Drugs and the effect it has on people in the U.S. And how it plays out in the media - Essay Example

Drugs and their Effects Drug is a word having no precise definition. Biologically, drug means a substance that alters the normal body function. Since the development of narcotics and relaxants, drugs have been used illegally and unethically. There are various types of drugs available today and the numbers are high enough to cause the matter to be brought under consideration, universally. Number of drug addicts, in every country, including America, is such high, as to cause a trouble to the society.

Despite the existence of great many organizations and institutions, working for the check of drugs and their illegal use, there are many people who are either associated with the business of illegal drug trading, or are directly indulged in the bad habit of taking drugs. There have been many attempts to check the illegal trading and use of drugs, but the problem still persists due to some complex reasons. In today’s modern societies like that of America, people are facing various social and psychological problems.

In such situation there is a higher risk of depressed people, getting involved in such devastating habits. According to the government’s “2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health”, over 22 million people, in America (about 9% of the total American population) is addicted to drugs. (Cooper) And the most bothering aspect of the issue is that the numbers are increasing day by day. With an exception of last one or two years (drug abuse Rate for 2010 was slightly higher than that of 2009 and a percentage point one higher than that of 2008) there has been a noticeable increase in the number of drug addicts in America.

With the increase in this number, more part of society is being disabled and paralyzed. This has caused lot damage to economy and society. According to some old surveys, “in 1999, Americans spent $63.2 billion on illicit drugs: $37 billion on cocaine, $12 billion on heroin, $10.2 billion on marijuana, and $4 billion on other drugs.” (“Who are American’s drug users?”) The amount of such data in statics of drug users is rising continuously. The most harassing aspect of the issue is that the increasing numbers of drug addicts not only cause economical loss to U. S., but also causes social problems in the community.

Today, more and more part of the community is being completely paralyzed by the promotion of drugs and their abuse. With the increase in number of drug addicts, there is a need of more funds and budget, that can be spend on controlling drug abuse. The American government has to concentrate on this issue, more than ever. The community is facing lot more problems due to this problem. Media plays a very important role in this era. Today, we see media influencing our lives to a great extent. It has the capability to change our moods and preferences.

Therefore, its role in any aspect cannot be overlooked. Media has influential role in this issue. Many surveys have shown that some glamorous shows, rap songs and music promote drug abuse. But, it is good to know that a recent study conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America shows that the number of teens that consider rap music and songs, making drugs seem OK, have decreased from past few years. Many ads and promotions on various television channels, have now started demoting drug abuse, but the teens still get bad impressions from TV channels and shows and are getting mixed messages about illegal substances.

Many anti-drug advocates demand the administrators to put a check on such shows and promotions. What ever the condition may be, it is a fact that this issue is the cause of trouble in the society. This very issue has been causing unsolvable problems for last few centuries. Although there have been many attempts to solve the problem, yet the issue remains unsolved. And still, we need more efforts to get this solved.Works Cited Who are American’s Drug Users?. Pbs.org. n. p. n. d. Web. November 29, 2011 Pozniak, Alexa.

Media Portal of drugs. Abc News. February 25, 2011. Web. November 29, 2011 Cooper, Aaron. Study: 22 Million Americans use illegal drugs. CNN Health. September 8, 2011. Web. November 29, 2011