Social Effects of Drug Abuse

Social effects of drug abuse include some obvious problems - such as gang and domestic violence - as well as hidden costs. Here are a few.

Drug Abuse and Violence

While some experts may argue that drug abuse doesn't necessarily cause violence, most agree that the two are certainly linked, probably because both the habit of abusing drugs and violence are part of delinquent behavior.

But abuse any drug long enough, and it will lead to mental problems such as paranoia that can certainly lead to violence. Plus, methamphetamine is a vicious drug that invariably leads to violent behavior.

Social Effects of Drug Abuse
and the Economy

To see an example of how drug abuse affects the economy, look no further than Mexico and its current drug cartel war. Organized crime has long been a threat to public health and safety in Mexico, so in 2006 when he first became president, Felipe Calderón launched Mexico’s drug war.

Since that time, more than 14,000 people have suffered drug related deaths and Ciudad Juarez has become Mexico's murder capital. The violence has discouraged tourism, and tourist towns have suffered economically.

Costs of Drug Abuse on Society

Drug abuse has other tremendous costs to society including the following:

Health Costs

Those who abuse drugs are more likely to wind up in the emergency room. Often they will be unemployed and not have health insurance, which means the hospitals must cover their losses by raising their costs - the costs you and I pay.

Criminal Costs

Those who abuse drugs also have a far higher risk of being arrested. If they can't afford an attorney, one is appointed to them at taxpayer cost. Tax money also pays for court costs.

Loss of Income

If a drug addict abuses long enough, his behavior becomes erratic, and he'll start missing work, causing him to eventually lose his job. Because his addiction becomes a priority, he'll squander his salary and savings drugs, meaning his family must rely on social welfare programs for food and shelter, another cost to society.

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