Drug Abuse: Drug Abuse – a Threat to Society

by Kanaka Menehune

Drug abuse is the type of problem that affects more that the person who is abusing the drug. It is a far-reaching issue that has stretched out to families around the country. There are many different threats in states like Colorado caused it. Between the years of 1996 and 2000 Denver police offers made twice the national average of arrests due to drug abuse. This is a problem that cannot be ignored.

People in this category find themselves addicted to either illicit drugs or prescription medications. There are drugs in both categories that are highly addictive. Drug use is chronic or done on a regular basis which leads to the addiction. Side effects can cause lasting damage to the body of the abuser.

Our society suffers as many as 527,000 visits each year because of drug abuse. Families and businesses in Colorado have been destroyed because of the abuse of drugs. This is one of the reasons that drug testing has become so critical in the hiring process. Understanding the threats of drugs is very important, in providing users with practical deterrents.

Causing physical harm to others

Alcohol is one of the most common drugs abused in the entire state of Colorado. It is the drug of choice for most teens that are addicted. Drunk drivers are responsible for the physical harm and death of thousands every year. The threat that these drivers provide affects everyone that is on the road with them.

Damage to business reputation

Businesses that hire people who suffer from drug abuse often feel the effects. They, in some case, experience damaged reputations as a result of these employees. In other cases, the damage may cause a reduction in profits for the business. Construction workers and food service workers are some of the top fields of drug abusers in the workplace.

Health concerns burden society

Drug abuse is responsible for many of the health concerns that users experience. The Rocky Mountain Poison and Control Center, in Colorado, reports that cocaine is a serious problem in the state. It is responsible for the most emergency room visits, drug-related discharges, and mortality rates per 100,000 of the population. Medication costs for drug users tend to be 2 times that of a normal person. Drug abuse continues to make The War on Drugs relevant in this state. The ages of drug users is getting younger and younger. The average age that most users begin is 12.

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