5 paragraph essay about war on drugs

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War On Drugs Essay

Table of contents

Introduction, war on drugs essay - essay 1 (200 words), war on drugs essay - essay 2 (300 words), war on drugs essay - essay 3 (400 words), war on drugs essay - essay 4 (500 words), war on drugs essay - essay 5 (600 words), ethical considerations:, societal consequences:, potential paths forward:, case studies and success stories:, conclusion and future outlook:.

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• Reconsideration of Drug Laws: Many states have begun to reevaluate and reform drug laws, moving towards decriminalization and a more humane approach to addiction. For instance, policies that favor treatment over incarceration for non-violent drug offenses are becoming more common. Additionally, legalizing marijuana in several states significantly shifts the national attitude toward narcotics regulation.
• Opioid Crisis: The opioid epidemic has exposed the complexities of addiction and the limitations of a punitive approach. It has prompted a more compassionate perspective, recognizing addiction as a medical rather than a criminal issue. Efforts to expand access to treatment and support those struggling with addiction have become central to the contemporary approach.
• Mass Incarceration and Racial Disparities: The legacy of the war on drugs continues to affect the criminal justice system, contributing to mass incarceration and glaring racial disparities. Activists and policymakers increasingly call for comprehensive criminal justice reform, acknowledging the systemic biases impacting marginalized communities.
• International Implications: The war on drugs has also had global ramifications, affecting U.S. foreign policy and relationships with countries involved in drug production and trafficking. Efforts to eradicate drug production have often led to violence and instability in regions like Latin America, leading to a reevaluation of international drug control strategies.
• Economic Considerations: The financial burden of the war on drugs continues to be a concern, with some arguing that resources would be better invested in education, healthcare, and social services. The debate over how to allocate funds reflects broader questions about societal priorities and the role of government in addressing complex social issues.
• Emphasizing Treatment and Prevention: There is a growing consensus that addiction should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal one. This includes expanding access to evidence-based treatment programs, investing in prevention and education, and supporting harm reduction strategies like needle exchange programs.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Reducing the penalties for non-violent drug offenses and focusing on rehabilitation over incarceration is part of a broader movement toward criminal justice reform. This includes addressing racial disparities in arrests and sentencing and considering restorative justice practices.
• Legalization and Regulation: Some argue for the legalization and regulation of certain drugs, such as marijuana, to reduce the power of criminal organizations and create a safer environment for users. The regulation allows for control over the quality and safety of substances and can generate tax revenue for public services.
• Addressing Underlying Causes: Recognizing that drug addiction is often linked to broader social and economic factors, there is a call for comprehensive social policies that address poverty, lack of education, mental health issues, and other underlying causes of addiction.
• Community-Based Approaches: Engaging communities in developing and implementing drug policies can foster a more tailored and effective approach. This involves working closely with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to develop strategies that reflect the specific needs and values of the community.
• Data-Driven Policies: Implementing evidence-based policies guided by scientific research and evaluation ensures that the strategies are effective and aligned with public health goals. Ongoing monitoring and assessment allow for the continuous improvement of policies and programs.
• Human Rights Considerations: Adopting a human rights framework that recognizes the dignity and autonomy of individuals can guide a more compassionate and fair approach. This includes considering the rights of users, families, and communities affected by drug policies.
• Public Engagement: Open dialogue and public engagement in drug policy formulation ensure that a diverse population's views and experiences are considered. This includes engaging with people who use narcotics, families, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
• Human Rights: The criminalization of drug use often leads to human rights abuses, such as disproportionate sentencing, denial of medical care, and infringement of personal freedoms.
• Racial and Social Inequality: The drug war has disproportionately affected minority communities, leading to racial bias and systematic discrimination accusations.
• Medical Perspective: Viewing addiction solely as a criminal rather than a health problem raises ethical questions about the appropriate treatment and compassion for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
• Mass Incarceration: The U.S. prison population has ballooned, with a significant percentage incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. This has social and economic implications, including family disruption, community destabilization, and financial strain on the penal system.
• Impact on Communities: Particularly in marginalized communities, the drug war has contributed to cycles of poverty, violence, and lack of opportunity.
• Public Health Concerns: The focus on criminalization over treatment has hindered public health efforts to manage addiction, leading to increased overdose deaths and spread of diseases like HIV through shared injection equipment.
• Holistic Approach: Adopting a multifaceted approach that combines law enforcement with public health, education, social support, and community engagement can create a more balanced and humane strategy.
• Legalization and Decriminalization: Considering the decriminalization or even legalization of certain drugs may reduce the power of criminal organizations and allow for more focused public health interventions.
• Investing in Communities: Redirecting resources from punitive measures to community development, education, and healthcare can address underlying causes of drug addiction and create healthier communities.
• International Collaboration: A more compassionate and cooperative international policy can promote global stability and reduce the harms associated with drug production and trafficking.
• Portugal's Drug Decriminalization: Portugal's decriminalization of all drugs in 2001 and focus on treatment over punishment provides a compelling example of an alternative approach.
• Local Community Programs: Grassroots initiatives that emphasize community engagement, harm reduction, and support for individuals with substance use disorders offer promising models for change.
• Policy Reforms in the U.S. States: Several U.S. states have already begun to enact reforms, such as marijuana legalization and sentencing changes, demonstrating potential paths forward within the American context.
• Embracing Complexity: Recognizing the complexity of the drug issue requires a nuanced approach that transcends simple punitive measures.
• Ethical Leadership: The ethical implications of the war on drugs call for responsible leadership considering the humanity and dignity of all affected individuals.
• Public Engagement: Continued public dialogue and democratic engagement are vital for crafting policies that reflect a diverse society's values, needs, and aspirations.

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The War on Drugs, Essay Example

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The “Drug War” should be waged even more vigorously and is a valid policy; government should tell adults what they can or cannot ingest. This paper argues for the position that the United States government should ramp up its efforts to fight the war on drugs.  Drug trafficking adversely affects the nation’s economy, and increases crime.  The increase in crime necessitates a need for more boots on the ground in preventing illegal drugs from entering this country.  Both police and border patrol agents are on the frontline on the battle against the war on drugs.  The war on drugs is a valid policy because it is the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens.  Citizens who are addicted to drugs are less likely to contribute to society in an economic manner, and many end up on government assistance programs and engage in crimes.

Introduction

This paper argues that The War on Drugs is a valid policy, and that government has a right, perhaps even a duty to protect citizens from hurting themselves and others.  Fighting drug use is an integral part of the criminal justice system.  Special taskforces have been created to combat the influx of illegal drugs into the United States. The cost of paying police and border control agents is just the beginning of the equation.  Obviously, the detriment to the US economy is tremendous.  But the emotional stress on the friends and family of the drug user represent the human cost of illegal drugs.  Families are literally torn apart by this phenomen.

(1). The cost of police resources to fight the drug war is exorbitant, but necessary .  In order for a war against drugs to be successful, federal, local and state authorities must make sure that there a plenty of drug enforcement officers to make the appropriate arrests.  This means that drug enforcement officers must be provided with the latest equipment, including technology to detect illegal drugs (Benson).  The cost of providing all the necessary equipment to border patrol agents and the policemen and policemen on the frontlines is well justified.  It is necessary to have a budget that will ensure that drug enforcers have everything they need to combat illegal drugs at their disposal.

(2). The government has the responsibility to protect its citizens.   If a substance is illegal, it should be hunted down by law enforcement authorities and destroyed.  The drug user is a victim of society who needs help turning his or her life around.  Without a proper drug policy in effect, the drug user will continue to purchase drugs without the fear of criminal punishment.  That is why the drug war is appropriate.  The government has a right to tell citizens what it cannot ingest, particularly substances that when ingested can cause severe harm to the individual.  This harm may take on the form of addiction.  Once a person is addicted to drugs, the government has treatment programs to help him or her get off drugs.  The economic cost of preventing illegal drugs from getting into the wrong hands, and the cost of drug treatment is worth the financial resources expended because people who are not addicted to drugs are more involved in society and in life in general (Belenko).

(3). Anti-drug policies tend to make citizens act responsibly .  Adult drug users must understand that what they are doing is negatively impacting society.  Purchasing illegal drugs drains the nation’s economy.  These users have probably been in and out of drug rehabilitation programs many times with little to no success.  These drug programs are run by either the federal, state, or local governments (Lynch).   Each failed incident of a patient going back to the world of drugs costs the taxpayers money.  Once the drug user is totally rehabbed, he or she will realize the drag that he or she has been on society.  Therefore, the drug treatment centers are a way to teach adults how to be more responsible.

(4). Drug regulation in the United States has an effect on the international community.  America’s image to the rest of the world is at stake.  If America cannot control its borders, rogue leaders of other countries will think that America is soft on drugs.  This in turn makes America’s leaders look weak (Daemmrich).  Border patrol agents on the United States-Mexican border represent the best that America has to offer in preventing illegal drugs from entering the United States.  It is imperative that part of the drug policy of the United States provides enough financial resources for the agents to do their job.  The international community must see a strong front from the United States against illegal drugs.  Anything less is a sign of weakness in the eyes of international leaders, including our allies.

(5). Women are disproportionately affected by illegal drug use and therefore neglect their children.   As emotional beings, women have to contend with many issues that evade men (Gaskins).  The woman’s primary responsibility is to her children.  If a woman is a drug user, her children will be neglected.  Most of the children end up becoming wards of the state.  Having to cloth and feed children places a major burden on organizations that take these children of addicts in.  A drug addict cannot take care of herself, and she certainly cannot take care of her children.  Both the woman and her children will become dependent on the government for food and shelter.  This person is not a productive member of society.  Increased prison sentences may seem harsh for women with children, but these sentences may serve as deterrence from using drugs.

(6 ). If students know that the criminal penalty is severe, it may serve as a deterrent to drug related crimes.   Educating students, while they are still in school about the harmful effects and consequences of using drugs is imperative in fighting the drug war.  However, many students may tune out the normal talk about how drugs affect them physically.  The key to effectively making the point to students that illegal drug use is wrong is to present them with the consequences of having a felony drug conviction on their record (Reynolds). In fact, having a criminal record is bad enough without the felony drug conviction.  Students should know that such a record can prevent them from obtaining employment in the future.  It should be stressed that many companies will not hire anyone with a criminal record, especially if the conviction was related to illegal drugs.  The threat of extensive incarceration should also deter students from using illegal drugs or participating in drug related activities.

(7). Parents who use drugs in front of their children are bad influences and contribute to the delinquency of the minor.    Children are extremely impressionable, and starting to use drugs at a young age can be devastating to their future.  The government fights the drug war to protect law abiding citizens, and to punish criminals.  People who use illicit drugs are criminals, and parents who influence their children by introducing and approving of their drug use need to suffer severe penalties under the law (Lynch).  It is more than likely that the parents that use drugs have been incarcerated at one time or the other.  This incarceration may be drug related.  Children see their parents go in and out of jail, so that becomes their “normal.” Thus you have generational incarcerations which are an expense to prison sector and taxpayers.  The government is right in ramping up the penalties on drug use in front of children.

(8). People who use drugs are likely to drive under the influence which has all sorts of possible negative outcomes. There are so many consequences resulting from illegal drug use that they are too numerous to list.  One of the “unspoken” consequences is driving under the influence.  The entire population has made a concerted effort to curtail drinking and driving, and the deaths from alcohol related traffic accidents gave gone down significantly since strict laws have been put in place.  The government needs to find a way to crack down on drivers who are under the influence of illegal drugs (Belenko).  Drivers must be clear headed and focused to driver responsibly.  The government should get harsher, and find a way to test (as in the breathalyzer for alcohol) for marijuana.  The government has been successful in keeping the number of drunken drivers down.  However, many drivers are still legally able to pass a breathalyzer test if they are smoking marijuana, or using other drugs.  Accidents can still happen regardless of what drug the driver is under the influence of.  The government must find a way to crack down on these drivers who think that they are beating the system.

If the United States wants to get serious on the war on drugs, it should wage the war more vigorously.  Although the war on drugs is a valid policy, it needs to receive more attention and financial resources from the Federal government.  Preventing illegal drugs from crossing our borders is costly, but highly effective if there are plenty of border patrol agents on the United States-Mexican border.  This is the main avenue by which illegal drugs make it into the United States.  The argument that the government has the right to tell citizens what they can ingest is correct.  This is because it is the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens.  Keeping people off of drugs makes for productive citizens who contribute to building a drug free society.

Works Cited

Belenko, Steven R., ed. Drugs and Drug Policy in America: A Documentary History. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2000. Questia. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

Benson, Bruce L., Ian Sebastian Leburn, and David W. Rasmussen. “The Impact of Drug Enforcement on Crime: An Investigation of the Opportunity Cost of Police Resources.” Journal of Drug Issues 31.4 (2001): 989+. Questia. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

Daemmrich, Arthur A. Pharmacopolitics: Drug Regulation in the United States and Germany. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina, 2004. Questia. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

Gaskins, Shimica. “”Women of Circumstance”-The Effects of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing on Women Minimally Involved in Drug Crimes.” American Criminal Law Review 41.4 (2004): 1533+. Questia. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

Lynch, Timothy, ed. After Prohibition: An Adult Approach to Drug Policies in the 21st Century. Washington, DC: Cato Institute, 2000. Questia. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

Reynolds, Marylee. “Educating Students about the War on Drugs: Criminal and Civil Consequences of a Felony Drug Conviction.” Women’s Studies Quarterly 32.3/4 (2004): 246+. Questia. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

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Paragraph on Drugs

Students are often asked to write a paragraph on Drugs in their schools. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 200-word, and 250-word paragraphs on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

Paragraph on Drugs in 100 Words

Drugs are substances that can make people feel different when they take them. Some drugs, like medicine from the doctor, can make us feel better when we’re sick. But, other drugs, like cigarettes or alcohol, can harm our bodies. These bad drugs are not safe, they can make us feel sick, or even hurt our bodies very badly. It’s important to only use drugs that a doctor gives you, and never try the bad drugs. Always remember, our bodies are special, and we need to keep them safe and healthy.

Paragraph on Drugs in 200 Words

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Paragraph on Drugs in 250 Words

Drugs are substances that change how your body works. Some drugs, like medicine, can help you. Doctors prescribe these to fight illness or pain. They are safe if you use them the right way. Then, there are illegal drugs, like cocaine or heroin. People misuse these because they can give feelings of happiness or excitement. But, these drugs can be very harmful and even deadly. They can hurt your body and make it hard to think clearly. They can also make you addicted, meaning you can’t stop using them even if you want to. People who are addicted to drugs might steal or lie to get more. This can ruin friendships and families. Even drugs that are legal, like alcohol and cigarettes, can hurt you if you use them too much. They can give you diseases like cancer and can also make you addicted. Some people use drugs to try to escape their problems. But drugs can’t solve problems; they only hide them for a little while. In the end, drugs often create more problems than they solve. It’s better to face problems in healthy ways, like talking to someone you trust or finding a hobby you love. Remember, you have the power to say no to drugs. Keep your body healthy and your mind clear.

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Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — War on Drugs — Ending The War On Drugs In America

Ending The War on Drugs in America

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Published: Dec 16, 2021

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Literature Review: The War on Drugs Essay

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Introduction

Methodology, reference list.

The war on illicit substances is a global initiative intended to eliminate the burdens associated with drug supply, sale, possession, and use. It is vital to note that castigatory policies are informed by the deontological idea that the use of certain drugs is morally reprehensible and perpetrators must be punished (Holland, 2020). The aforementioned policies are further guided by the belief that the substances in question have the potential to cause harm to users.

However, the misguided notion that anything with the potential to cause harm is immoral has led to the limited effectiveness of punitive policies with regard to the reduction of the negative impacts of drug use. This literature review will demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the UK’s current war on drugs and propose mechanisms through which outcomes can be improved. The UK’s insistence on implementing punitive rather than liberal drug policies is the main reason the war on drugs has negatively impacted the lives of its residents.

The identification of credible sources that highlight relevant issues with regard to the war on drugs in the UK was the primary objective. A total of twelve sources from specific databases such as the House of Commons Library, the AlJazeera News Network, Google Scholar, and the Directory of Open Access Journals were identified. A specific set of criteria was then used to select articles relevant to the literature review. The articles had to be at least five years old in addition to having been published by reputable organizations. They also had to focus on specific drug-related issues. These included relevant statistical data, the need for policy reform, potential solutions, and the benefits of implementing change. A total of seven articles were analyzed and a synthesis of the collected data is presented in the findings below.

The Need for Reform

The current drug policies applied across the world are failing in view of the fact that the consumption of drugs is on the rise. The Open Society Foundations (2021) elaborates how the illegal drug market has evolved into a breeding ground for corruption, conflict, and violence. The implementation of ill-conceived drug policies and the incarceration of individuals who use illicit substances have worsened health crises and led to the social marginalization of low-level actors (Open Society Foundations, 2021). The current efforts to eliminate illicit substances are geared towards the destruction of supply chains that allow the entry of drugs into the UK. It is vital to note that the UK’s approach to the drug menace has not only failed but created a new set of problems.

The use of drugs in the United Kingdom has affected numerous communities and led to the loss of lives. According to the Office for National Statistics (2020), in 2020, it is estimated that 1 in 11 adults between 16 and 59 years of age in England and Wales consumed drugs which represents an 8.6% increase compared to the year 2019. In addition, 3.4% of all adults aged between 16 and 59 years in the same countries took a class A drug in 2020 which is similar to the rates reported in the previous year (Office for National Statistics, 2020). The Office of National Statistics (2020) highlights the fact that cannabis remained the most popular drug among adults followed by powder cocaine and nitrous oxide. The findings suggest that overall drug consumption has remained fairly stable, with the highest rates reported among the youth.

One of the challenges of the efforts to eliminate illicit substances is the increase in violence. According to Open Society Foundations (2021), sixteen years after Mexico’s former president declared that he will oversee the eradication of drug trafficking rings through the use of arms approximately 300,000 people have lost their lives. It is vital to note that health epidemics have arisen as a result of the war on drugs. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 70,000 people died in 2019 due to drug overdoses (Open Society Foundations, 2021). In addition, the use of injectable drugs has increased the spread of diseases such as HIV and chronic hepatitis. The aggressive nature of anti-drug law implementation forces drug users into hiding meaning they have no access to the treatment they desperately need.

The illicit drug problem has significantly impacted the UK’s economy. According to HM Government (2017), the estimated economic and social cost of the supply of drugs in Wales and England is 10.7 billion pounds annually. Stauber (2021) notes that the high drug-related mortality rate in the UK is a result of prohibition. The strict laws are inextricably linked to the high death rate among drug users. The adoption of a more liberal drug policy is likely to reduce drug-related fatalities in the UK.

The criminalization of drug possession is associated with serious psychological and physical adverse effects. According to Holland (2020), interactions with the criminal justice system lead to the exacerbation of various social and health inequalities especially when individuals are subjected to prosecution. The UK’s approach to addressing the drug problem has specific objectives. According to Barber, Harker, and Pratt (2017), the first is to prevent people, especially the youth, from getting addicted to drugs. Barber, Harker, and Pratt (2017) further note that the government is determined to offer individuals with substance abuse problems the best possible chance of recovery while leading action on an international scale. It is vital to note that the aforementioned objectives have not effectively eliminated the effects of drug and substance abuse in the UK.

Proposed Solutions

Decriminalization is perhaps the most widely suggested proposal to help effectively address the drug problem. According to Open Society Foundations (2021), the UK government should implement a legal policy where drugs are still considered illegal but individuals found engaging in the prohibited behavior are charged with administrative offenses or misdemeanors. Madden, Tanguay, and Chang (2021) illustrate the idea that drug users are invaluable resources and meaningful engagement will facilitate the creation of effective solutions. Including drug users in the policy-making process will facilitate the assessment of contextual factors that have made the war on drugs largely unsuccessful.

Regulation is an important tool that can be used to improve outcomes in the fight against illicit substances. Madden, Tanguay, and Chang (2021) propose that nations such as the UK should implement a model where the purchase and supply of drugs are allowed and legalized under specific conditions. Some proposals include the use of medical prescriptions, governmental monopoly over the access and supply of the substances, and the licensing of private operators who must adhere to stringent rules. According to Madden, Tanguay, and Chang, (2021), the implementation of threshold amounts for all drugs will facilitate the differentiation of genuine users from dealers and will guide the implementation of legal statutes designed to dissuade drug use. It is vital to note that taking a non-punitive policy approach to the drug problem is likely to yield better results than the current tactics employed in the UK.

Potential Benefits

The UK could benefit immensely from the implementation of reforms in its attempt to eliminate substance abuse. Nations that have taken a less restrictive approach to the drug menace have experienced unprecedented success. For instance, Open Society Foundations (2021) notes that since decriminalizing the possession of drugs in 2001, Portugal’s drug use levels have remained lower than the EU average. It should be noted that the number of people sent to prison in Portugal due to drug-related offenses dropped by 44% after the implementation of the revised drug policies (Open Society Foundations, 2021). Portugal’s success is proof that punitive drug policies increase incidences of violence instead of making the population safe.

The fight against illicit drugs is a complex and multifaceted endeavor. The UK’s approach has undoubtedly yielded little success given that the number of people using illegal substances is on the rise. In addition, the challenges associated with the implementation of punitive policies have led to significant health, social and economic problems. The UK should adopt a liberal approach to the drug problem by focusing on decriminalization and regulation.

It is vital to note that there is insufficient evidence demonstrating the benefits of regulation with regard to illicit substances. Further studies need to be conducted on the benefits of implementing a non-punitive legal policy with regard to drugs in the UK. It is essential to gather objective data that will aid enforcement agencies to implement evidence-based policies designed to effectively address the drug menace. The UK needs to reform its drug policies to save the lives of those affected by drugs.

Barber, S., Harker, R. and Pratt, A. (2017) Human and financial costs of drug addiction, House of Commons Library . Web.

HM Government (2017) 2017 Drug strategy . Web.

Holland, A. (2020) ‘An ethical analysis of UK drug policy as an example of a criminal justice approach to drugs : a commentary on the short film putting UK drug policy into focus’, Harm Reduction Journal , 17(97), pp. 1–9. Web.

Madden, A., Tanguay, P. and Chang, J. (2021) Drug decriminalisation: progress or political red herring? International network of people who use drugs . Web.

Office for National Statistics (2020) Drug misuse in England and Wales . Web.

Open Society Foundations (2021) Why we need drug policy reform . Web.

Stauber, P. (2021) ‘ These people are broken’: Why the UK’s war on drugs has failed . Al Jazeera. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2022, August 11). Literature Review: The War on Drugs. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-the-war-on-drugs/

"Literature Review: The War on Drugs." IvyPanda , 11 Aug. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-the-war-on-drugs/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Literature Review: The War on Drugs'. 11 August.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Literature Review: The War on Drugs." August 11, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-the-war-on-drugs/.

1. IvyPanda . "Literature Review: The War on Drugs." August 11, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-the-war-on-drugs/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Literature Review: The War on Drugs." August 11, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-review-the-war-on-drugs/.