employees to make
sure that they are not using drug substances. The company must have a suspicion of that
employee of using the drugs before giving the drug test. In the American Management
Association survey, 92 percent of testing companies use urine samples, 15 percent use
blood samples, and 2 percent use hair samples (http://ehastvgw6.epnet.com). Many
employers will try to help their employees who are having a problem with drug addiction.
Some will try to get the family involved and may use a rehabilitation group. Some will
terminate the employee. There is no easy way to solve the problem of drugs in the
workplace, but taking action requires determination, willingness, time, and being able to
support the person with the funds needed.