Combating Drug Use in America

1107 Words5 Pages
The use of illegal drugs has plagued society for thousands of years. Illicit drugs use can be found all around the world. The War on Drugs is a term applied to a campaign on the prohibition of drugs of drug use, with the effort to reduced illegal drug trades. The current War on Drugs has affected our society physically and emotionally, and should end for the better of our society immediately. When the War on Drugs began, it was “The expectation that drug trafficking in the United States could be greatly reduced in a short amount of time through federal policing and yet the war on drugs continues to this day.” (Becker1) The war on drugs is an unwinnable war.

The War on Drugs was first implemented on July 14, 1969, when President Richard Nixon identified that major drug abuse in this country was a national threat to society. During this period, “President Nixon also called for a national anti-drug policy at the state and federal level.” (Brason1) In June of 1971: Public enemy number one. President Richard Nixon declared the war on drugs.”(Brason1) Nixon also created the Drug Enforcement Administration, which coordinated the efforts of other agencies. “Nixon called drug abuse public enemy number one in a 1971 speech. He later emphasized treatment at first, and used his administration's clout to push for the treatment of drug addicts, particularly heroin addicts.” (Head1) In 1982, “Just Say No”, became the nation’s slogan. “Drug use among children has become more of a national issue. Nancy Reagan toured elementary schools warning students about the danger of illegal drug use. (Head1) By portraying drugs as a threat to children, the administration was able to pursue more aggressive federal anti drug legislation. “When one fourth-gr...

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